Homebrewed Rootbeer from Herbs and Bark
Remember when root beer wasn’t so sweet? Remember when it seemed to have more flavor other than caramel coloring? Craving an old fashion style root beer or Sarsaparilla? Making soda is really easy, something fun to do with the kids and a makes an alternative beverage that the whole family can enjoy. Try this recipe! You can use different herbs, barks and roots to fit your tastes. This elixir has a ton of flavors all working together to make a distinctive drink of yester year. To find these different herbs, try a well stocked bulk section at a health food store or check on-line.
For Soda:
25 Gram Sassafras Root, Indian
8 Gram Sassafras Root, Jamaican
10 Gram Licorice Root
8 Gram Kava Kava
5 Gram Star Anise
5 Gram Birch Bark
5 Gram Dried Sweet Orange Peel
3 Gram Cloves
1 Gram Angelica Root
½ Teaspoon Sea Salt
¼ Teaspoon Wormwood
1 Ounce Vanilla Extract
2 Vials Red Ginseng (available at Asian Markets)
2 Cup Organic Brown Sugar
1 Cup Organic Molasses
1 Cup Blackberry Honey
5 Gallon Filtered Water
To Make:
In a large pot, add all the herbs and spices with a gallon of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 2 hours. Add Brown Sugar and Molasses and simmer another 30 minutes. Add the honey the last 2 minutes of cooking, bringing to a boil and then remove from heat.Using a large fine strainer, strain the mixture into a sanitized keg or large bowl. Use remaining water pouring through the herbs and spices, to rinse them of any more flavor/sugar. Add the vanilla Extract and Ginseng to the keg, check the volume to make sure you have 5 gallons. Force carbonate with 20 pounds of pressure for 2 days at 40 degrees. Keep this keg cold, as there is no yeast added to this soda recipe. This rootbeer will last about 3 weeks, without spoiling, if everything is kept clean and sanitized.
