Old-fashioned Root Beer

Ingredients

 * 1 cake compressed yeast
 * 5 pounds sugar
 * 2 ounces sassafras root
 * 1 ounce hops or ginger root
 * 2 ounces juniper berries
 * 4 gallons water
 * 1 ounce dandelion root
 * 2 ounces wintergreen

Directions

 * 1) Wash roots well in cold water.
 * 2) Add juniper berries (crushed) and hops.
 * 3) Pour 8 quarts boiling water over root mixture and boil slowly 20 minutes.
 * 4) Strain through flannel bag.
 * 5) Add sugar and remaining 8 quarts water.
 * 6) Allow to stand until lukewarm.
 * 7) Dissolve yeast in a little cool water.
 * 8) Add to root liquid.
 * 9) Stir will.
 * 10) Let settle then strain again and bottle.
 * 11) Cork tightly.
 * 12) Keep in a warm room 5 to 6 hours, then store in a cool place.
 * 13) Put on ice as required for use.