Soft Drinks Recipe

Make the cola syrup

In a small saucepan combine 0.5 cup water, dark brown sugar and white sugar. Warm over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a gentle simmer (about 3–4 minutes). Add orange zest, ground cinnamon, grated nutmeg, and a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper. Simmer gently for 3 minutes to marry flavors, stirring occasionally.

Remove the pan from heat and stir in fresh lime juice, lemon juice, vanilla extract and the cold brewed coffee (if using). Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl or jar to remove solids and zest. This yields a concentrated cola syrup.

To serve, fill a tall pitcher or individual glasses with ice. For each 1 cup of cola finished drink, use roughly 2 tablespoons of cola syrup and 1 cup chilled carbonated water (adjust to taste). For the recipe quantities above (about 6 cups carbonated water listed), stir 6 cups chilled carbonated water into approximately 3/4 cup cola syrup (adjust sweetness/strength to preference). Mix gently to preserve fizz.

Taste and adjust: if too sweet add a squeeze more lime or lemon juice; if too weak add a little more syrup. Serve immediately over ice.

Make ginger syrup

In a small saucepan combine 0.5 cup water, grated fresh ginger and 0.5 cup granulated sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and simmer gently 5 minutes to extract ginger flavor. Turn off heat and let steep for 10 minutes for a stronger ginger essence.

Strain the ginger syrup through a fine mesh sieve, pressing solids to extract as much liquid and flavor as possible. Discard solids and let syrup cool to room temperature or chill briefly.

To assemble drinks: fill glasses with ice. For each serving (about 1 cup finished), combine 1–1.5 tablespoons ginger syrup with 3/4 cup chilled carbonated water and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust syrup or lemon to preferred sweetness and brightness.

Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a sprig of mint if desired. Serve immediately.

Make berry syrup

In a small saucepan combine 1 cup mixed berries, 0.25 cup water and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, crushing berries with a spoon or spatula to release juices. Simmer 4–5 minutes until berries are soft and syrupy.

Remove from heat and mash further if needed, then strain through a fine sieve to remove seeds and pulp. Press solids to extract syrup. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Chill the syrup briefly if still warm.

To assemble: fill glasses with ice. For each serving, mix about 2 tablespoons of berry syrup with 1/2 cup chilled carbonated water (adjust to taste). Stir gently to combine.

Top with a few fresh berries for garnish and serve immediately.