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There’s something magical about making your root beer from scratch. With the rich aroma of winter spices, the sweet fizz, and that hint of nostalgia, homemade root beer brings a unique touch to any gathering. Crafting it at home is not only rewarding but allows you to customize flavors to your taste.

This image shows homemade root beer being ladled into cups, showcasing the fizzy and frothy texture of the drink as it’s served.

The process starts with a blend of traditional roots and spices, think sarsaparilla, vanilla, and a touch of wintergreen. The result is a brew that’s both refreshing and deeply satisfying. You’ll love the way the flavors meld together, creating a drink that’s both effervescent and richly spiced.

Imagine this: a chilled glass of homemade root beer, poured over ice and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect treat to accompany a casual meal or a weekend BBQ.

Pair it with Foil Pack Baked Nachos or Ground Mushroom Burgers for a deliciously fun meal.

Ready to give it a try? Share your homemade root beer adventures, I’d love to hear how you make this classic your own!

Homemade Root Beer Recipe

This simple 15-minute homemade root beer is a fun and festive treat that's perfect for any gathering. With just a few ingredients and a bit of dry ice magic, you can create a deliciously fizzy root beer that's sure to impress. While making root beer at home is straightforward, always handle dry ice with care and follow safety precautions.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 125 kcal

Ingredients

4 quarts Cold water
2-3 cups Granulated sugar adjust based on desired sweetness; 2 cups is a good starting point
3 tbsp Root beer extract adjust to taste
1-2 pounds Food-grade dry ice broken into pieces; use less for quick dissolution, more for dramatic foaming

Instructions

Mix Ingredients: In a large pitcher, combine the cold water, granulated sugar, and root beer extract. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness or root beer flavor as desired.
Add Dry Ice: In a well-ventilated area, carefully add the dry ice to the pitcher using insulated gloves or tongs.
Stir with a long-handled spoon to prevent the dry ice from sticking to the sides and bottom of the pitcher. The dry ice will cause the root beer to bubble and create a fun fog effect.
Finish and Serve: Continue stirring until the dry ice is mostly melted, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Ladle the root beer into cups, being careful to avoid any large pieces of unmelted dry ice. Serve immediately.

Notes

Safety First: Always handle dry ice with care, using insulated gloves, and ensure you are in a well-ventilated area. Do not ingest dry ice or handle it directly with bare skin.
Adjust Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of sugar and root beer extract based on your taste preferences.