Diet Cola Recipe
Make Diet Cola Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Syrup Base
Flavoring Concentrate
Carbonation & Finish
Method
Syrup Base
Make the simple syrup
Combine 2 cups water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or erythritol/xylitol for a diet version) in a small saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon light corn syrup if using (for body) and 1 tablespoon caramel color. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the sweetener fully dissolves. Do not boil vigorously; maintain a gentle simmer for 2 minutes to slightly reduce and meld flavors. Remove from heat.
Flavoring Concentrate
Steep spices and peels
While the syrup is hot, add the broken cinnamon, a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, crushed coriander seed, 1/2" strip of orange peel (white pith removed), and a thin slice of fresh ginger to the syrup. Cover the pan and let steep in the hot syrup for 15 minutes so the oils infuse.
Finish the flavor blend
After steeping, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container to remove solids. Stir in 1 teaspoon cola flavoring extract (if available), 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon food-grade phosphoric acid solution (or 1/2 teaspoon of a 50/50 white vinegar/water mixture) to adjust brightness and the characteristic cola tang. Taste carefully and adjust: add more citrus for brightness (up to another 1/2 tsp combined), more vanilla for roundness (up to 1/2 tsp), or a touch more caramel for color/body.
Cool the concentrated syrup to room temperature, then refrigerate until fully chilled (at least 30 minutes). The result is a concentrated cola syrup — this recipe yields roughly 2 cups of syrup, enough to make about 4 servings when diluted.
Carbonation & Finish
Build the Diet Cola
Fill a tall glass with ice if desired. Pour 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the chilled cola syrup into the glass. Gently add 1/2 cup (120 ml) very cold carbonated water and stir once or twice to combine. Taste and adjust syrup-to-soda ratio to preference (1:2 syrup-to-sparkling-water is a good starting point for a strong cola; use 1:3 for lighter).
Garnish and serve
Garnish with a lime wedge or a twist of orange peel. Serve immediately while fizzy.