Required:
1 packet of root beer ingredients
2 two-liter plastic bottles, ~12 PET Bottles, or high-pressure-safe glass bottles (EZ Cap)
1 gallon filtered water, divided into half gallons
2 cups brown sugar
1.5 tbsp molasses
1/8 tsp ale yeast
Instructions:
1) Combine 2 quarts water and the root beer ingredients in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. Remove pot from heat, cover, and let steep for 2 hours.
2) Strain liquid through fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth into a large pot. Add remaining 2 quarts water along with brown sugar and molasses. Stir until mixture is integrated, then cover.
3) Let cool to 75F, then stir in yeast and let sit for 15 minutes. Fill each bottle with the mixture, leaving 2 inches of space at the top, then cap the bottle. Keep bottles at room temperature for ~48 hours, then open bottle slowly and carefully to check carbonation. If more carbonation is required, reseal the bottle and let rest for another 12 to 24 hours until desired carbonation is reached.
4) Place bottles in the refrigerator for 2 days before drinking. You can store refrigerated root beer for about one month.