Homemade Root Beer, Soda & Pop

by Stephen Cresswell

Add some fizzy sparkle to your life and discover the delicious and refreshing world of homemade soft drinks. Drawing on centuries-old traditions from American general stores and pharmacy soda fountains, this fun and informative guide has recipes for perennial favorites like birch beer and ginger beer, as well as more adventurous concoctions like Molasses Switchel and Dandelion Champagne. Stephen Cresswell provides easy-to-follow directions that cover everything from extracting the earthy undertones of sassafras for an exciting root beer to whipping up a caffeine-charged Coffee Whizzer. 

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Cooking, Brewing, Food, History

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 6, 1998

Reviews

[Bellwether · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have made 3 batches of homebrew and always wanted to make root beer. I saw a very simple easy recipe and wanted to try making a standard 5 gallon size keg for guests. I felt the recipe was a little clumsy for expanding the sasparilla root beer recipe. It was was designed for 11 x 12 oz. bottles. Not very standard. Not a gallon, but 11 x 12 oz. Uh. Ok then.

We should be talking about gallons. That way you can multiply by 5 and you get a recipe for 5 gallons of root beer, for a 5-6 gallon yeast packet and for a 5-6 gallon fermenting bucket or 5 gallon cornelius keg.

I'll update when a week has gone by and I get to sample the sasparilla. I'm so excited to try it and it just has 4 ingredients plus a week of carbonization.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stephen Cresswell shows readers how to create their own root beers, ginger ales, sarsparillas, and other plant-derived sodas and pops with a few few tools. He illustrates the process and tools with line drawings. Cresswell studied historic recipes for these savory beverages and presents many here. He gave readers some useful tips on differences in yeast then and now to keep in mind if using one of the older recipes. While I'd probably enjoy tasting one of these, the warnings about exploding bottles are enough to keep me running to nearby Amish store to savor one of these when I want one rather than attempting them on my own. I really think they make more than I'd consume before spoiling anyway.

[Toby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent manual for making home-made sodas and other bottled beverages. You won't find too much in the technique section (about 1/3 of the book) if you are already familiar with homebrewing beer. However, if you've never brewed your own beverages at home, this might be a great way to get started! Basic home-brewed root beer is actually pretty easy and inexpensive. Definitely a worthy substitute for high-fructose beverages from the store.[return][return]There are only a few recipes that actually sound interesting to make. But there are some great ideas, and a good section that gives guidance on how to improvise your own recipes. Also, some good detailed parts on preventing exploding bottles (never fun). I think I'll probably photocopy and save a few pages, but won't buy this one for reference.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short book provides basic instruction on how to brew your own homemade sodas, along with dozens of different recipes (some of which are quite old), from the fairly simple to ones that would likely take more time just to gather the ingredients than it would take for the entire brewing process. The discussion of the equipment needed is good, and I liked that the author acknowledged that some people get away with using other materials. I have made some homemade root beer before using a kit, and this book explained the reasons behind the instructions that the kit provided. Overall, a nice, solid introduction to non-alcoholic home brewing.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish i had time to try this simple brewing - on the list for skills to learn. a good over view with a range of recipies - I especially like the focus on foraging/harvesting. I don't quite feel confident I can do this just by reading this book but definitely some important tips and strategies.

[Clivemichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to the art, well described, paced and delivered. Includes a number of lol comments. Simple accessible recipes.

[Annette McIntyre · Rating 3 out of 5]

A history of home made soda and a whole lot of really interesting recipes makes this a good addition to the library of anyone wanting to make their own drinks.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is mostly a recipe book, with a little bit of history and how-to up front. Since soft drinks are a lot simpler than beer, the how-to section was enough for me, but someone who hasn't brewed before may want more information. The reader is usually referred to homebrew books or stores for more details on specifics (like how to make sanitizing solution). Going to try a ginger beer recipe first.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The recipes in this book look yummy, and the directions are clear. Unfortunately, each recipe calls for yeast for fermentation and carbonation. The book "Homemade Soda" by Schloss uses a soda stream or club soda for carbonation, which I would prefer.

[Alien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just got this book from the library and like it a lot. heck, even if you don't home brew I think this is great, brewing home made sodas is easier and quicker than making beer, and just as rewarding when little ones want to enjoy too.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent breakdown on how to make a variety of soft drinks. If you are familiar with homebrewing already then you're already pretty well equipped. They make it seem pretty simple, esp. compared to brewing beer. I can't wait to try.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book, very straight forward, great recipes!

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ginger ale conquered.
Root beer simplified.
Sarsaparilla demystified.

'Nuff said.

[Kevin & Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up to start "brewing" with my daughter.

[Loraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very useful if one decides to home brew root beer, ginger beer, or other sodas. I'm glad it's in a library near me.

[May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Might add (or remove) a star after we've tried out some recipes. A fun book to read even if you don't decide to try any of the drinks.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seemed like a great beginners guide. I'm looking forward to trying some of these recipes.

[Alisha Hanson Glatzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book, read it from cover to cover. Now it's time to start making sodas!!!!