There’s nothing quite like a good old fashioned root beer, and making it yourself from healthy ingredients makes it that much better.
Commercial root beer has strayed from its roots (literally and figuratively – ha!) and nowadays, it’s more often associated with artificial flavors and high fructose corn syrup than the wholesome ingredients it was traditionally made from.
Keep reading to learn how to make your own homemade “old-fashioned” root beer syrup that’s excellent for mixing with club soda or drizzling on ice cream to make a root beer float! ??
Ingredients
- 4-1/2 c water
- 1/4 c raisins, chopped
- 2 oz dried sarsaparilla root ( or sassafras root)
- 1/4 oz dried wintergreen leaves
- 4 star anise
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 c light brown sugar
Instructions
- Combine water, raisins and herbs in a large saucepan
- Simmer, uncovered, over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Gradually add brown sugar and vanilla to the pot, stir until fully dissolved
- Remove from heat and cool 30 min then strain
- Bottle and store in the refrigerator. Will last up to 2 months
- Add 1/2 cup syrup to 1/2 cup seltzer water, or to taste
Want to learn more herbal preparations like this one? Check out our Herbal Preparations online course series!