Bottled Soda Recipe
Make Bottled Soda Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Soda Base
Flavoring (choose one or combine)
Acid & Brightness
Bottling & Finishing
Method
Make Simple Syrup
Combine and Heat
In a small saucepan combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture barely simmers (do not boil vigorously). Remove from heat.
Let the simple syrup cool to room temperature. If you want an infused syrup (ginger or cola spice), add the grated ginger or spice mix to the hot syrup, steep for 15–20 minutes, then strain through a fine mesh sieve and discard solids.
Prepare Flavoring
Citrus & Berry Prep
If using citrus juices, zest first if called for, then juice lemons, limes, or oranges. For berry flavors, puree berries and strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds for a smooth soda.
Measure and combine your chosen flavorings. Example blends: Lemon Soda — 1/2 cup lemon juice + 1 tsp vanilla; Ginger-Lime — 2 tbsp grated ginger (steeped into syrup) + 1/4 cup lime juice; Orange-Berry — 1/4 cup orange juice + 1/2 cup strained berry puree.
Taste the concentrated flavor mixture. It should be noticeably tart/sweet since it will be diluted when mixed with carbonated water. Adjust with small amounts of syrup, juice, or citric acid to balance brightness.
Mixing Soda
Combine Concentrate and Carbonation
In a large pitcher, add the cooled simple syrup and the measured flavor concentrate (total concentrate should be about 3/4 to 1 cup depending on desired strength). Add 6 cups (about 1.4 liters) of well-chilled carbonated water. Stir gently to combine — do not vigorously stir to preserve carbonation.
Add citric acid (about 1/2 tsp) or more lemon juice if needed to brighten the flavor. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity by adding small amounts of syrup or juice.
Bottling
Pour the mixed soda into bottles, leaving about 1 inch (2–3 cm) headspace. Cap tightly.
If you used only pre-carbonated water (no fermentation), bottles can be refrigerated immediately. Store upright in the refrigerator and consume within 5–7 days for best fizz and freshness.