Real Root Beer

Real Root Beer Recipe - How to Make Authentic American Root Beer

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 10

Introduction

Root beer is a classic American beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries. This homemade version of root beer is made with a blend of herbs and roots, giving it a unique and complex flavor profile. In this recipe, we will explore the history of root beer, cooking tips and tricks, as well as the nutrition information and serving suggestions for this delicious drink.

History

Root beer has a long and storied history in America, dating back to the colonial era. The original root beer was made by Native Americans using a blend of herbs and roots, which were believed to have medicinal properties. Over time, the recipe evolved to include ingredients like sassafras, sarsaparilla, and birch bark, giving root beer its signature flavor.

Ingredients

5 qt (4.73 liters) water
0.25 oz (7 g) hops
0.5 oz (14 g) dried burdock root
0.5 oz (14 g) dried yellow dock root
0.5 oz (14 g) dried sarsaparilla root
0.5 oz (14 g) dried sassafras root
0.5 oz (14 g) dried spikenard root
1.5 cups sugar
0.13 tbsp granulated yeast

How to prepare

Simmer the herbs for 30 minutes.
Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
Cool the mixture to lukewarm temperature, then add the yeast and stir well.
Cover the mixture and let it sit for 1 hour.
Note: Although not mentioned in the instructions, it is recommended to strain the mixture before adding the yeast.
After straining, add the yeast to the mixture and bottle it, ensuring the containers are tightly sealed.
Store the bottles at room temperature for a few days, then transfer them to a cool place to prevent potential breakage.

Variations

Experiment with different herbs and roots to create your own unique flavor profile for homemade root beer. You can also adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making root beer, it's important to simmer the herbs for the right amount of time to extract their flavors. Be sure to stir the sugar until it is completely dissolved, and allow the mixture to cool to the correct temperature before adding the yeast. Straining the mixture before bottling can help remove any sediment and ensure a smoother finished product.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this homemade root beer chilled over ice for a refreshing and nostalgic treat. Pair it with classic American dishes like burgers, hot dogs, or BBQ for a true taste of Americana.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the herbs and roots helps extract their flavors, while adding the yeast and allowing the mixture to ferment creates the carbonation in the root beer.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find all the specific roots and herbs listed in the recipe, you can try using a pre-made root beer extract as a substitute. Be sure to adjust the amount of sugar accordingly.

Make Ahead Tips

This root beer recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to keep the bottles tightly sealed to maintain carbonation.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this homemade root beer in vintage glass bottles or mason jars for a charming and rustic presentation. You can also garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a slice of lemon for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Root beer pairs well with a variety of foods, including grilled meats, sandwiches, and fried foods. It also makes a great base for root beer floats or cocktails.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover root beer in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and carbonation. To reheat, simply pour over ice or heat gently on the stovetop for a warm beverage option.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this homemade root beer contains approximately 140 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this homemade root beer contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates. The sugar used in the recipe provides the majority of these carbohydrates, giving the drink its sweet taste.

Fats

There are no fats in this root beer recipe, making it a low-fat beverage option.

Proteins

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

Vitamins and minerals

The herbs and roots used in this recipe may provide small amounts of vitamins and minerals, but the overall nutritional content is minimal.

Alergens

This root beer recipe does not contain any common allergens like nuts, dairy, or gluten. However, individuals with sensitivities to specific herbs or roots should exercise caution.

Summary

Overall, this homemade root beer is a relatively low-calorie beverage option, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates from the sugar used in the recipe.

Summary

Homemade root beer is a fun and flavorful beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of dishes. With a blend of herbs and roots, this recipe captures the essence of traditional root beer while allowing for customization and experimentation. Cheers to a delicious and refreshing drink that is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was a sunny spring day, the birds were chirping, and the smell of blooming flowers filled the air. I was rummaging through an old wooden chest in the attic, looking for my old recipe book that I had misplaced years ago.

As I sifted through the dusty papers and faded photos, my eyes caught sight of a small, yellowed piece of paper tucked away in a corner. It was a handwritten recipe for Real Root Beer, and my heart skipped a beat. I couldn't believe my luck - I had been searching for this recipe for years!

I traced my fingers over the delicate script, taking in every word as if it were a precious treasure. The recipe had been passed down to me by my great-grandmother, who had learned it from her own grandmother. It was a family heirloom, a secret recipe that had been carefully guarded and passed down through the generations.

I remembered the first time I had tasted Real Root Beer. It was a warm summer day, and my great-grandmother had invited me over for a picnic in her garden. She had brought out a giant jug of the homemade root beer, and as soon as I took a sip, I was hooked. The sweet, earthy flavor danced on my tongue, leaving me craving more.

Over the years, I had tried to recreate that same taste, but it always fell short. The store-bought root beers just didn't compare to the real thing. But now, holding the recipe in my hands, I knew that I had finally found the key to unlocking that magical flavor once again.

I rushed down the stairs, clutching the recipe in my hands like a precious jewel. I couldn't wait to get started on making my own batch of Real Root Beer. I gathered all the ingredients - sassafras root, sarsaparilla, licorice root, vanilla beans, and wintergreen leaves - and set to work in the kitchen.

I boiled the roots and herbs in a large pot of water, letting the fragrant steam fill the room. The aroma was intoxicating, bringing back memories of summers spent in my great-grandmother's garden. As the mixture simmered, I added sugar and molasses, stirring it slowly until it thickened into a rich, syrupy concoction.

After letting the mixture cool, I strained it through a fine sieve, discarding the solids and keeping the liquid. I poured the syrup into glass bottles, sealing them tightly with cork stoppers. I placed the bottles in a cool, dark corner of the pantry, where they would ferment and develop their unique flavor over the next few days.

I waited with bated breath, eager to taste the fruits of my labor. Finally, the day arrived when the Real Root Beer was ready. I popped open a bottle and poured myself a tall glass, the bubbles fizzing and the aroma wafting up to my nose.

I took a sip, and as the sweet, earthy flavor flooded my taste buds, I closed my eyes and felt tears prickling at the corners. It was like being transported back in time, to that sunny summer day in my great-grandmother's garden. The Real Root Beer was everything I had remembered and more - a taste of nostalgia, a sip of history.

From that day on, I made Real Root Beer regularly, sharing it with friends and family who marveled at its unique flavor. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had reclaimed a piece of my family's culinary heritage, a recipe that had been passed down through the generations.

And so, as I sit here now, sipping on a glass of Real Root Beer and watching the sun set over the horizon, I can't help but feel grateful for that serendipitous moment in the attic. It was a moment that led me back to my roots, both literally and figuratively, and allowed me to reconnect with a part of my heritage that I will always hold dear. The recipe for Real Root Beer will always be cherished, a reminder of the love and traditions that bind us together as a family.