Filbert's Local Crafted Soda Recipe

Make the syrup

Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar fully dissolves and mixture comes just to a gentle simmer. Do not boil vigorously; once sugar is dissolved, remove from heat.

Allow syrup to cool for 1–2 minutes before adding infusion ingredients so heat extracts flavors gently without burning delicate components.

Infuse flavors into syrup

Add the lemon zest, orange zest, sliced fresh ginger, toasted crushed filberts, and the split vanilla bean (or 1/2 tsp vanilla extract) to the warm syrup. Stir to combine, then cover the saucepan and let steep for 20–30 minutes off the heat to extract aroma and oil from the zests and nuttiness from the filberts.

After steeping, taste the syrup for balance. If you prefer a stronger hazelnut note, gently press the toasted filberts with the back of a spoon while they steep (this helps release more flavor).

Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container to remove zests, ginger, nut solids, and vanilla pod. Press gently on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids.

Cool the strained syrup to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or until fully cool). The syrup can be stored in a sealed jar for up to 1 week.

Add fresh acids

Stir 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice into 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the chilled flavored syrup (adjust syrup quantity to taste). Taste and adjust: aim for a bright, slightly tart balance that complements the nutty-sweet notes. Reserve remaining syrup for future uses or additional drinks.

Assemble the soda

Fill four tall glasses with ice (about 1/2 cup ice per glass). For each glass, add about 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the lemon-lime flavored syrup mixture (this yields a lightly sweetened soda). Adjust to 1–3 tablespoons per glass depending on sweetness preference.

Top each glass with 1 cup (240 ml) chilled club soda or seltzer. Gently stir once to combine without losing too much carbonation.

Garnish each glass with a mint sprig, a thin lemon slice, and a few lightly crushed toasted filbert pieces (optional) to emphasize the hazelnut character. Serve immediately.

If making a larger pitcher: combine 1 1/2 to 2 cups chilled club soda with 1/2 to 3/4 cup flavored syrup mixture in a pitcher, stir gently, add ice and garnishes, and serve.