Homemade Soda Pop

The warm breezes of spring are blowing right now. Along with warmer weather comes a thirst for ice tea and pop (a.k.a. soda). Here are a few recipes for soda pop that can be made at home. Until discovering variations of these recipes online, I had no idea “pop” could be made so easily at home. Remember that ingredients can be substituted to fit your pantry and taste. Relish the freedom to experiment and enjoy at will.

Citrus Quencher
3/4 cup sugar
8 C. water
1/4 cup baking soda
3-4 citrus fruit, juiced (oranges, limes, or lemons)
Boil sugar and water until the sugar is dissolved. Chill syrup thoroughly. Stir in baking soda. Leave room for overflow! Add sugar syrup to iced glasses. Just before serving, add orange juice to each glass. The citric acid will activate the baking soda resulting in extra special fun for children! Note: May want to prepare this one outside.
Citrus Quench immediately brought thoughts of bridal and baby celebrations to mind. I think it would also provide a delightful warm weather drink for an afternoon gathering of friends or teatime.

Fruit Fizzies

                    2 cups fresh fruit such as strawberries, berries, peaches, pineapple, grapes
                    1 cup sugar
                    8 C. water
                    2 liters carbonated soda water
Boil first three ingredients to create a syrup. Strain through cheesecloth or a mesh strainer. Remember to strain liquid into a container. You don’t want to lose your soda down the drain. Chill in fridge. Pour syrup over ice, then top with soda. Can add approx. 2 T. half- &-half and top with whipped cream. Fruit can be chosen by season.

Having two children with summer birthdays, I was captured by the thoughts of the vibrant colors and refreshing natural sweetness Fruit Fizzies would provide. Can’t you just see a birthday table for a little man popping with vibrant reds and/or blues of strawberries and blueberries and the delicate blush that peaches would lend to a princess’ party?
All I can say about the following Vanilla Cream recipe is “I want one. Right now.” Does anyone have a carbonated soda on hand? This one says, “Grown up time” to me. I am thinking that this might be nice alongside an evening with just My Beloved and I. Then again, it could also be the perfect beverage to accompany that book I’m working my way through. Wonder what it would taste like if I switched out the almond extract for some caramel extract instead?
　
Vanilla Cream
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp almond extract
3 tsp sugar
2 Tbsp cream
8 oz carbonated soda water
In a tall glass, mix everything except the soda water. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
Add ice and stir in soda water.

More DIY soda recipes can be found online. Consider today’s post a jumping off place for a fun springtime adventure. Experimenting during spring will ensure perfection in time for summertime enjoyment, and think how yummy this experimenting will be.