Monday, May 9, 2011

DIY: Homemade Soda



I've never been a big canned soda fan...I don't know why, but mineral water has always been a lot more refreshing to me than a coke but I do love the bubbles and trying new things. So, when I saw a recent article in Bon Appetit for home-made soda--I thought a DIY soda recipe was definitely worth checking out.  With easy & simple recipes for Lemongrass-Lime soda, Spicy Ginger soda and Cucumber, Mint & Basil soda, I wanted to make all three immediately...but I started with last one first.  It was SO good!!  Incredibly refreshing, super yummy and has excellent potential for your next cocktail party...

Here are photos and the recipe.  



Cucumber, Mint & Basil Soda
Makes 12  Adapted from Bon Appetit

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1 cucumber, sliced into 24 rounds (approximately)
24 fresh mint leaves plus 12 sprigs for garnish
12 fresh basil leaves
6 cups of soda water, divided

Add the sugar and water to small saucepan, bring to boil--dissolving sugar. (This is called: simple syrup.)
Add 1/2 the cucumbers; (reserving 12 rounds for garnish), 24 mint leaves and the basil.  
Cover and let steep for 30 mins.
Strain cucumber-herb syrup into jar, pressing on solids in strainer.  Fill a 12-oz glass with ice cubes.  Add 2-3 Tbsp. syrup and top with soda water (about 1/2 cup).  Stir to combine.  
Garnish with cucumber slice and a sprig of mint.  Repeat to make 11 more sodas.  
Or combine in bottle and store in fridge for later refreshment!



Absolutely delightful!


































1 comment:

  1. We made the same sodas this past weekend! Discovered it is also nice with a little gin.

    ReplyDelete