Did you know you can make homemade root beer? It sounds complicated but it’s actually incredibly easy and the result is the most delicious soda you’ve ever tasted! I actually don’t love root beer but I’m a convert for this homemade recipe. Let me show you how to make root beer and be warned, you may never buy the storebought stuff again!
This easy homemade root beer recipe is quick to make but the syrup requires some time chilling in the fridge so be sure to plan ahead if you’re wanting to make it for a party or event.
Simply mix up the concentrate in advance and then mix it with sparkling water when you’re ready to serve.
To make this easy homemade root beer recipe, you’ll need water, vanilla, honey, sugar, the peel from one orange, a cinnamon stick, fresh ginger, carbonated water, and root beer concentrate. {You can find the full recipe with measurements and instructions at the bottom of this post.}
Combine the water, pieces of orange peel {I use a potato peeler to create the slices}, cinnamon stick, and ginger {peel and slice the ginger first} in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer.
Remove from the heat and stir in the honey, sugar, vanilla, and root beer concentrate.
Let cool.
Strain the mixture, discarding the solids and reserving the liquid.
Chill the liquid in the refrigerator for at least six hours.
When you’re ready to serve, transfer the syrup to a pitcher and add the carbonated water.
Serve over ice …
… and be prepared for everyone to come back for seconds!
Want another fun idea?
Mix up some homemade root beer syrup for a friend and deliver it with this free printable for a quick and easy gift idea that’s perfect for a housewarming or a summer hostess gift!
This root beer will become a family favorite … and don’t forget the vanilla ice cream because it makes the best root beer floats!
How to Make Homemade Root Beer
An easy homemade root beer recipe made with root beer extract.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- orange peel strips from one orange
- 2 inch cinnamon stick
- 1/2 inch slice fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon root beer concentrate
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 liter carbonated water, chilled
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the water, orange peel strips, cinnamon stick, and fresh ginger.
- Bring to boiling, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat.
- Stir in the sugar, honey, root beer concentrate, and vanilla. Cool the mixture.
- Strain the mixture, reserving the liquid and discarding the solids.
- Chill the liquid for at least six hours.
- To serve, transfer the root beer mixture to a pitcher. Slowly add the carbonated water.
Notes
To make root beer floats, add a scoop of ice cream to each glass of root beer.
Everytime you post something I’m amazed by you…seriously!!
This just looks AMAZING!
You’re a culinary superstar!
where do you get root beer concentrate?
You can buy it at most grocery stores … definitely at Walmart.
This does sound amazing! Does one look in the soda aisle or spice aisle for this root beer concentrate?
You’ll find it in the spice aisle, where you’d find other extracts.
I bought mine at the grocery store, in the spices section. Hope that helps.
How cool is that????? YUM!
My boys would love that! They are huge root beer fans. We even had a root beer taste test at Christmas to see which one was the favorite. I might have to suspend my desire to never make anything from scratch and try this.
This is perfect for the summer!
Ya I’ll have to try that!
This is just awesome!!! I LOVE Root Beer!
I had no idea you could make your own root beer! I used to love a good root beer float!
Uhhh WOAH! I am obsessed with rootbeer. I’ll definitely try this!
I need to look for Root Beer Concentrate. Seems easier than making it from scratch with the yeast and all! 😛
Yum! Adding this to my “awesome ideas that Randi has that I must try” list!
Is the concentrate a powder or in a bottle (like vanilla extract, for example)? I want to try this!
It’s liquid … it looks just like the other extracts. You’ll find it in the same location too.
wow, Impressive!! I was wondering about the root beer concentrate too, but got the info from the comments. We live in Hong Kong and can’t find root beer. My husband really missed it. I think I could bring back some concentrate from the US and make the rest here… pinning! Came over from C.R.A.F.T.
This is my favorite thing to make in the summer! Granted we make it in a 5 gallon cooler with water, concentrate, sugar and dry ice. I do want to try your recipe, it sounds amazing.
Angela
YES, love this recipe, I will be making this for my kiddies! Thanks for sharing!
How much of the mixture do you use with the 1 ltr of water?
You mix all of it with the liter.
Oh my boys would love this! What a fun summer activity!
Suppose I want to make it one glass or serving at a time. How much root beer syrup do I add to my frosty mug before adding the carbonated water? Do you know exact amounts of each?
I don’t know the exact measurements for a glass! Sorry!
I followed this recipe to the T and it came out very light in color without a super strong taste. More like cream soda. What am I doing wrong?
I’m not sure … I’ve made it many times and it has a strong flavor and is dark like root beer. Is there any chance you’re adding too much carbonated water or not enough root beer concentrate? I think something in your measurements must be off … it should have quite a good spiced flavor.
Is root beer artificial flavor the same as concentrate? Can I use it inatead?
I don’t think so … I think the concentrate is way more flavorful and dense. I think if you use artificial flavor the root beer will end up tasting really watery.
Can you make the syrup a head of time? If you can how can you store it?
You sure can … just store it in the fridge in an airtight container!
How long will it keep in the refrigerator?
It’ll be like any soda … if the container is airtight, it’ll last a few days. The carbonation will fade though once it’s made.