{"id":"root_beer_9ce5c117c0","slug":"old-fashioned-root-beer","title":"Old-Fashioned Root Beer","description":"A classic American fermented soft drink, creamy and sweet with distinct notes of sassafras, wintergreen, and vanilla. This home-brewed version uses natural carbonation from yeast for a traditional finish.","serves":8,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":10,"totalMinutes":2900,"activeMinutes":20},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"2 liters of warm water","name":"Warm Water","quantity":2,"unit":"l","usQuantity":2.1,"usUnit":"quart","form":"warm","notes":"","group":"syrup","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"2 cups granulated sugar","name":"Granulated Sugar","quantity":400,"unit":"g","usQuantity":14.1,"usUnit":"oz","form":"granulated","notes":"Approximately 2 cups","group":"syrup","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"1 tablespoon root beer extract","name":"Root Beer Extract","quantity":15,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tbsp","form":"liquid","notes":"High quality extract","group":"flavoring","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"1/4 teaspoon champagne yeast","name":"Yeast","quantity":0.75,"unit":"g","usQuantity":0.25,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"dry","notes":"Champagne yeast or ale yeast","group":"fermentation","optional":false}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"In a large pot or clean jug, combine the warm water and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.","group":"Preparation","title":"Combine the warm water and granulated sugar","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"Let the sugar-water mixture cool to room temperature, approximately 70°F (21°C). Once cooled, stir in the root beer extract.","group":"Flavoring","title":"Let the sugar-water mixture cool","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Flavoring"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Sprinkle the yeast over the liquid and let it sit for a minute, then stir gently to incorporate.","group":"Fermentation","title":"Sprinkle the yeast","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Fermentation"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Pour the mixture into clean, food-grade plastic bottles, leaving at least 1-2 inches of headspace at the top. Seal the bottles tightly.","group":"Bottling","title":"Pour the mixture","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Bottling"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Place the bottles in a dark spot at room temperature (70°F (21°C)) for 24 to 48 hours. Check for carbonation by squeezing the plastic bottle; when it feels rock-hard like a commercial soda bottle, it is ready.","group":"Carbonation","title":"Place the bottles","timerMinutes":2880,"sourceTitle":"Carbonation"},{"id":"instruction-6","text":"Transfer the bottles to the refrigerator. This stops the fermentation process and chills the drink for serving.","group":"Storage","title":"Transfer the bottles","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Storage"}],"notes":"Ensure all equipment is sterilized to prevent off-flavors. Use plastic soda bottles rather than glass if you are new to home fermentation to avoid the risk of 'bottle bombs' from over-pressurization.","cuisine":{"group":"American","specific":["American"]},"course":["drink"],"cookingMethod":["simmer","noCook"],"equipment":["2-liter plastic bottle","funnel","large mixing jug","stirring spoon"],"diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","nut_free"],"allergens":[],"difficulty":"easy","yield":{"amount":2,"unit":"l","note":"approx. 2 liters of soda"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"Root beer must be made at least 2 days in advance to allow for carbonation."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Keep refrigerated to prevent further fermentation and over-pressurization.","reheatingNotes":""}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Froot_beer_9ce5c117c0%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=8b41d31b-de49-4d67-833c-3d7c5e667eae","imageAlt":"Old-Fashioned Root Beer — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["root beer","soda","homemade soda","beverage","american classics","fermented"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Old-Fashioned Root Beer","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-03T19:50:42.550Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-03T19:50:42.550Z","related":[{"id":"arnold_palmer_fc503e3b13","slug":"arnold-palmer","title":"Arnold Palmer","description":"A refreshing classic American beverage consisting of a non-alcoholic blend of iced tea and lemonade, named after the legendary professional golfer.","serves":2,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":5,"totalMinutes":10,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"American","specific":["American"]},"course":["drink"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","nut_free","egg_free","soy_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Farnold_palmer_fc503e3b13%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=4b49f556-c573-4e5b-afc3-1ab02f7bb34a","imageAlt":"Arnold Palmer — recipe cover","tags":["drink","iced tea","lemonade","refreshing","summer drink","alcohol free"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":5,"stepCount":5},{"id":"lemonade_e218aa4991","slug":"classic-fresh-lemonade","title":"Classic Fresh Lemonade","description":"A refreshing and perfectly balanced American classic made with freshly squeezed lemons and a simple syrup for a smooth, crisp finish.","serves":6,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":5,"totalMinutes":15,"activeMinutes":15},"cuisine":{"group":"American","specific":["American"]},"course":["drink"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","nut_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Flemonade_e218aa4991%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=2f25db9b-4b93-4cc5-9310-391dad6936c9","imageAlt":"Classic Fresh Lemonade — recipe cover","tags":["lemonade","refreshing","summer drink","citrus","party drink"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":5,"stepCount":5},{"id":"hot_chocolate_43f84aaa71","slug":"classic-homemade-hot-chocolate","title":"Classic Homemade Hot Chocolate","description":"A rich, creamy, and decadent homemade hot chocolate made with high-quality cocoa powder and real chocolate pieces for the ultimate comforting drink.","serves":2,"time":{"prepMinutes":2,"cookMinutes":8,"totalMinutes":10,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"American","specific":["American"]},"course":["drink"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian","gluten_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fhot_chocolate_43f84aaa71%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=46cfde21-778f-42d7-a787-bfbc3c37d17d","imageAlt":"Classic Homemade Hot Chocolate — recipe cover","tags":["hot chocolate","cocoa","warm drink","chocolate","cozy","winter"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":6,"stepCount":5}]}