Homemade Cola Syrup

Name: Homemade Cola Syrup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 100 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Beverage
Ingredients: 2 cups Granulated Sugar (For the syrup base); 1 cup Water (For simmering the syrup); Zest of 1 orange Orange Zest (Peeled in strips, avoiding the white pith); Zest of 1 lemon Lemon Zest (Peeled in strips, avoiding the white pith); Zest of 1 lime Lime Zest (Peeled in strips, avoiding the white pith); 1 stick Cinnamon Stick (For warm spice notes); 2 pods Star Anise (Adds a distinct licorice-like flavor); 1 teaspoon Coriander Seeds (For an earthy, citrusy aroma); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Added after simmering to preserve flavor); 1/4 teaspoon Citric Acid (For a tangy kick, optional); As needed cups Soda Water (For serving and diluting the syrup)

This recipe guides you through making a homemade cola syrup from scratch, using a blend of citrus zests and warm spices. While not identical to commercial cola, it offers a unique, refreshing, and customizable alternative. The syrup is then mixed with soda water to create a sparkling homemade cola, capturing the essence of the classic drink with natural ingredients.

#Homemade

#Cola

#Syrup

#Beverage

#Drink

#DIY

#Soft Drink

#Spiced

#Citrus

Ingredients for Homemade Cola Syrup

Recipe Information

15m

Prep Time

25m

Cook Time

1h 40m

Total Time

Servings

Medium

Beverage

English

Nutrition (per serving)

100

Calories

Protein

25g

Carbs

Fat

Syrup Simmering with Spices and Zests

Ingredients

Servings: 8

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Straining the Infused Cola Syrup

Instructions

0/5 completed

1
Gather all ingredients. Peel the zests from the orange, lemon, and lime, ensuring no white pith is included. Measure out sugar, water, and spices.
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5m
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Gather all ingredients. Peel the zests from the orange, lemon, and lime, ensuring no white pith is included. Measure out sugar, water, and spices.
5m
Prepping ingredients beforehand makes the cooking process smoother.
2
In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, citrus zests, cinnamon stick, star anise, and coriander seeds. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved.
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10m
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In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, citrus zests, cinnamon stick, star anise, and coriander seeds. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved.
10m
Do not boil rapidly; a gentle simmer is sufficient for infusing flavors without reducing too much liquid.
3
Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it infuse for 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean, heatproof container, discarding the solids. Stir in the vanilla extract and citric acid (if using).
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15m
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Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it infuse for 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean, heatproof container, discarding the solids. Stir in the vanilla extract and citric acid (if using).
15m
Press the solids gently against the sieve to extract maximum flavor. Add vanilla off the heat to preserve its delicate aroma.
4
Allow the cola syrup to cool completely to room temperature. Once cool, transfer it to an airtight bottle or jar and store it in the refrigerator.
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1h
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Allow the cola syrup to cool completely to room temperature. Once cool, transfer it to an airtight bottle or jar and store it in the refrigerator.
1h
Cooling ensures a refreshing drink and prevents the syrup from spoiling quickly. It can be stored for up to 2 weeks.
5
To serve, mix 1 part homemade cola syrup with 3-4 parts soda water, or to your preferred taste. Add ice and garnish with a citrus slice if desired.
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1m
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To serve, mix 1 part homemade cola syrup with 3-4 parts soda water, or to your preferred taste. Add ice and garnish with a citrus slice if desired.
1m
Taste and adjust the syrup-to-soda water ratio to find your perfect balance. A fresh lime wedge complements the flavors well.