My bev-enthusiast friend and I just finished trying to make our own soda.

But instead of taking the more problematic(and pointless IMO) route of using yeast to create carbonation, we simply resolved to make our own syrup and mix it with seltzer water.

This idea was spawned from this recipe from FoodTV.com, although we greatly altered it.

We basically used the juice and zest from 5 oranges and one large grapefruit. We ended up using 1 1/4 cups of sugar, a little vanilla, a little lime juice and a little lemon juice.

My friend wanted a citrus coconut concoction, and suggested we use coconut extract, which isn't easy to find. Instead, we used pina colada mix. I recommend pina colada mix whenever one is trying to mix a strong coconut flavor. I use it when mixing tropical cocktails because it is not dairy, and will not curdle in very acidic environments(OJ, pineapple juice). So we put about a shot of that mix in it too.

In the end, we have a pretty tasty syrup(although more the consistency of juice, because it lacks high fructose corn syrup). I tasted much like Orangina with a soft vanilla/coconut accent. I definitely plan to do this again.

Has anyone else done something similar?


DJHS

No, but I have always wanted to do something with red cherries,orange juice/peal and a touch of prune juice (adds sweetness and takes the edge off the acidity of the orange juice).

Your soda pop experiment sounds tasty.

There is a product put out by Goya foods called coloda (sp) that could work for you. It does sound like a nice experiment. I think I would get a seltzer maker with co2 cartrages to ensure enough carbonation. But my New Jersey tap water would be a no no. Bottled water for sure.