Instructions
Before you begin, sanitize all of your brewing equipment.
Mix the water, brown sugar, and spruce tips in a large pot. Cut and squeeze the lemon into the pot. Bring to a boil and let it boil for 30 minutes.
Place the pot into a pan of ice water until the wort has cooled to room temperature, about 70°F (21°C).
Strain the wort into a one gallon jug, leaving 2-3 inches of head space at the top, then add the yeast. Cap the jug with a lid and give it a few shakes to combine and aerate.
Put a bit of water in the airlock to the line, then position it on the jug. Let the spruce beer ferment for at least 2-3 weeks, until the bubbles in the jug have slowed significantly but not completely.
Bottle the beer using the bottling instructions on this page. Let the bottles sit for 3-4 weeks before drinking. Serve cold!