Extract, Root Beer Traditional imparts its signature flavor to homemade cakes, sugar cookies, and frosting. Try it the next time you make ice cream. One teaspoon is sufficient for your typical cake or cookie recipe, and can even be substituted for vanilla extract for a change of flavors. To make a very simple homemade root beer soda: in a stove pot, combine 2 cups water, 1 cup sugar, and 2 teaspoons Root Beer Extract Traditional. Reduce the liquid to a syrup and let it cool. Stir the syrup into chilled seltzer water to taste. Ingredient: Ethyl alcohol, water, natural flavor.