Homemade Root Beer

Total Time: 35 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 5 mins

Ingredients

• 1/4 ounce dried sassafras root, bark (optional)
• 1/4 ounce dried birch bark
• 1/4 ounce dried sarsaparilla root
• 1/8 ounce dried licorice root
• 1 inch piece gingerroot, thinly sliced
• 1 split vanilla bean
• 4 quarts water, divided
• 2 cups molasses
• 1/8 teaspoon active dry yeast

Recipe

• 1 put dried bark and roots and vanilla in 2 quarts water in a medium pot and bring to a boil. remove from heat, cover, and steep for 2 hours.
• 2 strain liquid through cheesecloth into a clean plastic pitcher. add 2 quarts of filtered water, cool to 75 degrees.
• 3 stir molasses and yeast into liquid, allow to sit 15 minutes. pour into four clean, dry 1 liter soda bottles to 2" below top.
• 4 screw lids on tightly, set aside at room temperature for 12 hours. chill for 2 days, it will taste strongly of molasses, or chill for 3-5 days for a milder taste. open slowly and carefully.