Quick and easy root beer –The Journey Begins: What You Need
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons root beer extract
- 1/2 teaspoon yeast (active dry or champagne yeast works!)
- 2 gallons of water
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for that extra kick!)
- Ice (for serving)
- Bottles for storing your bubbly masterpiece!
Let’s Get Brewing!
- In a large pot, bring 2 gallons of water to a boil. As the water heats up, feel free to dance, sing, or contemplate the meaning of root beer—your kitchen, your rules!
- Once boiling, gradually stir in the sugar until fully dissolved. You want it sweeter than your grandma’s favorite candy!
- Remove the pot from heat and add the root beer extract and vanilla extract (if you’re feeling fancy). Stir well because this is where the aroma begins to take over your kitchen!
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Patience is key, my friends! Think of it as a spa day for your brew.
- Once it’s cooled, stir in the yeast. This is the secret ingredient that will turn your sugary brew into a bubbly delight!
- Transfer the mixture into your bottles, leaving some space at the top—about an inch. Remember, carbonation is a wild beast!
- Seal the bottles tightly and leave them at room temperature for 3 to 5 days. Check them daily, and feel free to do a little dance when the pressure builds! Pro-tip: open a bottle over the sink to avoid an explosive root beer extravaganza.
- Once they’ve fermented to your liking, refrigerate the bottles to halt the yeast and carbonation process. Then, serve over ice, grab a straw, and dive into your own homemade root beer bliss!