This first drink recipe I got many years ago when we lived on the east side of Indy. Dorothy Davis was a neighbor to Irene Fishero and it was through her I got this. When we would cook on the hearth at our saltbox house, I would serve this very tasty root beer.

HOMEMADE ROOT BEER
1 C. warm water 2 C. sugar
1 t. dry yeast 2 T. Hires root beer extract
Put the above into a clean gallon plastic jug and slosh around until all is dissolved.
Fill the jug with cold tap water and let set at room temperature for 12 hours.
Chill and serve.

Sara Epler of Morgantown is a delightful person to know and one who always has good recipes to share like this one. It, too, is sorta an old fashioned type beverage. Sip it while hot and it will settle an upset tummy. Mix some with 7-Up and you have a most delicious gingerale type drink. Ginger is an old root that has a wonderful flavor.

GINGER TEA
1/4 C. fresh ginger root, grated or sliced thinly
4 C. water
1 t. whole cloves
1-3 inch stick cinnamon
1 t. lemon juice
Mix all but the lemon juice in a pan and simmer on LOW for about 20 minutes.
Strain out the bits and pieces and stir in the juice. Sip s-l-o-w-l-y.
Refrigerate the rest. Mix 1/3 C. to 1 can 7-Up for a gingerale.

I have Dorothy Wilfong to thank for this wonderful drink recipe. It has such a lovely color and so very refreshing on a hot summer day. A word to the wise: if one goes overboard drinking this tea, it CAN have a laxative effect on some folks.

RHUBARB TEA
4 C. diced unpeeled rhubarb, red variety preferred for color
4 C. water
1 t. lemon juice
1 C. sugar
Simmer rhubarb and water until tender, about 20 minutes.
Strain. Add juice and sugar and stir to dissolve.
Cool well. Serve over ice. Serves four.


NOTE: Dorothy thought 1 C. sugar made the tea too sweet and so added extra water. Do to your own taste. m.e.