House Brewed Root Beer Recipe

Preparation

1. 1

   Prepare the Root Beer Base

   In a medium saucepan, combine the sarsaparilla root, sassafras root, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and let it steep for about 20 minutes.

2. 2

   Sweeten the Mixture

   After 20 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat. Strain the liquid to remove the roots, then return the liquid to the saucepan. Stir in the natural cane sugar and vanilla extract until fully dissolved.

3. 3

   Optional Yeast Addition for Carbonation

   If you desire a naturally carbonated root beer, allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then sprinkle the yeast over the surface. Stir gently to combine.

4. 4

   Bottling

   Using a funnel, pour the root beer mixture into clean bottles, leaving about an inch of headspace. Seal the bottles tightly.

5. 5

   Fermentation

   Let the bottles sit at room temperature for 2-3 days to carbonate. Check the pressure by gently squeezing the bottles. Once they feel firm, refrigerate them to slow fermentation.

6. 6

   Serve

   Chill the root beer in the refrigerator, then serve cold in glasses over ice. Enjoy your homemade house-brewed root beer!