A&W Root Beer Recipe: The Classic Soft Drink Made from Scratch

Learn how to make A&W Root Beer with this easy-to-follow recipe that can be done in the comfort of your own home. With a few simple ingredients and equipment, you can create a delicious and refreshing beverage that’s perfect for any occasion. Follow the A&W Root Beer recipe in the article below.

A Complete Guide to Making A&W Root Beer Recipe at Home

Equipment

• Large pot (at least 4 quarts)
• Whisk or wooden spoon
• Fine mesh strainer
• Bottles or keg for storing root beer

Ingredients

• 2 ounces of sassafras root bark
• ½ ounce of wintergreen
• ½ ounce of licorice root
• 1 tablespoon of ginger
• 1 tablespoon of hops
• 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon of coriander
• 4 cups of water
• 2 cups of granulated sugar
• ¼ cup of honey
• 1 packet of dry yeast
• ½ cup of lukewarm water

Instructions

1. In a large pot, add the sassafras root bark, wintergreen, licorice root, ginger, hops, cinnamon, and coriander. Add 4 cups of water to the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer..
2. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Next, take the pot off the heat and allow it to cool for 10 minutes.
3. Place the fine mesh strainer over a large bowl and pour the mixture through it to remove any solid particles. Discard the solids and pour the liquid back into the pot.
4. Add 2 cups of granulated sugar and ¼ cup of honey to the liquid, and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
5. In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup of lukewarm water and 1 packet of dry yeast. Allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes activated.
6. Add the yeast mixture to the liquid and stir until well combined.
7. Cover the pot with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm, dark place for 2-3 days to ferment. Check it occasionally to make sure it’s not bubbling over.
8. After 2-3 days, your root beer should be fizzy and slightly alcoholic. Using a funnel, pour the root beer into bottles or a keg for storage.
9. Chill the root beer for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts

A&W Root Beer Recipe is generally high in sugar and calories, with about 160 calories and 44 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving. However, by using alternative sweeteners like stevia or erythritol, and adjusting the recipe, you can make a lower-calorie version that still tastes great.

Variations on A&W Root Beer Recipe: Experimenting with Different Flavors

Firstly, why not try the Vanilla A&W Root Beer Recipe? By simply adding a splash of vanilla extract or some vanilla beans to your root beer mixture, you’ll create a smooth, creamy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the root beer. It’s like drinking a delicious vanilla cream soda, but with the classic A&W flavor you know and love.

Experiment with a Spicy A&W Root Beer of hot peppers, fiery ginger, or other spicy ingredients to add a bold kick to your soda. The unique combination of flavors will tingle your taste buds, leaving you craving more. Don’t settle for the ordinary – take your soda game to the next level with this daring twist on a classic favorite.

For a fruity twist on classic A&W Root Beer, mix in some fresh or frozen fruit like berries, peaches, or pineapple. The sweetness of the fruit will perfectly complement the rich taste of the root beer, creating a refreshing and delicious soda that’s perfect for summer sipping.

Lastly, why not try an Alcohol-infused A&W Root Beer Recipe? Adding a shot of rum, whiskey, or vodka to your A&W Root Beer will give it a grown-up twist that’s perfect for enjoying on a warm summer evening. The flavors blend together perfectly, creating a unique taste that will leave you feeling relaxed and content.

How to Customize A&W Root Beer Recipe: Tips and Ideas for Personalizing Your Brew

To begin, adjusting the sweetness level of your root beer is a simple yet effective way to customize its flavor. White granulated sugar is the main ingredient in the original recipe, but alternative sweeteners such as honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup can be experimented with to achieve your desired level of sweetness. However, each sweetener has its own distinct flavor, so it is crucial to start with small amounts and adjust according to your preference.

In addition to adjusting sweetness, carbonation can also be varied to suit your taste. The amount of yeast used and the length of fermentation can be altered to create a root beer that is more or less carbonated. To achieve a less carbonated beverage, reduce the amount of yeast and shorten the fermentation time. Conversely, if you prefer a more effervescent drink, increase the yeast and extend the fermentation time.

Another way to personalize your root beer is by experimenting with different herbs and spices. While the original recipe calls for sassafras root, vanilla bean, and wintergreen, the addition or substitution of other herbs and spices can create a flavor profile that is unique to your brew. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice are popular options to consider.

Finally, proper bottling and storage techniques are essential to maintain the quality and freshness of your homemade root beer. Use glass bottles with airtight lids to prevent air from entering and carbonation from escaping. Store your bottles in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or basement to slow down the fermentation process and prolong the shelf life of your root beer.

Conclusion

By following the recipe and experimenting with different ingredients, you can make a unique A&W Root Beer that suits your preference. Adjusting sweetness, varying carbonation, using different herbs and spices, and proper bottling and storage are some tips to personalize your brew. Who knows, with enough practice, you might become the El Genio del Shawarma of homemade root beer.