Clementine Soda

 

I am having one of those weeks where everything I touch self-destructs. If you don't ever have those weeks, don't tell me.   It's like this awful curse that ruins everything I bake.  Overdone. Too salty. Bland. Bitter.  ARghhhh!!   

I found this recipe for sodas and on my THIRD attempt finally found one I love.  (In case you don't know my motto- it is that I will never post anything that turned out to be a disappointment for me. Everything I post will be something I absolutely loved.  Nobody wants to try reject recipes.) 

My grapefruit version was actually quite good, but I couldn't get past the bitter aftertaste that is characteristic of the fruit.  If you're cool with that, feel free to try it.  It was good, but not my favorite.  Pineapple was too sweet and not pineappley enough.  I finally hit the jackpot with this one.  I can't remember the last time I drank sugared soda, but this might have to become a family staple.

This recipe can be used to make any type of soda.  Use your imagination and have fun.  Make a batch of the simple syrup and stick it in the fridge, and then you can use it to make a big batch of one, or a whole bunch of different varieties. You just need to follow a simple ratio.  

Soda: 1 part juice/1 part simple syrup/4 parts club soda

I love this because you can alter the recipe based on the size of your storage flask, the number of guests, how much juice you get from your fruit... etc.  You can even mix up a single soda. If you like clementines PLEASE try this recipe.  So amazing.  Seriously. I might go make some more right now.

Clementine Soda

Recipe adapted from CherryTeaCakes

Simple Syrup for Sodas
-1 1/2 cups sugar
-1 cup water

In a saucepan, boil sugar and water together for 5 minutes, or until clear and completely dissolved.  Store in the refrigerator in a covered container.

Clementine Soda
-1 part cold Simple syrup (I used 3/4 cup)
-1 part Clementine juice (I used 3/4 cup)
-4 parts cold Club soda (I used a bit less than 3 cups)


Juice your clementines.  I got 3/4 cup of juice from 11 clementines.  Pour the juice through a strainer to remove pulp.  (It will clog, so use a spoon to mix it around and let the juice pour through).  Check your measurements again, because these will be very different after straining compared to before.

Add your juice to an equal amount of simple syrup, mix well.  Add 4 parts club soda, and mix.  (It is best to do this in a open-top pitcher because there will be fizz!)  Once it is well combined, and the fizz has settled down, pour into glasses or a flask to store.  I served mine with thin slices of clementine in each glass.

In case you're wondering where I got my cute flask, it was $5 at Sur La Table.  They have individual bottles for $3 as well.