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Homemade Soda From Scratch

Soda isn’t typically something I have on a regular basis.  It’s something I enjoy as a treat.  To further elevate this indulgence, I like to take it a step further and customize my drink by making my own.  Homemade soda is a fun little project, especially if you have children.  It’s simple and delicious, with most of it being inactive time, waiting for your drink to get fizzy and full of bubbles all on its own.

 

 

 

5.0 from 5 reviews

Homemade Soda From Scratch
 
Author:
Serves: 1 Jug

Ingredients
  • 2-3 tb orange zest {plus 1 tb soda extract for stronger flavor}
  • 1 c sugar
  • ½ c water
  • ⅛ ts champagne yeast*
  • ¼ c orange juice
  • 7 c water
  • *For cream soda, add vanilla and/or cream.

Instructions
  1. In a pot, combine the zest, sugar, and ½ c water. Simmer on low for 2 hours. Then strain/cool slightly.
  2. In a clean bpa-free jug {glass or plastic but plastic is easier to gauge} fill with the champagne yeast, orange juice, 7 cups of water, and the slightly cooled sugar syrup. The warmth from it will activate the yeast.
  3. Gently {not vigorously} shake the jug to mix the ingredients unless you want this to happen : {video scene at 2 minutes 41 seconds}.
  4. Leave the jug at room temperature for 12-48 hours. Lightly squeeze against the {plastic} bottle to test. If it’s firm, it’s ready and may need a quick open to “breathe.”
  5. Chill and serve. You may strain out the yeast if desired {it’s completely edible}. If there’s any left, remember to open the jug each day to allow it to “breathe” or the video scene I mentioned above can happen again. Too much handling or warmer temperatures can build up pressure inside of your jug and create a fun, albeit a very sticky soda explosion.

Notes
*Champagne yeast yields the best flavor but bread yeast will do in a pinch. It will just take on a stronger taste {some find unpleasant}. You may also use brewers yeast.
As with most fermented drinks, it will have a naturally occurring alcohol content by volume of <1% if this is something that concerns you, you can simply combine the syrup with sparkling water instead.

I found my champagne yeast here: http://amzn.to/1DriMTU

Love,

Your Squishy Monster

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21 thoughts on “Homemade Soda From Scratch

  • K / Pure & Complex says:

    I have SodaStream, but I think I must try out this recipe. Amazing post.

    Kay of Pure & Complex
    http://www.purecomplex.com

  • Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel says:

    super cool and what a great at-home idea!

  • Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says:

    Okay I must ask on behalf of those of us on the other side of the world. What’s soda extract?

    I have a Soda Stream but we rarely use it. I should spend time developing a recipe I like OR I could use yours.

  • brian says:

    i thought u were just going to pull out a carbonator can from a keg to bubble it up! hehe if u put mix into dough will it make soda bread?

  • Evelyne@cheapethniceatz says:

    Like you, I rarely have soda but I would certainly love trying to make my own and control the sugar in there. Great flavor here.

  • cailee says:

    Wow! So fun! What a neat idea!!

  • Ash-foodfashionparty says:

    Whatttt, soda at home. Love love this Angela. I need to get a Soda Stream, will try this out soon.

  • Kelly says:

    So cool! I’ve never tried making soda at home before! It looks like so much fun! Love this idea

  • Mary @chattavore says:

    Impressive. I love to make soda at home but I usually just use seltzer or club soda + syrup. One of these days maybe I’ll do it from scratch too!

  • Joanne says:

    I’m sure homemade soda is so much tastier than anything that you can buy at the grocery store! I mean, you can actually use REAL JUICE in it!

  • Brooks says:

    Angela, after viewing the video on YouTube I had to come by for a closer look. I was curious about the yeast used in the recipe―glad you linked it. Similar to you, I don’t drink soda often, but an honest, additive-free version is welcome.

  • Sandra | Sandra's Easy Cooking says:

    AWESOME!!! I love this, Angie! I am so trying this

  • Anna @ shenANNAgans says:

    Oh how fancy. Love the idea of making my own soda. Excellent way of controlling how much sugar goes in. Champagne yeast, wonder where I can get that? Good that bread yeast works too.

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Hey Anna, the link for the champagne yeast I use is above =)

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Lol, Brain. I wonder…that’s a good question. Let me know if you find out and until then, Hoppy Easter, Brain!

  • Amelia says:

    Hi Angela, this soda drink look absolutely refreshing and fantastic. Thanks for sharing.

    Best regards.
    Amelia

  • Marcy says:

    HI Angie, I’m trying this recipie today. Have you ever made carbonated tea? If so, please share your recipie. I love fizzy tea but it’s so expensive. Thank You, love your channel.

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Hi, Marcy! Thank you so much!! I just made a hibiscus tea video and post its recipe last week but haven’t tried a fizzy variety as of yet. You have me intrigued =)

  • Joshua says:

    Hello excellent video and recipe thank you. Would you happen to know how a person might make cherry soda instead also i inherited my grandfathers bottle capper and old bottles any thoughts or knowledge on bottle soda would be awsome me and my kids are anxious to try it.

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Hi, Joshua! You can try it with cherry juice or, I’ve had luck with this guy: http://amzn.to/2wo5BbH

  • Zara Lee says:

    hello!

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