Hires Root Beer Recipes

ROOT BEER (HIRES HOME BREWED)

Steps:

• Pour extract over 4 lbs of sugar. Mix well. (Vary amounts of sugar and extract to taste).
• Dissolve mixture in 4 3/4 gallons of lukewarm water.
• Mix 1/2 tsp of dry active yeast in a pint of lukewarm water. Allow to stand 5 minutes. Stir well and strain through cheesecloth. In cool weather (under 70F) double the amount of yeast used. In hot weather (over 90F) cut the amount in half.
• Add the yeast mixture to the solution of sugar, extract, and water. Mix well and pour into sterilized bottles immediately. Fill bottles to within 1/2 inch of the top to minimize spoilage caused by excess air. Cork bottles securely or seal with crown or stopper.
• Place bottles on their sides in warm place(70-80) until effervescent. (If set in a cool place immediately the beverage will sour and remain flat.) The product should be ready to drink in about 5 days (longer in cooler weather.) Move the bottles to a cool place. Refrigerate just before drinking. The beverage will have a slight yeast flavor and contain some sediment. Do not filter.
• For best results - use only returnable type carbonated beverage bottles.

TRADITIONAL HOMEMADE ROOT BEER RECIPE

Steps:

• Bring one gallon of filtered water to a boil with the sassafras root bark.
• Once boiling, mix in sucanat and allspice. Once completely dissolved, remove pot from heat and strain with a mesh strainer (stainless steel not plastic) lined with a white cotton dishtowel into a 2 gallon glass jar (sources).
• Add one more gallon of filtered water and stir. Wait for the mixture to cool slightly (about 30 minutes) and then stir in the juice of 2 lemons. Wait for the mixture to cool to 118 °F/48 °C or lower and then add 1 1/2 cups of starter. Note: if the mixture is too hot, the heat will kill the starter culture so be sure to wait until it is only warm to the touch. If you let the mixture cool and sit too long on the counter, however, you introduce the chance for mold. So be sure to add the starter at the appropriate time.
• Cover your container with a white, unbleached cloth secured with a large rubber band. Leave on the counter for 5-7 days depending on the weather (the warmer the weather, the shorter the brew time).
• When the initial fermentation is complete, the root beer is ready to drink as is. If you desire enhanced carbonation, proceed to the bottling step. Fill your soda bottles (sources) and cap them. Leave some room (I leave 2 inches) at the top of each bottle to allow for carbonation. See this link on homemade soda bottling for visual and written instructions.
• Leave at room temperature for a day or two longer to carbonate. Then refrigerate and enjoy!
• Only open the root beer bottles in the kitchen sink and when the bottle is very cold to prevent messy explosions!

QUICK AND EASY ROOT BEER

Steps:

• Mix the water and sugar together in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Stir in the root beer extract, and allow to cool for about 15 minutes.
• Pour the root beer mixture into a 1-gallon pitcher or bottle, and slowly pour in the carbonated water. Refrigerate until cold; serve over ice.