Root Beer Ingredients for Flavoring
PLEASE NOTE: Due to a worldwide shortage, sassafras is SOLD OUT at this time, we apologize for any inconvenience. We will substitute a second packet of sarsaparilla for the sassafras. Or if you would rather have a second packet of wintergreen or vanilla bean, leave your preference in the Order Notes. Thank you for your understanding.
Root Beer, as the name suggests, was originally made by fermenting roots into a health tonic. Steeped in the tradition of "small beers," these healthy quaffs were a staple in colonial times. Other small beers include ginger beer (now known as ginger ale), birch beer and sarsaparilla beer.
Once carbonated water was invented, it became more cost effective to simply add a flavored syrup extract in order to achieve the same flavor. Unfortunately, most of the nutritional benefit was also lost in that process. Recreate your own favorite recipe by adding these flavorings to Root Beer Kombucha, water kefir or jun for a healthier alternative to the mass produced options.
Root Beer Kombucha
Historically, there were many different types of herbs and roots used to create the unique flavor. We keep it simple in this pack by providing the 4 basic root beer ingredients that will yield a tasty brew. This recipe is intended as a guideline that may be personalized based on your taste preference. Try it with Kombucha, Water Kefir, or JUN.
THIS PRODUCT FEATURES:
1 packet of sassafras* (0.6oz ground)SOLD OUT - unfortunately sassafras is not available at this time- 1 packet of sarsaparilla* (0.8oz cut and sifted) DOUBLED UP - we will substitute a second packet for sassafras (or put your preference in the order notes)
- 1 packet of wintergreen* (0.35 oz, cut and sifted)
- 1 vanilla bean** (0.22oz)
* 100% organic
** 100% natural
Basic Root Beer Ingredients Recipe
*for each 16oz bottle, start with the below amount of flavoring - remember, a little bit goes a long way, so try this first, then dial up the different elements to find your unique rootbeer recipe!
- ⅛ tsp sassafras
- ⅛ tsp sarsaparilla
- ⅛ vanilla bean (cut into eighths, no need to remove the seeds)
- ¼ tsp wintergreen
Combine all root beer ingredients into a clean bottle. Fill with Kombucha, water kefir, or JUN and cap tightly. Allow to remain at room temperature for 24-48 hours, then taste and move to the fridge when it has the desired flavor.
The herbs and spices may be placed in a reusable tea bag to facilitate removal or simply strained. This step is important if intending to bottle age for longer periods to prevent over-bittering or off flavors.
For a "rootier" or earthier flavor, increase the amout of sassafras and sarsaparilla.
Sassafrass, since it is ground, will offer more intense flavor - increase 1/8 tsp at a time. Click "2x Sassafras" to purchase an extra packet of sassafras.
Our sarsaparilla bark is has a larger surface area so more may be added without adding as much intensity as the sassafras but still providing depth and flavor. Click "2x Sarsaparilla" to purchase an extra packet of sarsaparilla.
For a creamier flavor, increase the amount of wintergreen and vanilla bean.
Wintergreen is in the mint family and adds a coolness to the flavor that creates a smooth mouth feel to the brew. Double it to 1/2 teaspoon for additional creamy notes. Click "2x Wintergreen" to purchase an extra packet of wintergreen.
Vanilla bean is the pod of an orchid and while it has become synonymous with "plain" it is subtle yet adds rich flavor. The key ingredient in a cream soda, upping the vanilla will also increase the creaminess of the flavor. Click "2x Vanilla Bean" to purchase an extra packet of vanilla beans.
Other root beer ingredients to consider adding to your blend include:
Grab all of these great root beer ingredients and more in the Flavor Saver - Mix and Match 4 pack
***If you are looking to follow the recipe from our blog for Root Beer Syrup (https://www.kombuchakamp.com/water-kefir-root-beer-kombucha), one Root Beer 4 Pack can make 2 batches (4 cups) of syrup. Double up on Vanilla Bean and Wintergeen to make up to 4 batches (8 cups) of syrup!