3 ounces dried sasparilla

2 ounces sassafrass (or called gumbo file)

1 vanilla bean-cut down the middle

½ ounce fresh ginger-peeled and roughly chopped

1 tablespoon juniper berries

2 tablespoon whole coriander seeds

3 tablespoons whole star anise (or 1 tablespoon ground star anise)

3 sprigs of fresh mint

12 cups water

Combine all ingredients except the Organic Zero and Sparkling water in a large saucepot and boil until the mixture reduces by ¼.  Do not reduce any further or it will turn bitter.  However, it is pertinent that you taste it all along the way to insure that it does not.  Some dried herbs may be fresher than others.

Slowly whisk in the Organic Zero ½ cup at a time to desired sweeteness level.

Cool in an ice bath with all the ingredients still in.  Once cool, strain through a fine sieve. 

Fill a tall glass with ice, pour the root beer base up 2/3-3/4 full.  Top with Sparkling Water, give a quick stir and enjoy.