As promised @drew. For you too @r0gue z0mbie
I have not made this yet since I can't find some of the herbs in my neck of the woods.
Homemade Root Beer
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A simple and nourishing fermented homemade root beer (non-alcoholic) with herbs and beneficial cultures.
Author: Wellness Mama
Recipe type: Beverage
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
If desired, the following can be added to the original boil but they are not needed:
-2 cloves
-1 tablespoon licorice root
-1 tablespoon grated ginger root
-1 tablespoon hops flowers
-1 teaspoon of anise or fennel
I have not made this yet since I can't find some of the herbs in my neck of the woods.
Homemade Root Beer

A simple and nourishing fermented homemade root beer (non-alcoholic) with herbs and beneficial cultures.
Author: Wellness Mama
Recipe type: Beverage
Ingredients
- ½ cup Sassafras Root Bark
- ½ teaspoon wintergreen leaf (or more- try this to taste but start with a little as it has a very strong flavor)
- 1 cup unrefined organic cane sugar like rapadura
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 cinnamon stick or 1 tiny dash of ground cinnamon (optional)
- dash each of coriander and allspice (optional)
- 2 teaspoons of natural vanilla extract
- 3 quarts filtered water
- ¼ cup lime juice (optional but good for flavor)
- ¾ cup homemade ginger bug or other starter culture like whey or vegetable starter
Instructions
- Put the sassafras root bark and wintergreen leaf in a large pot. Add cinnamon, coriander and allspice if using.
- Add 3 quarts of filtered water and turn on high heat.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove herbs.
- While still warm, add the sugar and molasses and stir until dissolved.
- Let cool until warm but not hot and add the lime juice and then then ginger bug or other culture and stir well.
- Transfer to grolsch style bottles or jars with tight fitting lids and allow to ferment for several days at room temperature.
- Check after two days for carbonation and when desired carbonation is reached, transfer to refrigerator and store until use.
- Enjoy!
Notes
If desired, the following can be added to the original boil but they are not needed:
-2 cloves
-1 tablespoon licorice root
-1 tablespoon grated ginger root
-1 tablespoon hops flowers
-1 teaspoon of anise or fennel