Homemade Root Beer (Rootbeer); Mccormick

The scent of root beer still takes me back to summer afternoons at my grandparents’ farm. My grandfather, a man of few words but endless ingenuity, would always have a batch brewing in the cellar. He used old-fashioned glass bottles with swing-top closures, and the anticipation of that first, fizzy sip was almost unbearable. The taste—a complex blend of spices and sweetness—was unlike anything you could buy in a store. This recipe captures a bit of that magic, offering a homemade root beer that’s bursting with flavor and nostalgia.

Recipe Overview:

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 120 hours 45 minutes (5 days)
• Servings: 80
• Yield: 5 gallons (approximately 80 8-ounce glasses)
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces McCormick Root Beer Extract
• 5 pounds Sugar
• 5 gallons Lukewarm mineral water (approximately 95°F)
• 1 cup Water, pre-boiled and cooled to 85-95°F
• 2 1/4 teaspoons Dry Active Yeast

Equipment Needed:

• Large, non-aluminum container (bucket or pot)
• Bottling equipment (plastic bottles with caps)
• Bottling wand (optional, but helpful)
• Large spoon or paddle for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

1. Sanitize: Thoroughly clean and sanitize all of your bottling equipment. A mild bleach solution is recommended: 2 ounces of bleach per 5 gallons of cold water. Submerge the bottles, caps, and any other equipment in the bleach solution for at least 5 minutes. Then, rinse everything thoroughly several times with tap water, ensuring no bleach residue remains. This step is crucial to prevent unwanted bacteria from spoiling your root beer.

2. Combine Extract and Sugar: In your large, non-aluminum container, pour in the McCormick Root Beer Extract. Add the 5 pounds of sugar. Do NOT use aluminum; it can react with the ingredients and affect the flavor.

3. Add Mineral Water: Gradually stir in the 5 gallons of lukewarm mineral water (approximately 95°F) into the sugar and extract mixture. Ensure the sugar is completely dissolved. Stir well until the mixture is homogenous.

4. Prepare the Yeast: In a separate small container, dissolve the 2 1/4 teaspoons of dry active yeast in 1 cup of pre-boiled water that has been cooled to 85-95°F. The water needs to be warm enough to activate the yeast, but not so hot that it kills it.

5. Activate the Yeast: Let the yeast mixture stand undisturbed for 10-15 minutes. This allows the yeast to activate and begin to bubble.

6. Combine Yeast with Mixture: Add the activated yeast mixture to the large container with the root beer base. Stir the mixture very well to ensure the yeast is evenly distributed throughout. This is key for proper carbonation.

7. Bottle Immediately: Immediately bottle the root beer into plastic bottles, leaving a 2-inch headspace at the top of each bottle. This space is crucial for the carbonation process; too little space and the bottles could explode. Use a bottling wand for easier and cleaner filling, if you have one.

8. Cap Tightly: Cap each bottle tightly to create an airtight seal. This will prevent carbon dioxide from escaping.

9. First Fermentation: Store the bottles on their side in a warm place (70-80°F) for 1-2 days. Storing them on their side ensures the yeast has contact with the entire contents of the bottle, promoting even carbonation.

10. Second Fermentation (Refrigeration): After 1-2 days in a warm place, store the bottles upright in the refrigerator (40-45°F) for an additional 3-4 days. This slows down the fermentation process and allows the root beer to carbonate gently.

11. Chill and Consume: Keep the root beer chilled and consume within 7-8 days for the best flavor and carbonation. The longer it sits, the more the yeast will continue to ferment, potentially leading to an overly carbonated and less sweet beverage.

Expert Tips & Tricks:

• Water Temperature: The water temperature is crucial for activating the yeast. Use a thermometer to ensure accuracy. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly.
• Bottle Choice: Use high-quality plastic bottles designed for carbonated beverages. Avoid using glass bottles, as they can explode from the pressure generated during fermentation.
• Sanitation is Key: Improper sanitation is the most common cause of root beer failures. Be meticulous in cleaning and sanitizing all equipment.
• Sugar Adjustment: If you prefer a less sweet root beer, you can slightly reduce the amount of sugar. However, remember that sugar is food for the yeast, so reducing it too much may affect carbonation.
• Yeast Quality: Use fresh, active dry yeast. If your yeast is old or expired, it may not activate properly.
• Temperature Control: Maintaining a consistent temperature during fermentation is crucial. Avoid drastic temperature fluctuations.
• Burp Bottles: During the initial warm fermentation, consider “burping” the bottles once a day by briefly opening and closing them to release excess pressure. This helps prevent over-carbonation and potential bottle explosions, although it is not explicitly stated in the recipe it is still a wise precaution.

Serving & Storage Suggestions:

Serve your homemade root beer ice-cold. It’s delicious on its own, or as the base for a classic root beer float with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Store the unopened bottles in the refrigerator to slow down fermentation and maintain carbonation. Once opened, consume within a day or two for the best flavor and fizz. Because this is a naturally carbonated beverage, it doesn’t have the same shelf life as commercially produced root beer. Do not store at room temperature for extended periods, as this can lead to over-carbonation and potential bottle breakage. This root beer is not suitable for freezing.

Nutritional Information:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (8 oz)	% Daily Value*
Calories	112 kcal	6%
Total Fat	0 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	0.5 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	28.5 g	10%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Sugars	28.4 g	N/A
Protein	0 g	0%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Variations & Substitutions:

• Sugar Substitute: While the recipe calls for regular sugar, you could experiment with other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that this might affect the final flavor profile and carbonation levels.
• Spice It Up: Add small amounts of other extracts like vanilla, wintergreen, or sassafras to customize the flavor. Be cautious not to overdo it, as the McCormick Root Beer Extract provides a strong base.
• Herbal Infusion: Try adding a small amount of dried herbs like sarsaparilla root, licorice root, or ginger to the mineral water during the initial mixing stage. Steep for 30 minutes, then strain before adding the sugar and extract. This will give your root beer a more complex and nuanced flavor.
• Citrus Zest: Add a small amount of orange or lemon zest to the mineral water for a brighter, more refreshing flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Why plastic bottles and not glass?
A: Glass bottles can explode due to the pressure buildup during fermentation. Plastic bottles designed for carbonated beverages are safer for homebrewing.

Q: What happens if I let it ferment for too long?
A: Over-fermentation can lead to excessive carbonation, making the root beer too fizzy and potentially causing the bottles to burst. It can also reduce the sweetness as the yeast consumes more sugar.

Q: My root beer doesn’t seem carbonated enough. What went wrong?
A: Possible causes include using old or inactive yeast, fermenting at too low a temperature, or not sealing the bottles tightly enough.

Q: Can I make a smaller batch?
A: Yes, you can scale down the recipe proportionally. Just be sure to accurately measure the ingredients to maintain the correct balance.

Q: What does it mean to sanitize bottles?
A: Sanitizing kills bacteria and microorganisms that can spoil your root beer. It involves using a mild bleach solution followed by thorough rinsing with clean water.

Final Thoughts:

This homemade root beer recipe is a delightful project that yields a refreshing and flavorful beverage. While it requires patience and attention to detail, the result is well worth the effort. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations and flavor combinations to create your own signature root beer. Gather your friends and family, share a batch of this homemade goodness, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. And please, share your creations, feedback, and questions with fellow root beer enthusiasts!