Homemade Root Beer

Directions

1. In a stock pot, combine all ingredients except brown sugar.

2. Bring to boil, stir and reduce to a simmer. Cover and let simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

3. Turn off heat. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Cover and let mixture steep until cool, approximately 3 hours.

4. Strain liquid through a fine mesh sieve, then through one or more coffee filters into a clean, sterile jar. Store concentrated extract in refrigerator for up to three months.

5. To mix, use a 1 : 6 ratio of concentrate to sparkling water for a subtly sweet beverage. Adjust ratio for more or less sweetness according to your personal dietary preferences and desired taste.

RECIPE TIP:
If you're unable to find birch bark, this recipe will make a wonderful sarsaparilla soda that's akin to root beer. Just add an additional tablespoon of sarsaparilla in place of the birch bark.