Sodas Recipe
Make Sodas 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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Classic Fruit Sodas (per 1 serving)
Basic Fruit Syrups (makes approx. 1 cup syrup — enough for 8 sodas)
Herbal/Citrus Variations (optional additions per batch)
Method
Make the Fruit Syrup (prepare ahead)
- 1
Combine sugar and water
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Stir to combine over medium heat.
- 2
Add fruit and simmer
Add 1 cup chopped fresh fruit or 1/2 cup concentrated fruit juice to the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. If using ginger or herbs for infusion, add them now.
- 3
Simmer and reduce
Let the mixture simmer gently for 6–8 minutes until the fruit has softened and the sugar is fully dissolved and slightly thickened. Do not boil vigorously.
- 4
Macerate and strain
Remove from heat and let sit 10 minutes to macerate. If you used whole fruit, press the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, extracting as much liquid as possible. Discard solids (or reserve for use on desserts).
- 5
Brighten and cool
Stir in 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional) to balance sweetness. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature, then transfer to a sealed jar and refrigerate. Syrup will keep up to 2 weeks.
Assemble a Single Soda
- 6
Fill glass with ice
Choose a tall glass and add about 1 cup of ice cubes to chill the glass and slow dilution.
- 7
Add syrup and citrus
Measure 1 1/2 tablespoons of the prepared fruit syrup into the glass. Add 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice to brighten the flavor.
- 8
Top with sparkling water
Slowly pour 8 oz chilled sparkling water over the syrup and ice. Pour gently to preserve carbonation and to let the syrup swirl for a pretty presentation.
- 9
Stir gently
Use a long spoon or straw to gently stir 2–3 times to incorporate the syrup into the sparkling water without flattening the bubbles.
- 10
Garnish and serve
Garnish with a slice of fruit and a sprig of mint or basil. Serve immediately with a straw.
Variations and Notes
- 11
Herbal: For a mint or basil soda, bruise 2–3 herb sprigs and add to the syrup while simmering, then remove before bottling. Ginger: Add 1 tablespoon sliced ginger to the syrup when simmering for a spicy ginger soda. Vanilla: Stir 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract into the cooled syrup for a cream soda note.
- 12
Sugar adjustment: Use more or less syrup per soda to suit sweetness preference. For a lower-sugar option, use 1 tablespoon syrup per glass or mix 1 part syrup with 1 part seltzer concentrate.