[weasel]

i used the real deal, not extract. And it came out great! I used old Corona bottles, and its a golden brown color, so if you didn't know better you'd think it was beer. I'll make another batch in a week or so, but with less juniper or ginger this time, and more sassafrass. Only problem I faced with the first run was a sediment that developed in the bottom of the bottles, probably from the fermentation of the yeast. Not a disaster, I just don't want floaties in my root beer.

That's an affirmative on the sugar. I used 2.5cups for a 2gallon recipe, which may be a bit much, but i was following directions. I'm sure it ferments a bit over the few days that it has to set, but not enough to be worth your while.