Guaraná Recipe
Make Guaraná Recipe in just 1h 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Syrup Base
Guaraná Concentrate
Assembly & Serving
Method
Syrup Base
- 1
Make simple flavored syrup
In a small saucepan combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Do not boil vigorously. Once the sugar is dissolved (about 3–5 minutes), remove from heat.
- 2
Add 1 tablespoon lime zest and 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice to the hot syrup. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon citric acid (this gives the characteristic bright, slightly tart soda note). Let the syrup cool to warm (about 10 minutes).
Guaraná Concentrate
- 3
Steep guaraná
Place 2 tablespoons guaraná powder (or crushed seed) in a heatproof container. Pour 1 cup hot water (just off boil) over the guaraná. Stir to combine, cover, and steep for 10 minutes to extract flavor and mild color.
- 4
After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or coffee filter into a bowl to remove solids. Press gently on solids to extract as much liquid as possible. You should end up with roughly 3/4 to 1 cup of guaraná-infused liquid.
- 5
While still warm, mix the guaraná infusion into the prepared syrup. Taste and adjust: if the guaraná flavor is weak, add another teaspoon of guaraná powder steeped in 1/4 cup hot water and repeat straining. If color is desired, stir in up to 1 teaspoon optional caramel coloring or a few drops of dark molasses for a brown soda color (optional and to taste).
- 6
Cool the combined guaraná syrup to room temperature, then transfer to a clean jar. Refrigerate until fully chilled (at least 1 hour). The syrup will keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Assembly & Serving
- 7
Mix the soda
To make one serving (about 12 fl oz): Fill a tall glass with 1/2 cup ice (about 1 cup by volume). Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chilled guaraná syrup (start with 2 tbsp for a milder soda; use 3 tbsp for a stronger, sweeter soda).
- 8
Pour in 8 ounces (1 cup) chilled club soda or sparkling water over the syrup and ice. Stir gently to incorporate. Taste and adjust sweetness/concentration by adding more syrup if desired.
- 9
Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim and a small spritz of lime juice if you want extra brightness. Serve immediately.
- 10
For a pitcher (serves 4): Combine 4 cups chilled club soda with 1/2 to 3/4 cup guaraná syrup (adjust to taste) in a chilled pitcher, stir gently, add ice and lime wedges to each glass when serving.