Copycat A&W Root Beer

Here’s a copycat A&W root beer recipe that gets you really close to the smooth, creamy flavor they’re known for:

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Ingredients (makes about 2 liters)

• 2 liters cold club soda or carbonated water
• 2 ½ teaspoons root beer extract (McCormick or Zatarain’s work well)
• 1 cup white sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar (for richer flavor)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 2 tablespoons honey or molasses (for depth)

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Instructions

1. Make the syrup:

   • In a saucepan, add 1 cup water, white sugar, and brown sugar.
   • Heat on medium until the sugars dissolve completely (don’t boil).
   • Remove from heat and stir in root beer extract, vanilla, and optional honey/molasses.

2. Chill the syrup:

   • Let the syrup cool completely in the fridge (this gives a smoother flavor).

3. Mix with soda:

   • Add about ½ cup syrup per 12 oz (355 ml) cold club soda, adjusting to taste. Stir gently to avoid losing carbonation.

4. Serve:

   • Pour over ice and enjoy immediately!

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Tips for a true A&W flavor

• Use cold club soda; warm soda will go flat quickly.
• For creamier root beer, add 1 tablespoon half-and-half or vanilla ice cream (root beer float style).
• Store extra syrup in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.