12oz Canned Soda Recipe

Make simple syrup

Combine 200 g granulated sugar and 240 ml water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is clear. Do not boil vigorously. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, then transfer to a sealed jar and refrigerate. Syrup will keep up to 2 weeks.

Chill all components: keep the carbonated water and simple syrup cold. If using a commercial canning process, ensure sanitation and proper pressurization; the following is a countertop assembly intended for immediate consumption or bottling.

Measure flavor base

In a chilled measuring cup, combine 60 ml of the chilled simple syrup with 5 ml of your chosen flavoring concentrate (cola flavor, lemon-lime, root beer extract, etc.). If making a cola-style soda, add 2 ml caramel color and ~1 ml phosphoric or citric acid solution to achieve a tangy profile. If adding caffeine, dissolve ~50 mg caffeine powder into the syrup mixture (ensure it is food-grade and fully dissolved). Stir until homogeneous.

Combine with carbonated water

Pour 355 ml of very cold carbonated water into a chilled, clean can or bottle. Gently and slowly add the flavored syrup mixture to the carbonated water by pouring down the side to preserve bubbles. Stir once gently with a sanitized spoon or stirrer (avoid vigorous stirring to prevent excessive foam and CO2 loss).

Taste and adjust

Taste a small sip. If the soda is too sweet, add up to 2–5 ml additional carbonated water. If too weak in flavor, add up to 1–2 ml more flavoring concentrate (be conservative). If acidity is low, add drops of citric or phosphoric acid (0.2–0.5 ml increments).

Serve

Pour the finished soda over 2–3 ice cubes in a glass if desired, or seal immediately if bottling for short-term refrigeration. Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge if using. Consume immediately for best carbonation and flavor.