Go Back
This image features a pitcher of homemade root beer with dry ice, highlighting the foggy and fizzy effect created by the dry ice, making it an eye-catching and festive beverage.

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.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
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.
    This image shows cold water, granulated sugar, and root beer extract being mixed together in a large pitcher to create the base for homemade root beer.
  • Add Dry Ice: In a well-ventilated area, carefully add the dry ice to the pitcher using insulated gloves or tongs.
    This image shows insulated gloves being used to add pieces of dry ice to the pitcher containing the root beer mixture, creating a fizzy and foggy effect.
  • 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.
    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.
    This image shows homemade root beer being ladled into cups, showcasing the fizzy and frothy texture of the drink as it’s served.

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.