Homemade Root Beer (Rootbeer); Mccormick

Makes 5 gallons of naturally carbonated root beer. EXCELLENT for a large gathering (family reunion, graduation party, wedding reception, etc.). Also makes excellent gifts, just let the recipient know that these need to be consumed within a week. I make it for the 4th of July along with homemade ice cream and we all enjoy root beer floats! No preseratives, healthier than store bought. I have also posted an "instant" rootbeer recipe that uses dry ice for the carbonation step so you can drink it right away.

• Ready In: 120 hrs 45 mins
• Serves: 80
• Yields: 80 8 ounce glasses

Ingredients

• 2  ounces  mccormick  root beer extract
• 5  lbs sugar
• 5  gallons  lukewarm mineral water (approx 95*F)
• 1  cup water, pre-boiled and cooled to 85-95
• 2 1⁄4 teaspoons dry active yeast

Directions

1. Clean and sanitize all bottling equipment according to the information below.
2. Mix contents of bottle with 5 pounds of sugar in a large container. (DO NOT USE ALUMINUM). Stir in 5 gallons lukewarm spring water (approximately 95*F).
3. Dissolve yeast in 1 Celsius pre-boiled water cooled to 85-95*F. Allow to dissolve undisturbed 10-15 minutes. Add to sugar mixture and STIR WELL.
4. Bottle immediately into plastic bottles, leaving 2-inch head space at top of bottle. Cap tightly. Store bottles on their side in a warm place (70-80*F) for 1-2 days, then store upright in the refrigerator 40-45*F for 3-4 days more. Keep chilled and consume within 7-8 days.
5. CLEANING INFORMATION: Before using, sanitize bottles and equipment ina mild bleach solution, 2 oz. per 5 gallons cold water. Rinse several times with tap water inside and out.