If you're a root beer lover, chances are that you've thought of making your own from scratch at one time or another. If you are a fan of root beer, then why not make your own right at home? It's actually fairly easy and doesn't require a lot of ingredients. You'll find that it tastes as good-- if not better-- than the root beer you buy at your local market. This is also a great project to do with the kids. Just follow the steps in this guide for how to make root beer and you'll be enjoying a frosty mug of your own in no time at all!
Make Your Own Root Beer
This video is a great example of why making your own root beer can be so much fun for children! The video walks you through the entire process of making root beer, and is demonstrated by three children. Included in the video is the process of sterilizing the bottles and equipment, making the root beer and bottling it.
Equipment
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Clean 2 liter bottle
Funnel
Making the Root Beer
- Now that you have your equipment and supplies gathered, it's time to start making some root beer!
- Place the funnel in the opening of the bottle.
- Pour the sugar into a bottle.Epicurious.com: How to Make Root Beer at Home (April 4, 2008)
- Add in the yeast.GourmetRootBeer: Root Beer
- Shake the bottle until the sugar and yeast are mixed well.AllRecipes: Homemade Root Beer
- Add the root beer extract to the bottle of sugar and yeast.University of Cincinnati: Making Root Beer at Home
- Fill the bottle about one-quarter of the way with cold water.GroupRecipes: Rootbeer Recipe
- Shake well so that the sugar and yeast are dissolved.Epicurious.com: How to Make Root Beer at Home (April 4, 2008)
- Finish filling the bottle with cold water and leave about 1 inch of head space at the top.University of Cincinnati: Making Root Beer at Home
- Place a cap securely on the bottle.ILoveIndia: Root Beer Recipe
- Let bottle sit at room temperature for about four days.University of Cincinnati: Making Root Beer at Home
- TIP: The bottle should feel hard when squeezed.
Opening and Serving the Root Beer
- After a few days of patiently waiting for the right moment to arrive, it's finally time to open and serve your homemade root beer.
- Place the bottle of root beer in the refrigerator to chill first before serving.Chymist.com: Root Beer/Birch Beer
- When you open the bottle of root beer, loosen the cap slowly to allow the pressure to escape and avoid liquid from fizzing and spilling over.ILoveIndia: How to Make Root Beer
- When serving make sure to pour carefully so as not to disturb the sediment of yeast that will be on the bottom of the bottle.University of Cincinnati: Making Root Beer at Home
- Serve the root beer over ice in a frosty mug.FitzsRootBeer: How to Make a Fitz's Root Beer Float
- TIP: Why not treat yourself to a classic root beer float. Place ice cream in a frosty mug and slowly pour in your homemade root beer. Drink up!FoodNetwork: Root Beer Floats
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Gather the needed supplies ahead of time.
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Fact:
A clean empty soda bottle can be used to make the root beer.
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Fact:
Make sure to mix the ingredients well.
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Fact:
To avoid the sediment of yeast at the bottom of the bottle, carefully pour the finished root beer from one container to another. This is called decanting.
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Place mugs in the freezer until frosty.
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Fact:
Serve the root beer well chilled
