Root Beer! It's a band concert in the park. It's a tray hooked on your car door by a girl on roller skates. It's foam on your nose; a Fourth of July parade. A frosty mug on a hot, summer afternoon -- pure Americana and a reminder of better times Learn how you can make your own!
Ahh...
Root Beer is made by hundreds of bottlers, some
nationally-distributed, some local or regional. But you know
what? You can make your own! It's fun and educational for the
whole family. Here's how, courtesy of The Root Beer Book.
- Take one eighth to one quarter cup of yeast.
- Add one cup lukewarm water, and let stand for 5 minutes. If the yeast has not dissolved completely, throw the mixture away and start over.
- Combine one-tablespoon root beer extract and two cups of sugar in a bowl with enough warm water to dissolve the sugar in. Stir until most of the sugar is dissolved, then add to the yeast mixture.
- To this, add enough warm water to bring the entire mixture up to one gallon. Use a one-gallon bowl.
- Taste the mixture. If it's not sweet enough add more sugar or more extract until it suits your taste.
- Fill a liter bottle to within one inch of the top and twist the cap on tightly to ensure good carbonation.
- Set the bottle(s) aside for 3-4 days at room temperature. Don't put them in the sun, or next to the microwave or refrigerator.
- After 3-4 days move to a cool, dark place and allow to stand for 1-2 weeks.
- Open carefully, pour and enjoy!
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About the author: Laura Quarantiello is the author of THE ROOT BEER BOOK - A Celebration of America's Favorite Soft Drink. Orders and more info: http://www.tiare.com/rootbeer.htm (c) Tiare Publications.
