Sodas Recipe
Make Sodas Recipe in just 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Simple Soda Base (per flavor)
Alternative flavor add-ins (choose 1–2)
Method
Simple Soda Base (per flavor)
- 1
Make a quick flavored syrup
Combine granulated sugar and 1/4 cup filtered water in a small saucepan. Add the citrus zest or grated ginger (if using). Warm over medium heat, stirring, until sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture slightly thickens (about 3–4 minutes). Do not boil vigorously. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh citrus juice or flavored concentrate. Let the syrup cool to room temperature (5–10 minutes). If using fresh fruit add-ins, briefly muddle them into the syrup now for extra flavor, then strain out solids if you want a clear soda.
- 2
Assemble the soda
Fill a tall glass with ice (about 1 cup). Pour 2 tablespoons of the cooled flavored syrup into the glass (adjust 1–3 tbs to taste for sweetness/intensity). Pour 4 cups of cold sparkling water over the syrup and ice slowly to preserve carbonation. Stir gently once with a long spoon to distribute the syrup without flattening the bubbles.
- 3
Garnish and serve
Add the garnish (lemon/lime wedge, mint sprig, or fruit slice). Taste and adjust: add up to 1 tablespoon more syrup for sweeter soda or a squeeze more citrus for brightness. Serve immediately while fizzy.
Alternative flavor add-ins (choose 1–2)
- 4
Berries: If using berries, mash 1/2 cup fresh or thawed frozen berries with 1 teaspoon sugar or in the syrup step, then strain through a fine sieve for a smooth soda or leave unstrained for a pulpy beverage. Use 1–2 tablespoons of the berry syrup per glass.
- 5
Herbs: Lightly bruise 4 herb leaves between your fingers to release oils and add to the syrup while it cools for 5–10 minutes, then remove the leaves before assembling. Alternatively, clap the herbs over the finished drink for an aromatic top note.
- 6
Cucumber: Add 3 thin cucumber slices directly into the glass before pouring sparkling water for a crisp, clean flavor. Or muddle them lightly with syrup for more infusion.
- 7
Vanilla or ginger: If using vanilla extract, add 1/4 tsp directly to the cooled syrup. If using ginger syrup, reduce or omit the granulated sugar and add 1 tablespoon ginger syrup to the glass in place of the plain syrup.