Soda Recipe

Make Simple Syrup

Combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature (about 10–15 minutes). Refrigerate any extra syrup for future use.

Choose your flavor profile. For a classic lemon-lime soda use lemon and lime juices. For fruit soda use the fruit puree. For a ginger soda use ginger syrup or grated ginger strained into the drink. You may combine up to two flavorings (for example, 2 tbs lemon juice + 1/4 cup strawberry puree).

In a tall glass or pitcher, add 1/2 cup ice (per serving) and the chosen flavorings: 2 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp lime juice OR 1/4 cup fruit puree OR 1 tsp ginger syrup OR 1/4 tsp vanilla extract. Adjust quantities proportionally if making multiple servings.

Add 2 tablespoons (approx. 1/8 cup) of the prepared simple syrup to the glass (adjust to taste). If using a strongly sweet fruit puree, reduce syrup to 1 tablespoon.

Pour 3/4 to 1 cup chilled carbonated water over the ice and flavor mixture. Stir gently once or twice to combine without flattening the carbonation.

Taste and adjust: add more simple syrup for sweetness, more juice or puree for brightness, or a splash more carbonated water to dilute. If using grated fresh ginger, allow 30 seconds for infusion then stir and taste again.

Garnish with a citrus wheel and a sprig of mint if desired. Serve immediately while fizzy.

To make about 4 servings, combine 1 cup simple syrup (or to taste) with 1 cup chosen puree or 1/2 cup total fresh citrus juice in a pitcher. Add 12 cups chilled carbonated water just before serving and stir gently. Add ice to individual glasses rather than the pitcher to avoid diluting the batch.