Root Beer Extract: Where To Buy And How To Use

Yes, you can buy root beer extract from a variety of retailers. Root beer extract is a flavouring that can be used in baking, to make drinks, or to make your own root beer. It is available in different pack sizes, including packs of one and two, and in different sizes, including 2 fl oz, 4 fl oz, 1 gallon, and 4 gallons.

Where to buy root beer extract

Yes, you can buy root beer extract from several online and in-store retailers. Here are some options for where to purchase root beer extract:

Amazon

Root beer extract is available on Amazon through various sellers, such as Mammoth Buys, which offers the Hires Big H Root Beer Extract. This product has good reviews for taste and quality, although some customers have mentioned issues with bottle leakage and seals. Native Vanilla's Root Beer Extract is also available on Amazon and is suitable for cooking, baking, and dessert crafting.

Sprecher Brewing Company

The Sprecher Brewing Company offers a root beer extract syrup, which can be used to make root beer in bulk at home. Their product is certified Kosher and offers a great value, with one gallon of the syrup mixing with four gallons of water to make five gallons of soda.

Cook's Vanilla

Cook Flavoring Company offers a pure root beer extract, which is a blend of American root beer flavours, including pure vanilla and spearmint in a natural sassafras base. This product is sugar-free, allergen-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and certified Kosher. It is also vegan and has a long shelf life.

Watkins

Watkins offers a root beer concentrate made with high-quality, all-natural ingredients. Their product is perfect for baking, flavouring drinks, and more.

Safeway

McCormick's root beer extract concentrate is available at Safeway. It is naturally and artificially flavoured, gluten-free, and promises 100% rich flavour.

Root beer extract ingredients

Root beer extract is made from a variety of ingredients, which differ depending on the brand and the recipe. Here is a list of ingredients that are commonly used in root beer extract:

• Sassafras: The roots, bark, and leaves of the sassafras tree are believed to be the primary flavour in root beer. It is often the prime ingredient in root beer extract and is sometimes complemented by other roots such as burdock or dandelion root.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is commonly used to sweeten the root beer extract. The amount of sugar can vary depending on personal preference and the desired level of sweetness.
• Water: Water is used as the base liquid to create the extract and is often mixed with other ingredients such as sugar and flavourings.
• Flavourings: Various flavourings are added to enhance the taste of the root beer extract. These can include vanilla, spearmint, licorice root, yucca, or wintergreen/peppermint extract.
• Preservatives: Some root beer extracts may contain preservatives such as sodium benzoate to increase their shelf life.
• Colourings: Colourings such as caramel colour or food colouring may be added to give the extract a darker, more appealing appearance.
• Other ingredients: Additional ingredients such as honey, yeast, phosphoric acid, or sodium chloride may be used in smaller quantities to adjust the flavour and consistency of the root beer extract.

It is important to note that not all root beer extracts are created equal, and the specific ingredients and their proportions can vary widely. Some brands may also offer unique blends or include secret ingredients to create their signature root beer flavour.

How to make root beer with extract

Yes, you can buy root beer extract, and it is easy to make your own root beer with it. There are several brands of root beer extract available, including Watkins, Cook's Pure, and Sprecher Brewing Company.

Ingredients:

• Root beer extract
• Water
• Sugar (optional)
• Ice (optional)

Instructions:

First, decide whether you want to make a carbonated or still root beer. If you want it carbonated, you will need to add dry ice or use a different method, such as adding baker's yeast and allowing the mixture to ferment for several days.

For a simple, still root beer, start by stirring together water and sugar in a large pitcher. The amount of sugar you use will depend on how sweet you like your root beer. Next, add the root beer extract. Start with about a tablespoon per litre of water, and adjust to taste. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, and add ice if desired.

If you want to make a carbonated root beer, you have a few options. One method is to add dry ice to the mixture, being very careful to follow safety precautions such as wearing insulated gloves to protect your hands. The dry ice will cause the root beer to bubble and create a foggy effect. Continue stirring until the dry ice is mostly melted, then ladle into cups, being careful to avoid any large pieces of unmelted dry ice.

Another method for carbonation is to use baker's yeast. Place a funnel in a plastic bottle and add the yeast, shaking well to mix. Then, add the root beer extract and fill the bottle halfway with cold water. Swirl the bottle to mix, then add more water, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Place the cap on the bottle and shake gently until all the ingredients are dissolved. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for three to four days, until the bottle feels hard when squeezed. Finally, place the root beer in the refrigerator to cool overnight before serving.

Root beer extract reviews

Hires Big H Root Beer Extract

Hires Big H Root Beer Extract is a popular choice for those looking to make their own root beer drinks, floats, and desserts at home. It has received 2,773 ratings on Amazon, with an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Many customers praise the taste and quality of the syrup, saying it has a good flavor and makes delicious homemade root beer. It is also easy to use, with a simple recipe included for making root beer with dry ice. However, some reviewers mention issues with bottle leakage and seals, and opinions are mixed regarding its value for money.

Cook's Pure Root Beer Extract

Cook's Pure Root Beer Extract is a blend of American root beer flavors, including pure vanilla and spearmint in a natural sassafras base. It has received 11 reviews on the Cook's Vanilla website, with an average rating of 5 stars. Customers rave about the taste, saying it is great in root beer float cookies, seltzer, and other baked goods. The product is also praised for its fast shipping and secure packaging. Additionally, it is sugar-free, allergen-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and certified Kosher.

Sprecher Root Beer Extract

Sprecher Root Beer Extract allows you to make root beer in bulk at home or for your business. A one-gallon mixture of the extract can be combined with four gallons of water to make five gallons of soda. It has received positive reviews for its great value, and it is also certified Kosher.

Watkins Root Beer Concentrate

Watkins Root Beer Concentrate is a popular choice for adding root beer flavor to baked goods, drinks, and more. It has received 69,048 ratings on Amazon, with an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars, making it the #1 Best Seller in Natural Extracts. While specific reviews for this product are limited, some customers have mentioned using it successfully in cookies and other baked goods.

Root beer extract recipes

Root beer extract is readily available to purchase, and it can be used to make your own delicious root beer at home. Here are some recipes to try:

Quick and Easy Root Beer

This recipe uses carbonated water (club soda) and root beer extract to make a tasty root beer without the need for fermentation.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups white sugar, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons root beer extract
• 2 litres carbonated water

Instructions:

• Mix sugar and water together in a saucepan.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
• Remove from the heat, stir in the root beer extract, and allow to cool for about 15 minutes.
• Pour the mixture into a 1-gallon pitcher or bottle, and slowly add the carbonated water.
• Refrigerate until chilled, for at least 30 minutes.

15-Minute Homemade Root Beer

This recipe uses dry ice to create a fun, festive drink with a spooky fog effect.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 cups granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 3 tablespoons root beer extract
• 1-2 pounds food-grade dry ice, broken into pieces

Instructions:

• In a large pitcher, stir together water, sugar, and root beer extract until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Taste and adjust as needed.
• In a well-ventilated area, carefully add the dry ice using insulated gloves or tongs.
• Stir with a long-handled spoon until the dry ice is mostly melted (about 10-15 minutes). The root beer will bubble, and you'll see fog spilling from the container.
• Ladle into cups, avoiding any large pieces of unmelted dry ice. Serve and enjoy!

Root Beer Float Cookies

For a unique twist on a classic dessert, try making root beer float cookies. While there is no recipe available for this, it could be worth experimenting with root beer extract in your favourite cookie dough recipe.

Root Beer Cupcakes

Add a nostalgic twist to your baking with root beer cupcakes. This idea is inspired by a review on the Cook's Vanilla website, where a customer mentions the distinctive flavour of their root beer extract in cupcakes.

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