Root Beer

In a large stock pot, combine the licorice root, star anise, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla beans (3 sliced lengthwise or substitute extract), nutmeg, allspice, orange zest, wintergreen leaves and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Stir in the molasses and brown sugar until dissolved. Continue to cook for another 15 minutes. Remove mixture from heat, cover, and let steep and cool for at least an hour, or until the temperature reaches around 80°.

Strain the mixture over cheesecloth, and discard the roots and herbs.

If kegging: transfer to keg and carbonate without pitching yeast.

If bottling: Pitch yeast into the root beer mixture. Transfer to bottles, and allow to carbonate at room temperature for 36-72 hours, or until the desired carbonation is reached (check every 12 hours). Keep the bottles in a closed cooler just in case one of them explodes. Once the root beer is carbonated enough, transfer to the fridge to chill and slow carbonation.