Soda Recipe

Make Simple Syrup

Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Add lemon zest and sliced ginger if using. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar fully dissolves. Once dissolved, bring to a gentle simmer for 1–2 minutes to infuse. Remove from heat and let steep 10–15 minutes for stronger flavor, then strain out solids through a fine mesh sieve. Cool to room temperature.

Mix Flavor Base

In a small pitcher, combine 2 tablespoons cooled simple syrup with 2 tablespoons fresh lemon (or lime) juice. If making a cream soda, stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. If making a fruit soda, substitute or add 2 tablespoons fruit puree or cordial instead of vanilla. Taste and adjust: add more syrup for sweetness or more citrus for brightness. This concentrated flavored syrup will flavor one 12 oz serving.

Fill a tall glass with about 1 cup ice. Pour the flavored syrup mixture (approximately 3–4 tablespoons total) over the ice. Slowly top with 12 oz chilled carbonated water to preserve fizz. Stir gently once with a long spoon to incorporate — do not vigorously stir or you will lose carbonation. Garnish with a mint sprig or a citrus wheel. Serve immediately.