RECIPE: CLASSIC LEMONADE SODA

HOME MADE SODA

Shopping List:

  • 4-6 fresh lemons
  • Sugar
  • Sparkling water
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon slices (for garnish)

Supplies Needed:

  • Small bowl
  • Spoon for stirring
  • Tall glass or pitcher
  • Knife (for slicing lemon)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Lemon Juice: Cut the lemons in half and juice them using a juicer or by hand. Measure out about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice.
  2. Sweeten the Lemon Juice: In a glass or pitcher, mix the fresh lemon juice with sugar or honey (optional), stirring until the sweetener is dissolved. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
  3. Add Cold Water: Add 1-2 cups of cold water to the lemon juice mixture to dilute it slightly, creating a more balanced lemonade base. Stir to combine.
  4. Combine with Sparkling Water: Pour the lemonade mixture into a larger pitcher or glass. Add 2 cups of sparkling water (or club soda) to give it a refreshing fizz. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the lemonade soda over the ice. Garnish with lemon slices and a few fresh mint leaves (optional) for a refreshing touch.

Tips:

  • For a sweeter lemonade, adjust the sugar to taste.
  • Put the glass you intendt to drink the soda from in the freezer 30 minutes before.
  • Use cold sparkling water to keep the soda refreshing.
  • If you like it more tangy, add extra lemon juice.
  • You can store the lemon syrup in the fridge for a few days.

Want to add cream?

It is common to add cream or whipped cream on top of some soda drinks, especially for certain types of floats or creamy sodas. Adding cream or whipped cream can give the soda a smooth, dessert-like texture and elevate its presentation. For example:

  • Root Beer Floats: These often have a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, and sometimes whipped cream is added for extra creaminess.
  • Fruit Sodas with a Creamy Twist: Some people like to add a dollop of whipped cream on top of fruit-based sodas, like strawberry or orange soda, to make it richer and dessert-like.
  • Cream Soda: This type of soda is often infused with vanilla and has a creamy texture, sometimes served with a topping of whipped cream.

Whipped Cream Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream (or double cream if you’re in the UK)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) granulated sugar (you can adjust depending on how sweet you like it)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract (optional, but adds a lovely flavor)

Instructions:

  1. Combine ingredients: Pour the heavy cream into the chilled mixing bowl. Add the sugar and vanilla extract if using.
  2. Whip the cream: Use an electric mixer or a hand whisk to whip the cream on medium speed. Start slowly to avoid splashing, and gradually increase to high speed. Whisk until soft peaks form (when the cream starts to hold its shape but still looks soft). For stiffer peaks, continue whisking for another minute or so.
  3. Serve: Use the whipped cream immediately on your sodas, desserts, or whatever you like. If you need to store it, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 hours, but fresh whipped cream is always best.

Shopping List for Whipped Cream:

  • Heavy whipping cream (240 ml / 1 cup)
  • Granulated sugar (30 g / 2 tablespoons)
  • Vanilla extract (optional, 5 ml / 1 teaspoon)

Tips:

  • Sweetness: You can add more or less sugar depending on how sweet you prefer your whipped cream.