Can Soda Recipe

Name: Cafe Jote - Authentic Ethiopian Coffee and Cuisines Can Soda Recipe
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 1 servings
Ingredients: 12 fl oz Carbonated water (seltzer or club soda); 1.5 tbsp Soda syrup or concentrated flavored syrup (cola, lemon-lime, root beer, etc.); 0.5 cup Ice (optional); 1 piece Lemon or lime wedge (optional, for garnish); 1 piece Reusable straw (optional); 2 tbsp Granulated sugar; 2 tbsp Water (for syrup); 1 tsp Vanilla extract; 0.5 tsp Fresh lime juice; 0.25 tsp Caramel color (store-bought) or a pinch of toasted sugar for color (optional); 0.25 tsp Cola flavor concentrate or a pinch each of ground cinnamon and nutmeg (optional, for approximating cola)

Inspired by Cafe Jote - Authentic Ethiopian Coffee and Cuisine

Time10m

Serves1

Make Can Soda Recipe in just 10m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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For one can of soda

12 fl oz Carbonated water (seltzer or club soda)

1 1/2 tbsp Soda syrup or concentrated flavored syrup (cola, lemon-lime, root beer, etc.)

1/2 cup Ice (optional)

1 piece Lemon or lime wedge (optional, for garnish)

1 piece Reusable straw (optional)

If making a single-serving homemade cola base

2 tbsp granulated sugar

2 tbsp Water (for syrup)

1 tsp Watkins vanilla extract

1/2 tsp Fresh lime juice

1/4 tsp Caramel color (store-bought) or a pinch of toasted sugar for color (optional)

1/4 tsp Cola flavor concentrate or a pinch each of ground cinnamon and nutmeg (optional, for approximating cola)

Method

For one can of soda

Prepare glass (optional)

If serving over ice, fill a tall glass with about 1/2 cup of ice. Chilling the glass or can beforehand keeps the soda colder longer.

Add syrup

Pour 1 1/2 tablespoons of soda syrup or concentrated flavored syrup into the bottom of the glass. If using a store-bought can of soda instead of syrup, skip to "Serve chilled."

Add carbonated water

Slowly pour 12 fl oz (about one standard can volume) of cold carbonated water (seltzer or club soda) over the back of a spoon or down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation and reduce foaming. Pour gently until you reach the top.

Mix gently

Use a long spoon or straw to stir gently just 1–2 turns to incorporate the syrup without flattening the carbonation.

Garnish and serve

Optional: squeeze a lemon or lime wedge into the soda and drop the wedge into the glass. Add a reusable straw if desired. Serve immediately while cold and fizzy.

If making a single-serving homemade cola base

Make simple cola syrup

In a small heatproof container or small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons water. Warm gently over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves to make a quick syrup (about 1–2 minutes). Remove from heat.

Add flavorings

Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon fresh lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon caramel color (or a pinch of toasted sugar) and 1/4 teaspoon cola concentrate or the pinch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Taste and adjust; this makes an approximate single-serving cola syrup.

Cool syrup

Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature (5–10 minutes). If you plan to use immediately for one serving, it can be used warm but will reduce carbonation if very hot.

Combine with carbonated water

Measure 1 1/2 tablespoons of the homemade cola syrup and proceed as in the main directions: place syrup in a glass with ice (optional), slowly pour 12 fl oz chilled carbonated water over the back of a spoon, stir 1–2 times, garnish and serve.