Adaptogenic Root Beer

This recipe is dedicated to my inner child who used to guzzle root beer when ever I saw a soda dispenser. Many years and a nutrition degree later, I still love root beer, but am pretty far away from reaching for soda. So I decided to make my own herbal adaptogenic root beer. Cheers to all the root beer and herbal medicine fans out there, this one is for you. 

Ingredients:
4 cups water
⅓ cup sassafras bark
¼ cup sarsparilla root
¼ cup eleuthero root
2.5 tbsp wintergreen leaves
2 star annaise 
2 tbsp burdock root
1.5 tbsp ginger root
¼ vanilla bean (cut in half with seeds scraped out)
1.5 tablespoon lemon zest
3/4 cup honey

Note: With the stove top method, the root beer concentrate cooks down to about 1 cup. While the instant pot method, the root beer concentrate remains at 4 cups. 

I have found success with both methods, the more concentrated  the mixture, the less you need.

​Adjust the honey as needed for your preferred sweetness.

Sometimes I add a splash of brandy to help with the preservation of the mixture. 

Instructions:* (see note)
​Stove Top Method:
Combine all herbs and water. DO NOT ADD THE HONEY. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about two hours.

Instant Pot Method:
Combine all herbs and water. DO NOT ADD THE HONEY. Cover and lock. Set to Manual High Pressure for 30 minutes. Allow to depressurize naturally.

Using a mesh strainer, strain the liquid into a glass jar. Compost the herbs.

Allow liquid to cool to room temp, then add honey, close the lid to the jar and shake vigorously until it is completely dissolved. You can use a blender if you'd like. 

​Store in the fridge.

Add 2 tbsp to 8oz of bubbly water and enjoy!