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Ingredients
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Soda Base (per bottle)
Optional Garnishes & Variations (per bottle)
Tools & Bottles
Method
Prepare Flavor Syrup
- 1
Combine sugar and flavor
In a small heatproof container, combine 2 tablespoons granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon flavoring concentrate and 1 teaspoon citric acid solution (or 1 tsp fresh lemon juice). Add one tablespoon warm (not hot) water to dissolve the sugar and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is uniform. If using fruit purée instead of concentrate, use 2 tablespoons purée and reduce water to 1/2 tablespoon; strain if desired.
- 2
Adjust color and taste
If desired, add 1 drop food coloring to match the traditional color for that flavor (e.g., pink for strawberry, pale yellow for lemon) and taste. Adjust to taste by adding up to 1/2 teaspoon more sugar for sweetness or a few drops more citric acid/lemon for brightness. This syrup yields the sweet-tart flavor typical of Ramune for a single 300 ml bottle.
Assemble Bottle
- 3
Chill components
Make sure the carbonated water (about 300 ml) and the bottle are well chilled beforehand. Cold temperatures help retain carbonation and make opening easier.
- 4
Add syrup to bottle
Pour the prepared flavor syrup into the bottom of the chilled Ramune/Codd-neck bottle. Use a funnel if helpful. For fruit variations, add the 2 slices of fresh fruit or 1 small spoon (about 1 tablespoon) of strained purée now.
- 5
Top with carbonated water
Slowly pour 300 ml chilled carbonated water into the bottle over the back of a spoon or down the side to minimize foaming. Leave the marble and upper chamber in place (if using a Codd-neck bottle) in the unopened bottle.
Seal and Open (Codd-neck Ramune Bottle)
- 6
Install plunger and chill
If your bottle came with the Ramune plunger cap installed on top, press it into place but do not push the marble down yet. Allow the bottle to settle for 1–2 minutes if there was any foam from pouring.
- 7
Push the marble
Place the plunger on the marble and firmly press straight down until the marble drops into the upper chamber with a pop. Do this over a sink in case of overflow. The marble will seal the bottle when upright and create the characteristic Ramune closure.
- 8
Wipe and taste
Wipe any foam from the bottle rim, add 4 ice cubes if desired, and garnish with the chosen fruit slices or shiso leaf. Serve immediately while fizzy.
Non-Codd Bottle Method
- 9
For regular bottles
If using a regular resealable glass bottle, add the syrup and chilled carbonated water as above, leaving a small headspace. Seal tightly and chill for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to marry, then open slowly over a sink. Serve over ice and garnish as desired.
