Old-fashioned Root Beer

Old-fashioned Root Beer Recipe - Make Your Own American Beverage

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 16

Introduction

Old-fashioned Root Beer is a classic beverage that has been enjoyed for generations. Made with a combination of sassafras root, ginger root, juniper berries, dandelion root, and wintergreen, this homemade root beer recipe is sure to delight your taste buds.

History

Root beer has a long history in America, dating back to the colonial era when settlers would brew their own versions of the beverage using a variety of roots and herbs. The modern version of root beer that we know today became popular in the 19th century and has remained a beloved drink ever since.

Ingredients

1 cake of compressed yeast
5 lb (2.27 kg) of sugar
2 oz (57 g) of sassafras root
1 oz (28 g) of hops or ginger root
2 oz (57 g) of juniper berries
4 gallons of water
1 oz (28 g) of dandelion root
2 oz (57 g) of wintergreen

How to prepare

Wash the roots thoroughly in cold water.
Crush the juniper berries and add them along with the hops.
Pour 8 qt (7.57 liter) of boiling water over the mixture of roots and simmer for 20 minutes.
Strain the mixture through a flannel bag.
Add sugar and the remaining 8 qt (7.57 liter) of water.
Allow the mixture to cool down to lukewarm temperature.
Dissolve the yeast in a small amount of cool water.
Add the yeast mixture to the root liquid.
Stir well to combine.
Let the mixture settle, then strain it again and bottle it.
Cork the bottles tightly.
Keep the bottles in a warm room for 5 to 6 hours, then store them in a cool place.
Place the bottles on ice as needed before serving.

Variations

Experiment with different combinations of roots and herbs to create your own unique version of root beer. You can also adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less sugar to suit your taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making Old-fashioned Root Beer, be sure to wash the roots thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Crushing the juniper berries will help release their flavor, and simmering the roots in water will extract their essence. Allowing the mixture to cool to lukewarm before adding the yeast is important to ensure that the yeast activates properly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Old-fashioned Root Beer chilled over ice for a refreshing drink on a hot day. Pair it with classic American dishes like burgers, hot dogs, or barbecue for a nostalgic meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the roots and herbs in water helps extract their flavors and aromas, creating a rich and complex base for the root beer. Allowing the mixture to cool before adding the yeast ensures that the yeast activates properly and ferments the beverage.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find some of the roots or herbs called for in the recipe, you can try using extracts or concentrates instead. Just be sure to adjust the amounts accordingly to achieve the desired flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Old-fashioned Root Beer can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to keep it tightly sealed to maintain its freshness.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Old-fashioned Root Beer in frosty mugs garnished with a sprig of mint or a slice of lemon for a beautiful and inviting presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Old-fashioned Root Beer pairs well with a variety of foods, including grilled meats, sandwiches, and picnic fare. It also makes a great base for root beer floats or cocktails.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover root beer in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week. To serve, simply pour over ice and enjoy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Old-fashioned Root Beer contains approximately 160 calories, making it a refreshing treat that won't break the calorie bank.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Old-fashioned Root Beer contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the sugar used in the recipe.

Fats

Old-fashioned Root Beer is a fat-free beverage, making it a lighter option for those watching their fat intake.

Proteins

This root beer recipe does not contain any significant amount of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

The roots and herbs used in Old-fashioned Root Beer provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

Old-fashioned Root Beer does not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Old-fashioned Root Beer is a sweet and flavorful beverage that is relatively low in calories and fat. It provides a small amount of carbohydrates and a variety of vitamins and minerals from the roots and herbs used in the recipe.

Summary

Old-fashioned Root Beer is a delightful and nostalgic beverage that is easy to make at home. With a blend of roots and herbs, this recipe captures the essence of traditional root beer and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for old-fashioned root beer. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through my old recipe box, looking for inspiration for a new dessert to try. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and faded scraps of paper, my eyes landed on a small, weathered notecard with the words "Root Beer Recipe" scrawled across the top in elegant cursive handwriting.

Curious, I picked up the card and began to read. The recipe called for a blend of aromatic spices like sassafras, ginger, and sarsaparilla, along with sugar, water, and yeast. It seemed like a simple enough recipe, but there was something about it that intrigued me. I could almost smell the warm, spicy aroma of homemade root beer wafting through my kitchen.

I remembered my own grandmother telling me stories of how she used to make root beer with her siblings when they were children. They would gather sassafras roots from the woods behind their house, carefully clean and chop them, and then simmer them with sugar and spices to create a delicious, fizzy drink that they would enjoy on hot summer days.

Inspired by these memories, I decided to give the recipe a try. I gathered the ingredients and set to work, following the instructions on the notecard with care. I boiled the sassafras roots, ginger, and sarsaparilla in water, letting the rich aroma of the spices fill my kitchen. I added the sugar and yeast, allowing the mixture to ferment and develop its signature effervescence.

As the root beer brewed, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia and connection to my own family's past. I imagined my grandmother and her siblings laughing and playing as they enjoyed their homemade root beer, the taste of sassafras and spices lingering on their tongues.

Finally, the root beer was ready. I poured it into glass bottles, sealing them tightly and setting them aside to carbonate. The next day, I eagerly opened a bottle and poured myself a glass of the frothy, amber liquid. As I took my first sip, I was transported back to those carefree days of my grandmother's childhood, the taste of homemade root beer bringing a smile to my face.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I made batch after batch of old-fashioned root beer, experimenting with different spice blends and variations to create the perfect recipe. I shared my newfound love for homemade root beer with friends and family, delighting in their reactions as they tasted the fizzy, flavorful drink for the first time.

Over the years, I have continued to make root beer using that same beloved recipe. Each time I brew a batch, I am reminded of the simple joys of childhood, of family gatherings and shared meals, of the traditions and recipes that bind us together across generations.

And as I sit here now, sipping a glass of homemade root beer on a warm summer evening, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous discovery of that old, weathered notecard in my recipe box. It has brought me countless moments of joy and connection, and for that, I will always be thankful.