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Homemade Sassafras Root Beer
Homemade Sassafras Root Beer
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Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
40 minutes
Craft homemade root beer with foraged sassafras roots, spices, and molasses for a uniquely satisfying beverage.
Ingredients:
  • Several roots (including some green stems) from sassafras saplings, about 30-40 inches worth of 1/4-inch thick roots (enough to fill one cup when you chop them into 1/2-inch pieces)
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon anise seeds (can sub fennel)
  • 4 allspice berries
  • 1-inch of stick cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 quarts soda water
Instructions:
  • Clean the roots thoroughly by scrubbing off any dirt. Cut them into 1/2-inch pieces, including any green stems. Aim for mostly roots to fill one cup, using pruning shears if needed for tough roots.
  • Infuse roots with aromatic spices: Combine roots in a small pot with 4 cups of water. Mix in cloves, anise seeds, allspice berries, and a cinnamon stick. Boil, then simmer gently for 25 minutes.
  • Stir in the molasses and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Strain and sweeten: After straining through cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve lined with a paper towel, rinse the pot. Pour the liquid back into the pot, add sugar, and heat until it simmers and the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  • To serve, pour soda water into syrup: Fill a glass with ice, then mix 1/3 cup syrup with 2/3 cup soda water. Adjust strength by adding more syrup for a bolder flavor or more soda water for a lighter taste. Enjoy your homemade root beer!

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