Homemade Hibiscus Ginger Soda

A homemade hibiscus ginger syrup forms the base of this refreshing vegan and gluten free drink. Once you’ve made your syrup, simple add some to sparkling water and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice!

Making your own custom flavored sodas at home is as simple as making a flavored syrup! Combine your flavored syrups with plain sparkling water and you’re good to go. Here you’ll find a guide to making your own flavored syrups along with a recipe for my homemade hibiscus ginger soda. I hope you enjoy it!

How to Make Simple Syrup

I’ve found over the course of many batches that I prefer a ratio of 3/4 cup water to 1 cup sugar to make a thicker syrup (or, a ratio of .75: 1). I tend to use organic cane sugar but you can use whatever plain granulated sugar you have on hand.

BASE RECIPE

• 1 cup plain granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup water

Combine the water and sugar in a small sauce pan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally to help the sugar to dissolve. Once the mixture comes to a simmer, let it simmer for 2-3 minutes then remove it from the heat.

How to Flavor Your Simple Syrup

Now comes the time to add what you are flavoring the syrup with. If you’re using dried herbs, use roughly 1/3 cup. If you’re using fresh herbs or other fresh plant material, use roughly 1 cup. Add whatever you have chosen to use to the hot syrup, tamp/muddle it down into the syrup, then cover the pot with a lid and let it steep for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, strain the syrup through a sieve to remove the plant matter. Store your syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

How to Make Mint Simple Syrup

Follow the base recipe above. Once you remove the syrup from the heat, add in 1 gently-packed cup of fresh mint leaves. I have three kinds of mint in the garden so I used a mix of peppermint, spearmint, and chocolate mint. Muddle the fresh mint into the syrup with the back of a wooden spoon. The point is to gently bruise the leaves to get them to start releasing their essential oils into the syrup. Cove the pot with a lid and let the syrup steep for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, strain out the mint. Store your mint syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Suggestions for Using Your Simple Syrups

Making your own flavored sodas is pretty straightforward. All you need is your finished syrup and sparkling water. Depending on which simple syrup I use, I like to balance the flavors with a bit of acidity from either an orange, lemon, or lime. As for the amount used? It’s entirely up to you and how sweet you want it. I typically use 1-2 tablespoons of syrup for about 8-10 ounces of sparkling water.

• I’ve been using the mint syrup over the past week and have combined it with fresh lemon juice and sparkling water, fresh clementine juice and sparkling water, and with my cashew milk and cold brew for an iced mint latte vibe.
• Want to use these in a cocktail? For mojito vibes, combine mint syrup with fresh lime, rum, and a splash of sparkling water. The hibiscus ginger syrup would pair well with vodka and a bit of tonic water or sparkling water. Get creative and find combinations you like!
• Want to flavor your coffee drink? Mint, Lavender, and Rosemary are all good options. You could also make one with chai spices/chai loose leaf tea for those cozy vibes.
• Aside from beverages, you can drizzle your syrups over ice cream, yogurt, fruit, pancakes, or waffles.

Cheers!

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