Interesting soda flavors to make at home
So you’ve finally sprung for the SodaStream, or maybe you just bought a lot of bottled water, and you’re looking to make your very own artisanal soda to make use of the flavor palate you’ve developed while studying for culinary academy. These tasty beverages can be great mixers for alcoholic drinks or just a way healthier version than the store bought alternative. Try these unique make-at-home soda flavors today:
Plum-Rosemary
The Yellow House blog features a simple, delicious recipe for turning boring soda water into a light, fizzy treat. To make the drink, you must create a rosemary syrup with sugar, water and the crushed herb. Boil the mix to a simple syrup and add it to glasses with muddled plum at the bottom. For a full plum flavor, use a ripe fruit and include the skins. If you’d prefer a more herbal taste, use only a little muddled plum at the bottom of the glass and add extra syrup. Garnish the drink with a sprig of rosemary and add a complete plum slices perched on the rim for a beautiful and simple drink great for mixing with gin or sipping straight up.
Mint-Pineapple
Sometimes the sweet and sour taste of pineapple can be overwhelming in sugary retail soda drinks. That’s why Food Republic shared this recipe from Karen Solomon’s “Can It, Bottle It, Smoke It and Other Kitchen Projects.” It uses the perfect mixture of sugars, lemon and pineapple to create a crisp, sweet drink that doesn’t leave you with a sugar high. Solomon suggests using 7 cups of pineapple chunks along with white and brown sugar to create a reduction sauce over the course of several hours. Then, add mint and let the mixture steep before using a sieve to remove all the solids. (They make a great topping for ice cream or angel food cake.) Later, add some lemon juice and the syrup to carbonated water for your drinking enjoyment.
Pomegranate
Instead of buying grenadine at the store, you can make it at home. Epicurious recommends using 2 cups of pomegranate juice plus caster sugar and salt to make your own. This method requires no heat – simply shake the ingredients in a lidded container until the sugar dissolves. This is a great recipe to make in a pinch when you have a last-minute barbecue to attend or host and you’re looking to make something unique as a base for cocktails. Add vodka or gin to soda water and this grenadine and you’ve got a tasty beverage to share.
