Summer is finally here, and what better way to beat the heat than with a glass of homemade soda? Not only do these fizzy drinks quench your thirst, but they’re also a great alternative to store-bought sodas packed with artificial flavors and sugars. In this article, we’ll share 20 refreshing soda recipes that are perfect for hot summer days. From classic lemon-lime soda to fruity flavors like strawberry basil and watermelon lime, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just want a cooling treat after a long day, these homemade sodas are sure to hit the spot.
Homemade Ginger Ale
Savor the spicy sweetness of homemade ginger ale, perfect for a refreshing pick-me-up any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thinly
– 1 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– Carbonated water (club soda or sparkling water)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the sliced ginger to the saucepan and remove from heat. Let it steep for at least 30 minutes, allowing the ginger flavor to infuse into the syrup.
3. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large pitcher. Discard the solids.
4. Add the lemon juice and baking soda to the syrup. Stir until dissolved.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
6. Just before serving, mix in carbonated water (about 1 part ginger ale to 3 parts sparkling water).
7. Serve chilled, garnished with a slice of fresh ginger if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes + chilling time
Classic Lemon Lime Soda
Revive your senses with this refreshing twist on traditional soda, blending the zesty flavors of lemon and lime.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 teaspoon citric acid (optional)
– Sparkling water
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon and lime juices.
3. If desired, add the citric acid to enhance the flavor.
4. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
5. Strain the mixture into a large pitcher or bottle. Add sparkling water to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe requires no cooking at all.
Enjoy your homemade Classic Lemon Lime Soda, perfect for hot summer days or as a pick-me-up any time of the year.
Sparkling Raspberry Soda
Create a refreshing and fruity sparkling soda with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
– 1 lemon, juiced
– 1/2 teaspoon citric acid (optional)
– Sparkling water
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Add the raspberries, lemon juice, and citric acid (if using) to the mixture. Let it steep for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large pitcher or jug. Discard the solids.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
6. To serve, pour the chilled raspberry mixture into glasses filled with ice. Top each glass off with sparkling water and stir gently.
Cooking Time: None
Cucumber Mint Soda
Beat the heat with this refreshing twist on traditional soda! This Cucumber Mint Soda is perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a unique drink to spice up your daily routine.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup lemon juice
– Sparkling water
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine sliced cucumber and fresh mint leaves.
2. Add water, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Chill mixture in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into glasses filled with ice.
5. Top each glass off with sparkling water.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready in just a few minutes of prep time.
Orange Cream Soda
Revive your childhood memories with this simple recipe that captures the sweet and tangy essence of orange cream soda.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
– 1/4 teaspoon citric acid (optional, but recommended for a more authentic flavor)
– Sparkling water
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in orange juice, heavy cream, and orange zest.
3. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher or jug.
5. Add citric acid, if using (start with a small amount and adjust to taste).
6. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
7. Just before serving, stir in sparkling water.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Strawberry Basil Soda
A refreshing twist on traditional soda, this recipe combines the sweetness of strawberries with the brightness of basil.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups strawberry puree
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 4 cups club soda
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine strawberry puree and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add lime juice and stir to combine.
3. Chill mixture in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Just before serving, add club soda and stir gently.
5. Muddle (gently press) basil leaves into the pitcher with a spoon or muddler to release their oils and flavor.
6. Fill glasses with ice and pour Strawberry Basil Soda over the ice.
7. Stir gently and garnish with additional basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (chilling time)
Cherry Vanilla Soda
Create a refreshing blend of cherry and vanilla flavors with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup cherry syrup (or cherry puree)
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Carbonated water (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and add the cherry syrup or puree, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine.
3. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
4. Strain the mixture into a large pitcher or jug to remove any sediment.
5. If desired, mix in carbonated water (about 1 part soda to 2 parts liquid).
6. Chill the soda in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 4-6 servings
Pineapple Coconut Soda
Create a refreshing and tropical drink perfect for warm weather with this easy-to-make Pineapple Coconut Soda recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups club soda
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup coconut water
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Slice of fresh pineapple, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the pineapple juice and coconut water.
2. Stir in the honey until dissolved.
3. Add the club soda and stir gently to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve the Pineapple Coconut Soda over ice in tall glasses.
6. Garnish each glass with a slice of fresh pineapple.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep time), plus chilling time
Enjoy your delicious and unique Pineapple Coconut Soda!
Blueberry Lavender Soda
Elevate your drink game with this unique fusion of sweet blueberries and floral lavender! This refreshing soda is perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh blueberries
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
– 1 lemon, juiced
– Sparkling water
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, and water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the berries release their juice (about 5 minutes).
2. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids.
4. Add dried lavender buds and lemon juice to the blueberry mixture. Stir well and let it infuse for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
5. Strain the mixture again through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher or jug. Discard solids.
6. Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including steeping time)
Watermelon Lime Soda
This sweet and tangy soda recipe combines the flavors of watermelon and lime, perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups watermelon puree
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 cups club soda
– Ice cubes
– Fresh lime wedges and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the watermelon puree and lime juice. Stir until well combined.
2. Add the sugar and stir until it’s fully dissolved.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir in the club soda.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Watermelon Lime Soda over the ice.
6. Stir gently and garnish with fresh lime wedges and mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 4-6 servings
Peach Ginger Soda
A refreshing twist on traditional soda flavors, this peach ginger soda combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with the spicy warmth of fresh ginger.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup peach puree
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed ginger juice (about 6-8 inches of ginger)
– 1/2 teaspoon citric acid powder
– Carbonated water (for bottling)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in peach puree and ginger juice.
3. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids.
5. Mix in citric acid powder to balance the flavors.
6. Fill glass bottles with the soda, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top.
7. Secure the caps and store in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a simple syrup that can be stored in the fridge for up to 6 months. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Lavender Lemon Soda
Elevate your soda game with this refreshing twist on a classic lemon soda, infused with the subtle sweetness of lavender.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Sparkling water
– Ice cubes
– Fresh lavender sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and add the dried lavender buds. Let steep for 10-15 minutes to allow the lavender flavor to infuse into the syrup.
3. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher or jug. Discard the lavender buds.
4. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the syrup and stir well.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
6. To serve, pour the chilled syrup over ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish with fresh lavender sprigs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Pomegranate Soda
Sweeten your day with this refreshing pomegranate soda, perfect for hot summer afternoons or as a unique beverage option for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pomegranate juice
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 teaspoon citric acid (optional)
– Carbonated water (sparkling water)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine pomegranate juice and sugar. Heat over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in water. Let cool to room temperature.
3. If desired, add citric acid to balance the flavor.
4. Pour the mixture into a large pitcher or jug. Top with carbonated water (sparkling water).
5. Stir gently to combine.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Approximately 2 liters of soda
Apple Cinnamon Soda
Create a refreshing and flavorful drink with this simple recipe for Apple Cinnamon Soda. Perfect for a cozy evening or a backyard gathering, this soda is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cinnamon sticks (about 6 inches long)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Soda water
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and apple cider. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and add sugar, cinnamon sticks, and ground cinnamon. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the mixture has reduced slightly and the flavors have melded together.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher or jug. Discard the solids.
5. Add soda water and stir gently.
6. Chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Grapefruit Rosemary Soda
Refresh your senses with this unique and revitalizing drink. Grapefruit’s tangy flavor pairs perfectly with the herbaceousness of rosemary, all tied together with a splash of soda.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Soda water
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the water and grapefruit juice.
2. Add the chopped rosemary leaves to the pitcher and let it infuse for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Strain the mixture into glasses filled with ice.
4. If desired, add honey to taste.
5. Top each glass off with a splash of soda water.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (infusion time) + preparation time
Enjoy your refreshing Grapefruit Rosemary Soda!
Blackberry Sage Soda
Fresh blackberries and fragrant sage come together in this unique and refreshing soda recipe, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup sparkling water
– 1 tablespoon dried sage leaves
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, puree the blackberries and sugar until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp.
3. Add the water and stir to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Just before serving, stir in the sparkling water and dried sage leaves.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh blackberries and sage leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None (prep time: 10-15 minutes)
Kiwi Mint Soda
Refresh your palate with this unique and refreshing soda recipe that combines the sweetness of kiwi with the coolness of mint.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup fresh kiwi puree
– 1/4 cup peppermint extract
– 1/2 teaspoon citric acid
– Carbonated water ( club soda or seltzer)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and add the kiwi puree and peppermint extract. Stir well to combine.
3. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
4. Once cooled, stir in the citric acid.
5. To make the soda, mix 1/2 cup of the flavored syrup with 8 ounces of carbonated water.
6. Stir well and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Mango Lime Soda
Freshen up your summer with this refreshing Mango Lime Soda recipe! This fizzy drink combines the sweetness of mango puree with the tanginess of lime juice, making it a perfect treat for hot days.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mango puree
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 4 cups sparkling water
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the mango puree and lime juice. Stir until well combined.
2. Add the sparkling water to the pitcher and stir gently.
3. If desired, add the honey and stir until dissolved.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve the Mango Lime Soda over ice cubes and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and chill.
Passionfruit Soda
This refreshing soda recipe combines the sweet and tangy flavors of passionfruit with a hint of citrus, perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup passionfruit puree
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 teaspoon citric acid (optional)
– Soda water
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the passionfruit puree and lime juice until well combined.
3. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher or jug. Discard any solids.
5. Add citric acid, if using, to balance the sweetness.
6. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
7. To serve, top with soda water and stir gently.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: Approximately 4 liters of Passionfruit Soda
Lemonade Soda
Create a refreshing twist on classic lemonade with this simple soda recipe!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
– 1/2 cup club soda
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
3. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
4. Once cooled, add the club soda.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
7. Serve cold with ice cubes.
Cooking Time: None
Tips:
– Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste.
– Use a glass bottle or jug to store and serve the soda, if desired.
– This recipe makes approximately 2 quarts (64 oz) of Lemonade Soda.
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these refreshing soda recipes! From classic flavors to unique twists, there’s something for everyone. Try making your own Homemade Ginger Ale or Classic Lemon Lime Soda. For a fruity twist, try Sparkling Raspberry Soda, Cucumber Mint Soda, or Strawberry Basil Soda. Or, go bold with Cherry Vanilla Soda, Pineapple Coconut Soda, and more. With 20 recipes to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect fizzy drink for your next backyard BBQ or pool party. So grab a glass and get sipping!
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