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Homemade Root Beer Extract

Create a concentrated, shelf-stable root beer extract by steeping aromatic spices and botanicals in high-proof alcohol for 7 to 14 days.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 16 tablespoons
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 cups vodka or high-proof alcohol 80 proof minimum
  • 1 tablespoon anise seed slightly crushed
  • 1 tablespoon sassafras bark chopped or broken
  • 1 teaspoon wintergreen leaves dried
  • 1 tablespoon sarsaparilla root chopped
  • 1 whole dried vanilla bean split lengthwise
  • 2 pods star anise
  • 1 3-inch cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
  • 4 to 5 whole cloves
  • 3 to 4 black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon dried ginger root sliced thin
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Equipment

  • Glass jar (1 quart or larger)
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
  • Small funnel
  • Clean glass bottles with tight-sealing lids
  • Coffee filter or paper towel (optional)
  • Spoon or wooden stirrer

Method
 

  1. Gather all dried herbs, spices, and botanicals and verify quantities before beginning.
  2. Lightly crush the anise seed and star anise in a small bowl with the back of a spoon to crack the outer layers.
  3. Break the cinnamon stick into small fragments and chop the sassafras bark into pea-sized pieces.
  4. Pour the alcohol into a clean glass jar and add crushed anise, star anise, sassafras, wintergreen, sarsaparilla, vanilla bean, cinnamon pieces, cloves, peppercorns, ginger, and nutmeg.
  5. Stir the mixture for 30 seconds to evenly distribute botanicals.
  6. Seal the jar tightly and label it with the start date.
  7. Store the jar in a cool, dark place and steep for 7 to 14 days, shaking daily for 10 to 15 seconds.
  8. After steeping, strain the extract through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl without pressing the solids.
  9. Optionally, filter the strained extract through a coffee filter or paper towel for a crystal-clear result.
  10. Using a funnel, bottle the clear extract into glass bottles, leaving 1/2 inch headspace, then label with contents and date.

Notes

Store sealed bottles in a cool, dark place for up to 2 years. Shake well before each use and avoid pressing botanicals when straining to prevent bitterness.