Homemade Cola

Homemade coke in a glass with ice, topped with a slice of lime.

5 from 1 vote

This homemade cola recipe is a simple blend of citrus and spices with sparkling water for a less ultra-processed version of your favorite soda. The syrup base makes between 4-6 servings.

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Cooling time15

Total Time35

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American, summer, Vegetarian

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Servings: drinks

Author: Alicia

Ingredients

1 large orange
1 lemon
1 lime
1 cup brown sugar lightly packed
3 tablespoons freshly grated ginger root does not need to be peeled
1/2 cinnamon stick
1/4 teaspoon coriander
⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
1 pinch sea salt
1 ¼ cups water
16 ounces sparkling water

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Using a peeler, remove the whole peel from the orange, lemon, and lime. Add the peels, along with the brown sugar, grated ginger, half cinnamon stick, coriander, nutmeg and salt to a small to medium-size pot. (If making cherry cola, add 10 sweet frozen cherries here and omit the nutmeg.) Stir frequently over medium heat, allowing the spices to combine and the sugar to start to melt. Once the brown sugar starts to liquify, add 1 ¼ cups filtered water, stirring to combine.
Bring everything to a boil over medium high heat, then turn the heat down to low. Simmer for 8 minutes, then remove the cinnamon stick and continue cooking the rest of the mixture for another 7 minutes. Turn off the heat, and let cool for 15 minutes.
Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a jar. You will end up with around 1 cup of syrup. Pour about ¼ cup of syrup over ice and top with sparkling water - can use more or less depending on your preference for flavor and sweetness. Stir to combine. Add freshly squeezed lime juice on top, if desired.

Notes

If you prefer a stronger citrus flavor, you can grate the citrus peels instead of peeling.
Some readers reported success with using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. I personally think the brown sugar is a more accurate flavor.
Cola syrup will store well in the fridge for up to 7-10 days.
Cherry cola - Add 10 sweet frozen cherries to the brown sugar mixture and completely omit the nutmeg. Use the same instructions for cooking. For extra cherry flavor, top off with sparkling water or soda + cherry sparkling water (like Spindrift)

Nutrition