homemade root beer

Root Beer Syrup
Makes 1 cup

Adapted from My Father’s Daughter

2 cups water
1/4 cup sassafrass extract
1 tablespoon honey
1/3-1/2 cup brown sugar
5 cloves
12 peppercorns
2-inch piece of ginger, peeled and chopped

Combine all ingredients and simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes. Cover and steep for about 30 minutes. Let the syrup cool completely. Strain out the solids and pour into a cute lil’ bottle. It will store in the fridge for a few days.

To make soda, combine about 1/4 cup of the syrup with soda water and stir.