| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 120 | 0g | 0g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 25g | 2g | 0g | 0.01g |
There’s something indescribably soul-soothing about engaging in age-old culinary arts, steeped in tradition, that echo through the generations. Even more so when these arts touch upon the world of fizzy, refreshing beverages. The Traditional Root Beer Recipe I’m about to walk you through is more than just a simple guide to creating a thirst-quenching drink, it’s a journey to reclaim the wholesome authenticity of time-tested delicacies.
A Tradition Rooted In Antiquity
Growing up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, surrounded by all the grandeur nature has to offer, inspires an appreciation for things in their most organic and unadulterated form. This Traditional Root Beer Recipe is in essence a reflection of my upbringing. It’s a reminiscence of simplicity, authenticity, and the raw beauty life has to offer.
Not to be confused with commercialized cola, this classic root beer recipe is a homage to its traditional medicinal roots. The addition of sassafras root bark, reputed for its therapeutic properties, and sarsaparilla root, known to aid in detoxification, livens the concoction with earthy undertones, lending it a healing twist one might not initially associate with such a delightful drink.
More Than Just A Drink
One sip of this traditional root beer recipe will take you on a flavor journey beyond the ordinary. The infusion of wintergreen leaf brings an element of freshness to the mixture while the molasses and organic cane sugar, in moderation, ensure just the right degree of sweetness.
The entire recipe encourages mindful indulgence, especially for those who seek alternatives to artificial beverages. The yeast brings about a natural fermentation process that helps introduce beneficial bacteria to your gut. In fact, one could argue that this recipe is as much a health elixir as it is a refreshing beverage.
Pair this root beer up with a hearty dish of game meat, a staple in my hometown, or a savory trout dish – it adds a playful balance to rich, robust flavors. The effortless blend of fresh, earthy undertones and understated sweetness in the root beer pairs exceptionally well with hearty foods, resulting in an unmatched epicurean experience.
Sincerely, sharing the Traditional Root Beer Recipe steps with you is more than just passing on a recipe; it’s enabling you to partake in a tradition that I hold dear – one steeped in authenticity, health, and undiluted pleasure. So here’s to the confluence of healthful living and indulgent savoring!
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups of filtered water
- 1 cup of sassafras root bark
- 1/2 cup of sarsaparilla root
- 1/4 cup of wintergreen leaf
- 1 cup of organic cane sugar
- 1/4 cup of molasse
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of yeast
- Confident fermentation lock
- Enough soda bottles for storing
- 2 cups of warm water (extra for the yeast)
Method
Step One
Start by combining sassafras root bark, sarsaparilla root, and wintergreen leaf in a large pot.Add four cups of filtered water to the pot. Boil this concoction over medium heat for about half an hour.
Step Two
After half an hour reduce the heat to low. Let the liquid simmer for an additional 15 minutes. In this time, the herbs will release their flavors and the liquid will reduce.
Step Three
Strain the herb mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve into a heat proof container. Press on the solids with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.
Step Four
While the herbal infusion is still hot, stir in the organic cane sugar and molasses until they are fully dissolved.
Step Five
Let the sweet herbal infusion cool down to room temperature. While it’s cooling, you can prepare the yeast.
Step Six
Dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of yeast in 2 cups of warm water. Let this stand for about 5 minutes, until the water is cloudy and frothy.
Step Seven
Once the herbal infusion has cooled, add the yeast solution and stir well. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
Step Eight
Transfer the root beer to bottles, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Attach the fermentation lock to each bottle.
Step Nine
Let the bottles ferment at room temperature away from direct sunlight for about 3 to 4 days.
Step Ten
After fermentation, open each bottle carefully – the root beer will be carbonated and may foam up. Chill in the refrigerator before serving. Enjoy your homemade traditional root beer!
