Poppi soda got me thinking of how to make tasty, low sugar carbonated drinks at home. I started with a couple different syrups, although there are many more out there.

Soda

To make soda, use the following:

• 1/2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. syrup
• 12 oz. can of carbonated water

Add syrup and vinegar with a splash of water. Swirl to combine. Add ice, if using, then top with remaining soda water. 

Orange simple syrup 

• Zest and juice of 3 oranges
• Sugar
• Water

I didn’t document this well but basically boil them all together then strain out orange zest.

Ginger syrup 

• 4-5” (4.5 oz.) fresh ginger
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 water

Peel ginger and roughly chop into small pieces. Add ginger to saucepan along with sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then lower to medium-low (3) for 30-40 minutes, slightly covered. Strain out ginger pieces.

Ginger ale: 1 Tbsp. ginger syrup + 1 Tbsp. orange juice + 1 tsp. lemon juice + 1 can seltzer water