Description
A rich, aromatic homemade cola made with caramelized brown sugar, warm spices, and bright citrus peels, mixed with soda water for a refreshing fizzy drink.
Ingredients
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup water
2 cinnamon sticks
Small pieces of lemon peel
Small pieces of lime peel
Small pieces of orange peel
1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Soda water (as needed)
Ice (as needed)
Instructions
- Heat the brown sugar in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often for 3 to 5 minutes until melted and slightly darkened.
- Carefully pour in the water as the mixture will bubble, then stir until fully dissolved and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add cinnamon sticks, lemon peel, lime peel, orange peel, coriander seeds, and ground nutmeg.
- Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until the syrup thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Strain the syrup into a clean glass jar, discard solids, and let it cool completely before refrigerating.
- To serve, add about 1 tablespoon of syrup to a glass filled with ice, then top with soda water.
- Stir well, adjust sweetness to taste, and serve immediately.
Notes
Add fresh ginger for a sharper spiced flavor.
Use extra citrus peel for a stronger citrus profile.
Caramelize sugar slightly longer for a deeper cola flavor, avoiding burning.
Stir in a splash of vanilla extract for a vanilla-style variation.
Store syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
If syrup thickens, let it sit at room temperature or thin with a little water.
Adjust sweetness by varying syrup and soda water ratios.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 50 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
