Dandelion & Burdock Substitute

Skauy

I read a post recently about someone adding almond extract to cola to get a cheap substitute for Dr Pepper. But I was wondering if such a thing would work for creating something that resembles Dandelion & Burdock (the typical supermarket variety) - even if it is only a small resemblence? It's my favourite soft drink, but it isn't sold where I live, so anything similar will do for me!
Dandelion & Burdock to me tastes a bit like aniseed, so would adding an anise extract/oil work? I'm so clueless! :think:

Hope someone can help

minimacka

I noticed today that in Wilkinsons they have dandelion and burdock in cans 3 for £1. If you have one it might be worth having a look.

Skauy

That does sound a good offer. But I live in Norway and unfortunately there are no Wilkinsons around. I'll perhaps try and experiment with some cheap cola and different extracts and see if I can achieve anything similar tasting!

rinabean

I can barely find the stuff in the shops any more in England! Have you considered making your own? You can buy the dried roots online for not too much. As it would be the real stuff which is a bit stronger than the type made with flavourings, you could mix it with coke to both stretch it out and make it milder and sweeter.

Seakay

low alcohol drink made with fresh ingredients:
http://www.hedgerowharvest.org.uk/hedge-recipes/item/112-dandelion-and-burdock-beer

make the syrup from dried ingredients to mix for soft drink:
http://uktv.co.uk/food/recipe/aid/598356

very low alcohol simple recipe with fresh ingredients:
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/grapevine/juicy-gossip/real-dandilion-burdock-pop-recipe_13112.html

You can also buy tincture of burdock online which you could use as a flavouring. Here you can buy dried dandelion root and burdock root in many health food shops - not sure if it's the same where you are.

shebangs

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Skauy

rinabean wrote: »

I can barely find the stuff in the shops any more in England! Have you considered making your own? You can buy the dried roots online for not too much. As it would be the real stuff which is a bit stronger than the type made with flavourings, you could mix it with coke to both stretch it out and make it milder and sweeter.

I didn't realise you could buy the dried roots online. That sounds like a good idea! I've not tried the real Dandelion & Burdock before, so this is definitely something I'd like to try.

Seakay wrote: »

low alcohol drink made with fresh ingredients:
http://www.hedgerowharvest.org.uk/hedge-recipes/item/112-dandelion-and-burdock-beer

make the syrup from dried ingredients to mix for soft drink:
http://uktv.co.uk/food/recipe/aid/598356

very low alcohol simple recipe with fresh ingredients:
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/grapevine/juicy-gossip/real-dandilion-burdock-pop-recipe_13112.html

You can also buy tincture of burdock online which you could use as a flavouring. Here you can buy dried dandelion root and burdock root in many health food shops - not sure if it's the same where you are.

Thanks for the links to the recipes. If I can get the roots, then I may very well try these. Certainly something different! I can't say I've even seen any health food shops here, but I'll have a look and if there are, I'll have a look there for the roots before I buy them online.

shebangs wrote: »

could you get your hands on a 2nd hand soda stream and get busy with the fizzy? you can get the syrups off the net and they last ages

As tempting as that sounds, I really am trying to avoid buying any more kitchen equipment at the moment, but if everything else fails, then I may just have to turn to it.