Culver’s Copycat Root Beer Recipe (Easy Homemade Version)
If you’ve ever pulled through the Culver’s drive-thru and ordered a frosty cold root beer, you know it’s not just any soda. It’s extra creamy, deeply vanilla-forward, and has that sweet, nostalgic flavor that makes you think of old-school soda fountains. In this post, we’re making a fun, homemade Culver’s root beer copycat recipe that you can whip up in your own kitchen. No special soda machine, no brewing with yeast, and no guesswork—just simple ingredients, clear steps, and big flavor.A Quick Background on Culver’s and Their Famous Root Beer
Culver’s is a Midwestern favorite known for their ButterBurgers, fresh frozen custard, and that ice-cold root beer served in frosty mugs. Their root beer is:- Rich and creamy – not sharp or harsh like some canned root beers.
- Sweet but smooth – a round sweetness with notes of vanilla and caramel.
- Foamy and fizzy – that soft foam on top feels like a treat all by itself.
Homemade Culver’s-Style Root Beer: Overview
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| A frosty mug of homemade Culver’s-style root beer with creamy vanilla flavor—an easy copycat recipe you can make at home |
- No yeast, no fermentation – we’re making a quick root beer syrup and mixing it with club soda.
- Kid-friendly and party-ready – great for cookouts, birthdays, and movie nights.
- Easy to customize – you can make it sweeter, less sweet, spicier, or milder.
Ingredients for Culver’s Copycat Root Beer
Yield: About 8 servings (8-ounce glasses)Total Time: About 40 minutes (including cooling time)
Active Time: 15–20 minutes
For the Root Beer Syrup:
- 2 cups cold water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (use real vanilla for best flavor)
- 1 tsp root beer extract or concentrate
- 1/2 tsp caramel extract (optional, for deeper “Culver’s-style” flavor)
- 1/4 tsp anise extract or 1 whole star anise (optional but adds that classic root beer note)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon or 1 small cinnamon stick
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg (a pinch)
- 1/8 tsp salt (just a pinch to round out the sweetness)
- 6–8 cups chilled club soda, seltzer, or unflavored sparkling water
- Ice cubes (optional; Culver’s traditionally uses frosted mugs)
- Vanilla ice cream (optional, for root beer floats)
Step-by-Step Instructions (Stovetop, No Yeast)
Step 1: Make the Base Syrup
1. In a medium saucepan, add:- 2 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (or cinnamon stick)
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Star anise, if using whole
Step 2: Simmer Gently
1. Place the saucepan over medium heat.2. Stir occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture just starts to bubble.
3. Once it reaches a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Tip: You don’t want a rolling boil, just a light simmer. This helps the flavors blend without boiling off too much liquid.
Tip: You don’t want a rolling boil, just a light simmer. This helps the flavors blend without boiling off too much liquid.
Step 3: Add Extracts (Off the Heat)
1. Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the burner.2. Let the syrup cool for about 5 minutes. It should still be warm but not piping hot.
3. Stir in:
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp root beer extract
- 1/2 tsp caramel extract (if using)
- 1/4 tsp anise extract (if you did not use star anise)
- Add a bit more root beer extract for stronger flavor (1/4 tsp at a time).
- Add a bit more vanilla for extra creaminess.
- Add a teaspoon of water if the flavor seems too intense.
Step 4: Strain and Chill
1. If you used whole spices (star anise, cinnamon stick), strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a heat-safe jar or bowl.2. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until cold—at least 1 hour.
Tip: For quicker chilling, pour the syrup into a shallow dish so it cools faster.
Tip: For quicker chilling, pour the syrup into a shallow dish so it cools faster.
Step 5: Mix with Carbonated Water
For each serving:1. Fill a chilled glass or frosted mug about halfway with ice (optional).
2. Add 2–4 tablespoons of your root beer syrup to the glass.
3. Slowly pour in 3/4 to 1 cup of chilled club soda or sparkling water.
4. Gently stir once or twice. Don’t stir too hard or you’ll lose the bubbles.
5. Taste and adjust:
- Too weak? Add another tablespoon of syrup.
- Too strong? Add more soda water.
Step 6: Make a Root Beer Float (Culver’s-Style Treat)
1. Add 1–2 small scoops of vanilla ice cream to your glass.2. Slowly pour your mixed root beer over the ice cream.
3. Let that creamy foam rise up, then grab a spoon and a straw and enjoy.
Food safety note: Keep your root beer syrup refrigerated and use within 2 weeks
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
These numbers are estimates and will vary based on how much syrup you use and the brand of club soda.Per 8-ounce serving (about 1 cup made with ~3 Tbsp syrup):
- Calories: ~90
- Carbohydrates: ~24g
- Sugar: ~23g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: ~40mg
Super Simple Version (For Busy Days)
Want the flavor without simmering spices? Here’s a faster version that still gives you that Culver’s-style creamy root beer feel.Quick Root Beer Hack:
- 2 cups cold water
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2–2 tsp root beer extract (to taste)
- Pinch of salt
1. Stir sugar, water, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat until dissolved.
2. Remove from heat; cool 5 minutes, then stir in vanilla and root beer extract.
3. Chill, then mix 2–4 Tbsp syrup with 3/4–1 cup chilled club soda in each glass.
No extra spices, no straining—just mix, chill, and pour.
Allergy-Friendly and Preference Modifications
One of the perks of making homemade root beer is that you control the ingredients. Here are common needs and how to adjust:Gluten-Free
- The base recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as your root beer extract and vanilla extract are certified gluten-free.
- Double-check labels, especially on flavor extracts and caramel extract.
Dairy-Free
- The root beer itself is dairy-free.
- For floats, use dairy-free vanilla ice cream made from coconut, almond, oat, or soy milk.
Vegan
- Use standard granulated sugar (or a confirmed vegan sugar brand if you avoid bone-char processed sugar).
- Use plant-based ice cream for floats.
Paleo / Refined-Sugar Reduced
- Swap the sugar with:
- 1 cup maple syrup or
- 1 cup honey (note: this won’t taste exactly like Culver’s but can be delicious).
- Flavor may be a bit less “classic soda” and more “craft soda,” but still fun and refreshing.
Tips for Serving and Storing
- Chill everything: Keep syrup and club soda in the fridge. Cold ingredients make better foam and flavor.
- Frost your mugs: Place glass mugs in the freezer for 20–30 minutes before serving for that Culver’s vibe.
- Party pitcher: For a group, mix:
- 1 cup syrup with 6–7 cups cold club soda
- Stir gently and serve immediately to keep the fizz.
- Storage: Keep the syrup in the fridge up to 2 weeks. Do not pre-mix with soda water unless you plan to serve within a few hours (or it will go flat).
Why This Copycat Root Beer Works
This recipe isn’t about perfectly cloning Culver’s root beer (we can’t; their exact recipe is proprietary). Instead, it focuses on the experience:- A creamy vanilla base instead of a harsh, medicinal flavor.
- A touch of warm spice for that old-fashioned soda fountain feel.
- Balanced sweetness that still tastes like a treat but doesn’t feel heavy or syrupy.
Join the Conversation
Have you tried Culver’s root beer before? Does this homemade version get close for you? I’d love to hear:- How strong you like your root beer flavor.
- If you tweaked the spices (more vanilla, less anise, etc.).
- Whether you turned it into root beer floats for your family.
- Leave a comment with your tweaks and tips.
- Share this recipe with a friend who loves Culver’s—or just loves a cold, fizzy drink.
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