Freshly made soda is not only an easy way to stay cool, but also a great way to show of your creative side.
By Alisha Randell
Sure there are a good many sodas to choose from on the market these days, and even a few “naturally” based products. But since most brand name soda or soft drinks have the ability through licensing and patent to hide their formula, hence primary ingredients, do we really know what we are consuming?
Making your own soda is also a great way to use up leftover fruits, herbs or what ever you have available to you. Or perhaps, like I, you have an over abundance of certain herbs crowding out some other more docile plants in your garden.
You can mix and match your sodas by making multiple simple syrups allowing for a variety. And since your simple syrups will last about a month refrigerated you can keep them on hand for other uses. Or just stock up on some sparkling water and sip at your leisure.
PrintMango Melon and Lime Soda with Mint and Geranium
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Cool and Refreshing Homemade Soda
Ingredients
- 1 mango melon, peeled and seeded
- 10–15 large spearmint leaves
- 1 medium bunch geranium leaves and flowers
- 2 cups (500 ml) water
- 2 cups (500 ml) raw sugar
- 2 fresh limes, juiced
- 2 ltr sparkling water
- Chilled pitcher of soda glasses
- Ice
Instructions
- Roughly chop your melon and set aside. Tear mint ans geranium leaves to release essential oils.
- Place 2 cups (500 ml)of water into a sauce pan then add melon, herbs and sugar bringing to a low boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, then remove from heat and allow to steep for 20 minutes.
- Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve until syrup is clear of debris. Add lime juice and stir until incorporated. Refrigerate syrup until well chilled.
- When ready to serve mix 1/2 cup (125 ml) simple syrup to two cups sparkling water. Or start with a lesser amount of syrup until desired taste is acquired.
Notes
Chill your simple syrup completely prior to preparing your soda.
Serve immediately once sparkling water is added to syrup.
This is a great recipe, Alisha. I love the addition of geranium leaves and flowers: I didn’t know they were eatable! :)
Hi Rita, thanks so much :) Yes the leaves and flowers are both edible and they are a very lovely herb for savory dishes as well :)
Gorgeous, and fab that you used geranium! Very fresh and lovely – would be wonderful for a garden party, among other things. (Btw – check your spelling of ‘and’ in line 1, sentence 2 of the instructions.) ;-)
Hi Ruby, thank you sweetie :) Sorry about the type-O, will have to find out how to edit it.
Sounds like a delicious syrup and the geranium leaves and flowers are such an interesting addition!
This was a very interesting soda. A sweet flavor with a hint of melon and the wonderful herbaceousness of mint. A great combination.
Thanks honey :)
Great recipe Alisha!! Perfect for the hsummer heat and love the addition of geranium!
Alisha, this sounds so good!!
Hi Kate, thank you :)
Alisha this is such a great idea. I’m not a soda drinker but this is homemade and having control into what goes into it is a great plus. Lovely flavors too.
Hi Nancy, thank you sweetie :) They are so simple and I agree the great thing is you can control you ingredients :)