Best Root Beer Extract: Where To Buy?

Root beer extract is available at a variety of online and in-store retailers. For example, McCormick root beer extract concentrate is available at Safeway, Watkins root beer concentrate is available at Walmart and Menards, Cook's root beer extract is available online, and Hires Big H root beer extract is available on Amazon. Additionally, Sprecher Brewing Company offers root beer extract in one-gallon and four-gallon sizes on its website.

Online retailers that sell root beer extract

There are several online retailers that sell root beer extract, which is a concentrated liquid that contains the essential oils and flavours used to make root beer. Here is a list of some popular options:

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of root beer extracts, including options such as:

• Hires Big H Root Beer Extract, which can be used to make root beer drinks, floats, and desserts.
• Shank's Root Beer Extract, available in a 4 fl oz bottle or a pack of two.
• Cook's Root Beer Extract, ideal for root beer making and baking.
• Native Vanilla Root Beer Extract, perfect for cooking, baking, and dessert crafting.
• LorAnn Root Beer SS Flavor, available in different bottle sizes.
• Brewer's Best Classic Soda Extracts Root Beer.

Walmart

Walmart is another online retailer that sells root beer extract. Some of the options available include:

• Watkins Root Beer Concentrate, a 2 fl oz bottle that can be used for baking, flavouring drinks, and more.
• Zatarains Root Beer Concentrate, a pack of two 4 oz bottles.
• Hires Big H Root Beer Extract, which can be used to make root beer, soda, and dessert syrup.
• Shank's Root Beer Extract, a pack of two 4 fl. oz. bottles.
• Brewer's Best Classic Soda Extracts Root Beer, a 2 oz bottle.

Target

Target is another online retailer that offers a variety of root beer extracts.

Specialty Stores

Specialty stores such as brewing supply stores, health food stores, and gourmet food stores often carry root beer extract and may have a more extensive selection and higher-quality products than general retailers.

When purchasing root beer extract online, it is important to read customer reviews and check the seller's reputation to ensure the quality of the product.

Using root beer extract to make root beer

Root beer extract is a great way to make your own delicious homemade root beer drinks, floats, and desserts. It's easy to use and lets you make root beer with a superior taste that's free of the chemicals and additives in bottled carbonated drinks. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use root beer extract to make your own root beer at home:

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Root beer extract (look for brands like Hires Big H, Watkins, or Cook's Pure)
• Water
• Sugar (adjust the amount to your taste preference)
• Food-grade dry ice
• Large pitcher or container (preferably glass)
• Insulated gloves or tongs
• Long-handled spoon

Step 1: Prepare the Root Beer Mixture

In a large glass pitcher or container, stir together water, sugar, and root beer extract until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Taste the mixture and adjust the amount of extract or sugar to your preference. A good starting point is using 2-3 cups of sugar and 3 tablespoons of root beer extract for every 24 1-cup servings.

Step 2: Add Dry Ice

In a well-ventilated area, carefully add the dry ice to the pitcher using insulated gloves or tongs. Dry ice is extremely cold and can cause burns if touched directly. Break it into smaller pieces to speed up the melting process. Stir the mixture continuously with a long-handled spoon to prevent the dry ice from sticking to the bottom and sides of the container.

Step 3: Stir Until Melted

Continue stirring the mixture until the dry ice is mostly melted, which should take around 10-15 minutes. The root beer will start to bubble, and you'll see billowy white fog spilling from the container—this is part of the fun!

Step 4: Serve

Once the dry ice is mostly melted, carefully ladle the root beer into cups, avoiding any large pieces of unmelted dry ice. Serve and enjoy! You can also use your homemade root beer to make floats by pairing it with your favorite vanilla ice cream.

Tips and Precautions:

• Not all root beer extracts are created equal. Look for brands known for their intense and well-balanced root beer flavor, such as Watkins or Cook's Pure.
• When working with dry ice, always use insulated gloves or tongs to handle it, and be careful not to touch it directly.
• Make the root beer in a large, well-ventilated room or outdoors to prevent carbon dioxide buildup.
• Dry ice evaporates quickly, so buy only the amount you need and use it as soon as possible. Store it in a styrofoam cooler to keep it cold longer instead of a commercial freezer.
• The root beer doesn't keep well, so it's best to make it right before you want to enjoy it. The carbonation will dissipate over time.

Using root beer extract in baking

Root beer extract can be used in baking to add a distinctive root beer flavour to your creations. It is a blend of American root beer flavours, including pure vanilla and spearmint, in a natural sassafras base.

When baking with root beer extract, it is important to note that a little goes a long way. For home cooking and baking, it is recommended to use 1-2 teaspoons of the extract. You can add it to cookie dough, cake batter, or icing for a unique flavour.

For example, you can use root beer extract to make root beer float cookies or cupcakes. The extract can also be used to make a root beer-flavoured frosting or icing.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can even try making your own root beer extract at home by simmering root beer on medium-low heat for 30 minutes to an hour. This will result in a very sweet syrup, similar to the extract or root beer candy.

Root beer extract is available for purchase online, and some users have reported finding it at Walmart or Hobby Lobby.

Ingredients in root beer extract

Root beer extract is made from a variety of ingredients, including water, sugar, alcohol, natural root beer extractives, glycerin, and vanilla beans. Some brands also include propylene glycol, gum Arabic, and caramel colour. The natural root beer extractives are derived from the roots of the sassafras tree, which gives root beer its characteristic sweet, slightly minty, and bitter flavour.

The ingredients in root beer extract vary slightly depending on the brand. For example, Hires Big H Root Beer Extract includes water, propylene glycol, natural and artificial flavours, gum Arabic, caramel colour, and sodium benzoate as a preservative. On the other hand, Cook's Pure Root Beer Extract is made with alcohol, water, select vanilla beans, caramel colour, glycerin, and natural root beer extractives. It is also gluten-free, non-GMO, and kosher.

Watkins Root Beer Concentrate is another popular option that contains water, sugar, alcohol, and natural flavours. It is also gluten-free, kosher, and free of artificial flavours and colours. Native Vanilla's Root Beer Extract is also gluten-free, kosher, vegan, non-GMO, and free of preservatives and artificial colouring. It contains alcohol, water, vanilla beans, caramel colour, glycerin, and natural root beer extractives.

Overall, the ingredients in root beer extract can vary but typically include water, alcohol, sugar, and natural root beer extractives. Some brands may also include additional ingredients like vanilla beans, glycerin, and caramel colour to enhance the flavour and appearance of the final product.

Root beer extract quantities for home and industrial use

Root beer extract is available in a variety of quantities, suitable for both home and industrial use.

For home cooking and baking, it is recommended to use 1-2 teaspoons of root beer extract. This will provide a sufficient amount of flavour for a small batch of baked goods or a single drink.

For industrial applications or larger-scale production, the quantity of root beer extract needed will depend on the volume of the mixture being created. As a general guideline, it is recommended to use 2 to 4 ounces of root beer extract per gallon of mix. This will ensure that the root beer flavour is prominent and consistent throughout the product.

For example, if you are making 5 gallons (40 pounds) of root beer, you would need to use between 10 and 20 ounces of root beer extract. Adjust the amount used within this range to suit your taste preferences.

It is important to note that the specific quantity of root beer extract required may vary depending on the brand and concentration of the extract, as well as the desired strength of the root beer flavour. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the amount used based on your taste preferences.

Additionally, root beer can be made from scratch using a variety of herbs, spices, and other ingredients. This traditional method allows for customisation of the flavour and can be a fun project for those interested in brewing their own beverages.

Frequently asked questions