Abita Root Beer Recipe

Preparation

1. 1

   Prepare the Base

   In a large pot, combine the water, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugars are completely dissolved.

2. 2

   Add Flavoring Ingredients

   Once the sugars are dissolved, add the sassafras root bark, sarsaparilla root, vanilla extract, anise seed, cinnamon stick, cloves, and citric acid to the pot. Stir to combine.

3. 3

   Simmer the Mixture

   Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the liquid.

4. 4

   Strain the Mixture

   After simmering, remove the pot from heat and strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another pot or bowl, discarding the solid ingredients.

5. 5

   Add Yeast

   Let the strained liquid cool until it reaches room temperature. Once cooled, sprinkle the yeast over the top and stir gently to combine.

6. 6

   Fermentation

   Cover the pot with a clean cloth and let it sit at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours to allow fermentation to occur. You should see bubbles forming.

7. 7

   Bottling

   After fermentation, carefully pour the root beer into clean bottles, leaving about an inch of headspace. Seal the bottles tightly.

8. 8

   Carbonation

   Let the sealed bottles sit at room temperature for another 3 to 5 days for carbonation to develop. After that, refrigerate the bottles.

9. 9

   Serve

   Chill the bottles in the refrigerator and serve cold. Enjoy your homemade Abita Root Beer!