Homemade Root Beer

• 1/4 ounce dried sassafras root, bark (optional)
• 1/4 ounce dried birch bark
• 1/4 ounce dried sarsaparilla root
• 1/8 ounce dried licorice root
• 1 inch piece gingerroot, thinly sliced
• 1 split vanilla bean
• 4 quarts water, divided
• 2 cups molasses
• 1/8 teaspoon active dry yeast

1. Put dried bark and roots and vanilla in 2 quarts water in a medium pot and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, cover, and steep for 2 hours.
2. Strain liquid through cheesecloth into a clean plastic pitcher. Add 2 quarts of filtered water, cool to 75 degrees.
3. Stir molasses and yeast into liquid, allow to sit 15 minutes. Pour into four clean, dry 1 liter soda bottles to 2" below top.
4. Screw lids on tightly, set aside at room temperature for 12 hours. Chill for 2 days, it will taste strongly of molasses, or chill for 3-5 days for a milder taste. Open slowly and carefully.

root, birch bark, sarsaparilla root, root, gingerroot, vanilla bean, water, molasses, active dry yeast

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/homemade-root-beer-309376 (may not work)