Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Soda water, for serving
Instructions:
1. Make the Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and water. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved and lightly caramelized. Avoid high heat to prevent bitterness.
2. Add Spices and Citrus
Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander, lemon zest, and orange zest. Simmer gently for 10 minutes.
3. Strain and Cool
Remove from heat and strain the syrup to remove solids. Stir in vanilla extract. Allow to cool completely.
4. Serve
Mix about 1 tablespoon of syrup with ice and 6–8 ounces of soda water. Adjust the syrup amount to control sweetness.
Notes
- Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- One glass typically contains 2–6 grams of sugar, much lower than a standard store-bought soda.
- Adjust the spice blend to suit your taste for a personalized cola flavor.
Minoo’s Pro Tip: Keep the heat low while caramelizing the sugar to avoid bitterness.
This is a great way to enjoy a classic soda flavor with much less sugar and complete control over sweetness.