DIY Root Beer Liqueur

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon sassafras root bark
• 1 teaspoon sarsaparilla root bark
• 1 teaspoon birch bark
• 1 whole star anise
• 1 teaspoon crushed ginger
• 1 sprig chocolate mint
• Peeled zest from 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups vodka

Directions

1. Set a pot over medium heat and add the water, sassafras, sarsaparilla, birch, anise, ginger, mint, and lemon zest. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat so it simmers for 10 minutes. Take the pot off the heat, cover it, and let the mixture steep for 2 hours.
2. Set a second pot underneath a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth, then pour the steeped liquid through. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and molasses to the pot, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Pull it off the heat, stir in the vanilla, and let it cool.
3. Transfer the cooled liquid to a sealable glass jar, pour in the vodka, close the jar, and shake it. Let the mixture rest for 1 day. Keep it at room temperature for up to 6 months, or refrigerate it if you prefer.