Milly Gaines
Making diet root beer at home is a fun and healthy alternative to commercial soda. While the process is simple and inexpensive, it requires some ingredients that may be challenging to find, such as root beer extract and dry ice. The key to achieving the perfect flavour is in selecting the right root beer extract, such as Cook's, which offers a rich root beer taste and a beautiful dark amber colour. To prepare, simply stir together water, a sugar substitute, and root beer extract. For added fizz, consider using carbonated water or adding dry ice, being cautious to handle it with care due to its extremely low temperature. Finally, chill the mixture in the refrigerator or serve immediately over ice. With this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy root beer that is free from artificial ingredients.
Characteristics and Values Table for Diet Root Beer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to make | 2 minutes to 5 days |
| Ingredients | Root beer extract, sweetener, carbonated water, sassafras, sarsaparilla, birch, water, sugar, yeast, dry ice, etc. |
| Equipment | Pitcher, insulated gloves, tongs, spoon |
| Health | Sugar-free, low-carb, diabetic-friendly, no artificial ingredients |
| Taste | Sweet, aromatic, refreshing, medicinal, tonic |
| Occasion | Summer drink, kids' birthday party, BBQ, Halloween |
| Carbonation | High (use sparkling water, dry ice, or ferment for 3-5 days) |
| Sweeteners | BochaSweet, erythritol, stevia, Splenda, Sweetzfree, honey |
| Add-ins | Cloves, licorice root, ginger root, hops flowers, anise, fennel, cinnamon, nutmeg, mint, star anise |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right root beer extract
In addition to choosing a sugar-free extract, it is worth noting that the process of making diet root beer may vary depending on the specific extract chosen. Some extracts may require different amounts of water, sweetener, or other ingredients to achieve the desired taste and consistency. Therefore, it is always a good idea to follow the instructions provided with the chosen extract or a trusted recipe that uses that specific ingredient.
When making diet root beer, it is also crucial to consider the carbonation level desired. Some extracts may already contain carbonation, while others may require the addition of carbonated water or other carbonation methods such as dry ice to create the desired fizziness. Using carbonated water or club soda can help retain more of the fizz compared to adding the extract to still water.
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that some root beer extracts may contain artificial sweeteners or other ingredients that some individuals may wish to avoid. These ingredients can affect the taste, texture, and overall healthiness of the final product. Therefore, it is important to read the labels carefully and choose an extract that aligns with your dietary preferences and restrictions.
Lastly, while the choice of root beer extract is crucial, don't forget that you can further customise your diet root beer by adding additional ingredients. Some people like to add herbs and spices such as licorice root, ginger root, anise, cinnamon, nutmeg, or mint to enhance the flavour and create a unique blend. Experimenting with different combinations of extracts and additional ingredients can lead to finding your perfect diet root beer recipe.
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Using a sweetener
One option is to use a product called Sweetzfree. A single drop of Sweetzfree is equal to 1.5 teaspoons of sugar, and it is the same sweetener as Splenda (sucralose). However, Splenda contains additional carbohydrates that can add calories, so it may not be the best choice if you are counting calories.
Another sweetener option is BochaSweet. To use this product, simply stir one cup of BochaSweet into warm water until the sweetener is completely dissolved. Then, add liquid stevia and root beer extract, and stir to combine. You can then chill the mixture in the fridge or use it immediately by pouring it over ice.
You can also use erythritol as a sweetener, which is great for consistency, or Splenda, which is a modified sugar and should provide a good mouthfeel.
When making diet root beer, it is important to use a root beer extract that has no added sugar. Some good options include Cook’s root beer extract, which has a nice rich flavour and gives your root beer a beautiful dark amber colour, Watkins root beer extract, or pure root beer extract.
Finally, to keep as much fizz in your diet root beer as possible, simply add the sweetener and extract directly to your bottle of carbonated water or club soda.
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Adding carbonation
Choosing the Right Water
Start by selecting the right type of water for your root beer. You can use still water, but to add carbonation, opt for sparkling or carbonated water. You can find many store brands of unsweetened sparkling water, such as La Croix, which can provide a good fizz to your drink. If you want more carbonation, go for a sparkling water that is known for its strong carbonation.
Using Dry Ice
Another method to add carbonation is by using food-grade dry ice. This method is more complex and requires safety precautions due to the extremely low temperature of dry ice. Always use insulated gloves or tongs when handling dry ice to avoid burns. Make your root beer in a large, well-ventilated room or outdoors to prevent carbon dioxide buildup. Keep in mind that dry ice evaporates quickly, so buy only the amount you need for your recipe.
Fermentation
If you want to go the traditional route, you can add carbonation through fermentation. This process takes longer, usually around 3 to 5 days, but it gives your root beer a natural fizz. To speed up fermentation, place the bottles in a warm place. If you need more time, slow down the process by storing the bottles in a cool location. Once fermentation is complete, move the bottles to a refrigerator or cooler to slow down the process and maintain the carbonation.
Adding Ingredients to Carbonated Water
A simple way to add carbonation is to combine your ingredients directly with carbonated water. Prepare your root beer syrup or concentrate separately, then add it to your carbonated water just before serving. This method helps retain the fizz as you avoid the step of pouring the mixture into a pitcher and then into glasses, which can cause a loss of carbonation.
Adjusting Carbonation Levels
You can control the level of carbonation in your root beer by adjusting the amount of dry ice you use. For a stronger fizz, use a larger amount of dry ice, and for a milder fizz, use a smaller amount. If you're using sparkling water, experiment with different brands to find one that suits your preferred carbonation level.
By following these steps and choosing the method that best suits your needs, you can create a diet root beer with just the right amount of fizz.
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Fermentation
Preparing the Mixture
Firstly, prepare the root beer mixture by simmering herbs and roots like sassafras, sarsaparilla, birch, mint, star anise, ginger, and cinnamon in water. You can also add other ingredients like coriander, allspice, and vanilla for additional flavour. Allow the mixture to steep, and then add sweeteners like brown sugar, molasses, or honey. Ensure you use caloric sweeteners to facilitate fermentation.
Cooling the Mixture
Cool the mixture to around 75°F (24°C). This temperature range is important, as adding your starter culture to a hot mixture will kill the wild bacteria and yeast. Room temperature or slightly warm mixtures provide the ideal environment for fermentation.
Adding the Starter Culture
Once the mixture has cooled, add your starter culture. You can use a ginger bug, kombucha, or another culture of your choice. The starter culture initiates the fermentation process, and the wild bacteria and yeast will begin to feed on the sugars in the mixture, producing carbon dioxide and alcohol as by-products.
The duration of fermentation depends on your desired level of carbonation and sweetness. For a sweeter root beer, ferment for a shorter period, around two to three days. For a drier and more carbonated root beer, ferment for three to four days. During fermentation, the mixture will develop carbonation, and the longer it sits, the more the sugars will be consumed.
Bottling and Carbonation
After fermentation, bottle your root beer using flip-top bottles or well-cleaned bottles with screw tops. Leave the bottles at room temperature overnight or longer to allow the carbonation to build. The closed bottles will trap the carbon dioxide produced during fermentation, resulting in a fizzy brew. Be cautious when opening the bottles, as excessive carbonation can cause the soda to fizz over.
Refrigeration
To halt the fermentation process and preserve your root beer, transfer the bottles to the refrigerator. Root beer typically tastes best after ageing for at least one day in the fridge. The refrigeration process slows down any remaining yeast activity and helps to stabilize the flavour and carbonation.
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Health benefits
Root beer is a unique, caffeine-free soft drink with a deep aromatic flavour derived from vanilla, licorice roots, sassafras extract, anise, wintergreen, and other ingredients. While commercial root beer is often loaded with sugar, artificial colours, and flavours, making diet root beer at home is a healthier alternative. Here are some health benefits of choosing a diet version of this beverage:
Reduced Risk of Weight Gain and Tooth Decay
Diet root beer is typically free from sugar or contains minimal amounts, which helps reduce the risk of weight gain and tooth decay associated with excessive sugar consumption. Sugar-free root beer can be a healthier option for people watching their weight or trying to limit their sugar intake.
Suitable for Diabetics
The absence of sugar in diet root beer makes it a suitable beverage option for people with diabetes or prediabetes. Sugar-free alternatives do not spike blood sugar levels, helping individuals with diabetes manage their condition effectively.
Caffeine-Free
Root beer is naturally caffeine-free, which means it won't interfere with sleep patterns or contribute to caffeine-related health issues. Caffeine-free beverages are often recommended for people with certain medical conditions or those looking to reduce their caffeine intake.
Reduced Risk of Adverse Reactions
Some commercial root beers contain artificial additives, colours, and preservatives, which may cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals. By making diet root beer at home, you can avoid these additives and minimise the risk of adverse health reactions.
Dental Health
Recent studies suggest that root beer is the least harmful soda when it comes to dental health. Unlike other sodas, root beer typically does not contain citric or phosphoric acid, which are major contributors to dental erosion and enamel loss. Therefore, choosing diet root beer over other sugary or acidic beverages may be a healthier option for your teeth.
Customisable Ingredients
Making diet root beer at home gives you complete control over the ingredients used. You can select natural flavours, avoid artificial additives, and adjust the sweetness to your preference. This customisability allows you to create a healthier version of root beer that aligns with your dietary needs and preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need sassafras, sarsaparilla, birch, mint, star anise, ginger, and vanilla. You will also need a sweetener such as sugar, maple syrup, honey, or molasses.
Sassafras root bark, birch bark, and sarsaparilla root bark are available at some homebrew and herb shops. You can also order them online.
The process takes a couple of weeks. However, the fermentation process can take up to several days, depending on your preference for sweetness.
Combine 2 quarts of water with the herbs and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 2 hours. Strain the liquid, add the remaining 2 quarts of water, and stir in the sweetener. Let the mixture cool, then add the yeast and let it sit for 15 minutes. Transfer to bottles, leaving 2 inches of space at the top, and let ferment for 2 to 4 days.
After a couple of days, check your bottles by squeezing the sides. If they feel rigid, the fermentation is finished. Transfer the bottles to the fridge to stop the fermentation process.
