In spirit of those of you that have not the taste for alcoholic beverages (hic!) I’m here to share some basic recipes for making soda pop at home! What could be better than a frosty ginger ale to help cool off during these hot summer days? If ginger’s not your thing, how about a lemon-lime soda or an orange-ade? The combination is unlimited so long as your imagination is put to good use. The best part is it’s all homemade so you’re avoiding massive doses of sugar, artificial flavorings, and caffeine.

Do note that some of these recipes contain yeast, and as yeast feeds on sugars it releases alcohol and carbon dioxide as by-products. Because these recipes aren’t aged but a few days, the amount of alcohol is extremely minor. I personally feel comfortable allowing my own daughter to drink beverages made from these recipes without any worry. It should not be enough to cause intoxication for even our small samplers. If, however, you avoid alcohol for personal or medicinal purposes I recommend sticking with the recipes that don’t include yeast.

Ginger Ale

Mildly sweet and spicy with a hint of lemon

(prepare 3 days prior to drinking)

2 Tbsp + 1 tsp cream of tartar

1-1/2 cup sugar

3 inch portion of ginger club, grated

1 lemon, juiced and grated for zest

1 small piece sassafras root (approximately 1/4 tsp) *optional*

1 Tbsp yeast

1 gallon water

Boil water. Add all ingredients except yeast and let steep for 2 hours. Once water is between room temperature and 100F, add yeast and stir. Cover liquid and let rest for one day. On the next day, strain liquid with cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer. Pour liquid into clean, sterile bottles and close tightly. Store in cool, dark place for two days. Chill to stop fermentation and enjoy over ice!

**sassafras contains safrole which has been shown to cause cancer in lab rats when consumed in high doses. You can purchase safrole-free sassafras extract or use the leaves which do not contain safrole if you have concerns.

Lemon Lime Soda

Like a liquid SweeTart

(prepare 3 days before drinking)

1 lemon, juiced and grated for zest

2 limes, juiced and grated for zest

1-1/2 cup sugar

1 Tbsp + 1 tsp cream of tartar

1 Tbsp yeast

1 gallon + 2 cups water

Boil water and add all ingredients. Simmer over low for one hour. Add yeast after water has cooled. Let rest overnight. Strain, bottle and cap tightly after one day. Allow to rest two days before drinking Chill to stop fermentation, then serve

Summer Refresher

Perfect for a hot day in the garden

1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and sliced

1 lime, bruised and sliced

1/4 cup fresh mint or lemon balm

2 liters of carbonated soda water

*add fresh aloe or 1 cup aloe water for additional health benefits

Mix all ingredients in a pitcher and cover. Allow fruits to remain in pitcher. Store in refrigerator and serve when chilled.

Orange-Ade

Fun for the kids, best prepared over a sink or outdoors

3/4 cup sugar

2 quarts water

1/4 cup baking soda

3-4 oranges, juiced (substitute limes or lemons if desired)

Boil sugar and water until the sugar is dissolved. Chill syrup until very cold. Stir in baking soda. Prepare room for overflow! Add sugar syrup to iced glasses. Just before serving, add orange juice to each glass. The citric acid will activate the baking soda. The kids will adore this one!

Fruit Pop

Make with seasonal fruit

2 cups fresh fruit such as strawberries (rasp-, black-, blue-, huckle-, goose-…), peaches, pineapple, or grapes

1 cup sugar

2 quarts water

2 liters carbonated soda water

Boil water, sugar, and fruit to make a syrup. Strain skins and seeds through cheesecloth or a mesh strainer. Allow to cool in refrigerator. Pour syrup over ice, then top with soda. For a fun twist, add 2 Tbsp half & half and top with whipped cream.

Vanilla Cream

For those that like it smooth

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

1/8 tsp almond extract

3 tsp sugar

2 Tbsp cream

8 oz carbonated soda water

In a tall glass, mix extracts, sugar, and cream until sugar is dissolved. Add ice and stir in soda water.

As you can see, the recipes are limitless. Combine different fruits to make a beverage that you enjoy. Don’t forget to top of your soda with a nice garnish made from fresh fruit, basil, mint, or watercress.

Jennifer can be found blarging at Unearthing This Life where she rambles about her daily doings, her crazy chickens, and her quirky family.