Step 1

When making root beer at home, it’s important to follow these steps in sequence.

Step 2

Place plastic bottle on sturdy surface.

Step 3

Place funnel in plastic bottle.

Step 4

Add 1 cup of sugar.

Step 5

Add 1/4 teaspoon of baker’s yeast.

Step 6

Shake well to mix the yeast and sugar (don't forget to put the cap on!)

Step 7

When you’re done shaking, take the cap off, hold the bottle upright and swirl slowly to bring the yeast/sugar mixture back to the bottom.

Step 8

Place funnel back in and add 1 tablespoon of root beer extract.

Step 9

Fill the bottle just half way with cold water.

Step 10

Swirl the bottle again to mix the root beer extract and water with other ingredients.

Step 11

Place funnel back in and add cold water (just about an inch shy of full).

Step 12

Place cap on and shake gently until ingredients are dissolved.

Step 13

Place your root beer mixture on a shelf at room temperature—not cold, not hot.

Step 14

Let the root beer ferment for three or four days—you’ll know when it’s done if the bottle feels hard when you squeeze it. Make sure you check the bottle for hardness regularly.

Step 15

When the bottle feels hard, place your root beer in the refrigerator to cool overnight.

Step 16

Get out the ice cubes (or ice cream), serve, and enjoy!