Bottled Soda Recipe

Make simple syrup

Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is clear (do not boil vigorously). Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate. (Yields about 1 cup.)

Citrus-ginger (example blend)

In a measuring cup combine 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, and 2 tablespoons ginger syrup. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract if using. Taste: this concentrate should be bright and a bit tart; it will be diluted with carbonated water.

Fruit or herb variation

If using fruit puree, whisk 1/4 cup puree with 2 tablespoons simple syrup to loosen. For minty soda, bruise 6–8 mint leaves with the back of a spoon and steep in 2 tablespoons warm simple syrup for 5 minutes, then strain. Adjust sweetness to taste; remember dilution with carbonated water will reduce intensity.

Chill the carbonated water well (cold holds carbonation best). Prepare a clean workspace and make sure bottles are cold. For each 16–20 oz bottle (about 2 cups/480 ml): add 3 tablespoons of the prepared flavor concentrate (see examples above) and 3 tablespoons (about 1.5 oz) of simple syrup if additional sweetness is desired. Do not overfill the bottle.

Carefully pour 2 cups (480 ml) chilled carbonated water into each bottle over the flavoring. Pour slowly down the side of the bottle to preserve carbonation. Leave about 1/2 inch headspace at the top.

Cap bottles tightly. Gently invert each bottle 3–4 times to mix flavor and syrup with the carbonated water without vigorous shaking (which will lose carbonation).

Refrigerate bottles for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and to fully chill. For best flavor, rest refrigerated for 4–24 hours before serving.

To serve, open bottles slowly to avoid foaming. Serve over ice if desired and garnish with a lemon wheel, mint sprig, or fruit slice.

Store unopened bottles refrigerated and consume within 3–5 days for best carbonation and freshness. Once opened, consume immediately.