I've been asked to try to develop a rootbeer recipe (not using rootbeer extract) for a local microbrewery/restaurant. I've started to research, and I know some of the basics (not many). Knowing the basics, I have these questions:
Our intended audience would include kids, so even small amounts of alcohol would be out. Can one get a good flavor with regular carbonation?
Is there a source for safrole-free sassafras extract commercially? (as we couldn't sell anything with safrole.)
Is it a worthwhile line of thought to try to develop a recipe based on some older recipes that uses sarole-free extract and carbonation?
Has anyone made rootbeer using an extract from the "root beer plant" mentioned in an other email? What's it like?

I've glanced at some of the other posts, including the thread from Joey's microbrewery. I apologize if I missed some of the basics (I'm researching with my 18 month old girl in my lap!)

Thanks for all help!
Kirst

Kirst wrote:

Can one get a good flavor with regular carbonation?

Yes.

Kirst wrote:

Is there a source for safrole-free sassafras extract commercially?

I don't know a source. LorAnn oils sells "foodgrade sassafras oil" but this turns out to be mislabeled. I am guessing that safrole free sassafras oil is mostly heliotropine which is a controlled substance because it can be used to make amphetamines, so you may need a state and/or federal licences to buy heliotropine or even safrole free sassafras oil.

Consult with the guy who runs this website: http://www.fks.com/flavors/home.asp
and ask where you can buy:

Fema# 172.580 SAFROLE-FREE EXTRACT OF SASSAFRAS

Fema# 3010 SASSAFRAS BARK, EXTRACT (SAFROL-FREE) (Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees)

Please, let me know how this turns out.

Kirst wrote:

Is it a worthwhile line of thought to try to develop a recipe based on some older recipes that uses sarole-free extract and carbonation?

Yes.

Kirst wrote:

Has anyone made rootbeer using an extract from the "root beer plant" mentioned in an other email? What's it like?

No. Hoja Santa (root beer plant) is full of safrole and not GRAS (generally recognized as safe by FDA ). I would have no problem ingesting it myself, but, if you give it to other people, you can easily be sued.