Cola Syrup Recipes

HOMEMADE COLA

Steps:

• Stir the water, lemon zest, lime zest, orange zest, cinnamon sticks, dried orange peel, whole coriander seed, nutmeg, and green bean coffee powder (if using) in a large saucepan over medium heat.
• Stir in the sugar and bring to a boil.
• Continue stirring until the sugar dissolves. (The spices will not dissolve)
• Remove syrup from the heat.
• Add the lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice, browning sauce, and pure vanilla extract to the saucepan mixture and stir.
• Let mixture cool, then use a fine mesh strainer and strain syrup into a mason jar or other sealable bottle for storage.
• To make one cola drink: Combine 1/2 cup of the cola syrup with 1 1/2 to 2 cups of seltzer water (pour slow as the mix will fizz, just as regular soda).
• Add ice, if desired, and serve.

COLA SYRUP

Steps:

• In a heavy pot over medium heat, bring 2 cups water to a simmer with the zests, cinnamon, nutmeg, star anise, lavender, ginger, vanilla and citric acid. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes.
• In a food processor, whirl the sugars together for one minute (this will help them dissolve), then transfer to a large bowl. If using caramel color, sprinkle it over the sugar.
• Line a sieve or colander with a double thickness of cheesecloth and place over the bowl. Pour the contents of the pot through the sieve. Carefully gather up the corners of the cheesecloth and twist the top to close. Use a spoon to press the bundle against the sieve, squeezing out all the flavorful liquid.
• Stir the syrup and let cool, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves, about 15 minutes. Transfer to containers and keep refrigerated. To make a soda, pour 1/4 cup syrup over ice and add 1 cup seltzer. Stir.