Homemade root beer using extract is one of our favorite drinks, especially when we make a big cauldron of it for a party, tailgating, or Halloween. This is so incredibly simple using only 5 ingredients. You can even get the kids involved! Once you learn how you won’t believe you’ve never made it at home. Homemade root beer is the fun kitchen activity you never knew you needed!
For more easy party recipes that can wow a crowd, check out our simple charcuterie board, browned butter rice krispie treats, or one of our personal favorites: girdle busters!
Why Our Recipe
- Just 5 ingredients for a drink that’s perfect for parties!
- All you need is a large container, some dry ice, and a little root beer extract.
Homemade root beer is an easy and fun way to bring a little magic to your party. No need for any fancy equipment either. Dry ice creates that classic fizz that’ll have you feeling like you’re sipping straight from an old-fashioned soda fountain.
Ingredient Notes
- Cold Water: Ice cold water as you don’t want to melt the dry ice too fast!
- Granulated Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet root beer, start with 2 cups and adjust after taste-testing. You can also substitute an equal amount of brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
- Root Beer Extract: Look for it in the baking aisle or near the extracts at your grocery store. Depending on the brand, the strength may vary, so feel free to adjust the amount for your taste.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a smooth and creamy undertone to the root beer. Good quality vanilla makes a difference here.
- Dry Ice: Dry ice is what gives the root beer its signature fizz and fun presentation. Be sure to handle it with care—use gloves or tongs, as it can cause burns if touched directly.
All About Root Beer Extract
If you’ve never made homemade root beer before, you’ve most likely never heard of root beer extract. You can typically find it near the other extracts in the baking section of the grocery store. If it’s hard to track down locally, it’s widely available online. One thing to remember is not to confuse root beer extract with root beer concentrate. We prefer using extract, but you can always use concentrate if that’s what you have on hand. If using concentrate, make sure to reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon.
All About Dry Ice
Dry ice is made of solid carbon dioxide, and when it interacts with liquid, it dissolves into gas, creating that smoke-like vapor that makes it look so cool! You can find dry ice in most grocery stores, especially larger chains or warehouse stores. It’s often located near the frozen goods section or in a separate freezer dedicated to dry ice. Sometimes you can even find it at a gas station!
Dry Ice Safety
Use gloves or tongs: Dry ice is extremely cold (-109.3°F or -78.5°C) and can cause severe frostbite if it comes into direct contact with your skin. Always use insulated gloves or tongs to handle it.
Never ingest dry ice: Ensure the dry ice has fully sublimated (dissolved) before drinking the root beer. Swallowing dry ice can cause serious internal injuries.
Store properly: Dry ice evaporates quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to buy it close to when you’ll be making your root beer. Store it in an insulated container, like a cooler, but never in a sealed container. As the dry ice turns into gas, the pressure could build up and cause the container to burst.
Dry Ice Alternative
You can easily substitute dry ice with club soda to get that bubbly, carbonated effect. This method is great for those who want to avoid handling dry ice or if you can’t find it.
To make the switch, simply replace the cold water and dry ice with club soda. Start by adding 4 cups of club soda to your drink dispenser, along with the sugar, root beer extract, and vanilla. Stir gently until the sugar is fully dissolved and no granules remain. It’s important to do this with only a small portion of the club soda first, as stirring can knock out the carbonation. Once the sugar is dissolved, slowly add the remaining 12 cups of club soda to the mixture. This method doesn’t create the same dramatic effect as dry ice, but it’s a quick and easy alternative that delivers deliciously fizzy results.
Storage Instructions
As a note, dry ice doesn’t store, so you will want to only make as much as you plan to drink. You can always make your root beer ahead of time and simply add in the dry ice right before serving.
More drinks for a party…
Slow Cooker Apple Cider From Scratch
6 hrs 10 mins
Texas Twister Copycat
15 mins
Brazilian Lemonade
15 mins
Watermelon Slushy
5 mins
I have a question. Could I make a simple syrup with a few cups of the water and the sugar so the sugar dissolves thoroughly? I would let it cool completely before making the Rootbeer of course. Or would chemistry come into play and change the flavor? Please share your thoughts with me. Thank you!!
You absolutely could do it that way.
Hmmm, interesting. Loved root beer but we rarely had soda pop back then — was
JUST a treat like on vacation. So I decided to make some per recipe using yeast,
which gave it more “oomph” than the store variety.
Had bottles and a capper — probably 10 -12 quarts or so made. Placed them on the
old farm porch to set awhile. After a few weeks some kind of “exploded.” Not too bad
a mess but sorrow over losing some. A bit yeasty tasting compared to the store
pop but good nevertheless. Would have used less yeast if made again.
Now in our older ages, husband has a root beer float or two every day, while I prefer
water (with minerals from the well).
I love your complete instructions and hints, great useable recipes.
Homemade root beer, I make it often. I haven’t been able to find McCormick extract for quite some time, I am able to get the zatarains brand. If your not from Louisiana, you may have to order it online. Instead of water I use seltzer water and Splenda as my sweetener. Seltzer water makes it fizzy.