Mango Melon and Lime Soda with Mint and Geranium

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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.

Mango Melon and Lime Soda with Mint and Geranium

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5 from 3 reviews

Author: Alisha Randell
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cool and Refreshing Homemade Soda

Ingredients

Units Scale

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.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Drinks

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 130

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mango melon, and can I substitute a different melon?

A mango melon is a variety of muskmelon with a mango-like aroma and sweet flesh. If you can’t find one, a ripe cantaloupe or honeydew would be the closest substitutes — the article’s point is to use whatever fruit you have available, as the method works for a range of fruits.

Why do you need to tear the mint and geranium leaves before adding them to the syrup?

Tearing the leaves releases their essential oils, which is what the recipe specifically instructs. This increases the flavor extracted during the 20-minute steep after the brief 3-5 minute simmer.

How long does the simple syrup keep, and how much do I use per glass?

The article says the simple syrup will keep refrigerated for about a month. For serving, mix 1/2 cup (125 ml) of syrup with 2 cups of sparkling water, or start with less and adjust to your taste. The notes emphasize chilling the syrup completely before mixing and serving immediately once sparkling water is added.