Soda: Simple Syrup
Homemade soda simple syrup is the sweet-tart base for making your own sodas. Sugar dissolves into a smooth syrup with a hit of citric acid for tang, then you mix it with carbonated water and any flavor you like.
YIELD
4 servingsPREP
20 minCOOK
20 minREADY
20 minMaking your own soda starts here, with a sweet-tart syrup base you can flavor any way you like. It is just three ingredients: water, sugar, and a pinch of citric acid, simmered into a smooth syrup and mixed with carbonated water to order.
The simmering step matters. Cooking the sugar and water together until fully dissolved gives you a clear, stable syrup that pours smoothly and resists crystallizing in the fridge. The citric acid is the secret to that genuine soda taste, adding the tart, tangy bite that keeps the drinks from being one-note sweet.
Once it cools, bottle it and keep it refrigerated for a longer shelf life. To make a soda, stir about two ounces of syrup into a liter of carbonated water, then adjust to taste and add whatever flavoring you fancy.
Variations
- Steep fresh ginger, citrus peel, or herbs in the syrup while it simmers for instant flavor.
- Add fruit purees or extracts to make cola, root beer, or fruit sodas.
- Cut back the citric acid for a milder, less tart soda.
Ingredients
1:2 water to Sugar (1:1 for a thinner syrup)
1/4 t Citric Acid
Directions
Bring water to a boil. Add sugar - stir until dissolved. Turn down heat, simmering for 5 minutes (stirring continuously). Remove from heat. Stir in citric acid. Let cool about 10 to 15 minutes. Pour up into sealed container. Store in refrigerator for longer shelf life. Use 2oz per liter. Adjust to taste. Add flavoring to syrup as defined in flavoring recipe.
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