Did you know that there are a couple of kinds of soda pop that you can make at home? I have an aunt who was legend for her homemade root beer at family reunions. She flavored hers with sarsaparilla, sassafras, vanilla bean, and licorice root. This has been on my must-do summer fun list for years. I'm thinking this year on the 4th of July, my family will make root beer.
There's another flavor of homemade soda that I really enjoy and will be making today -- Ginger Ale. There are a few ways to carbonate flavored soda: dry ice, yeast, water kefir, and using club soda or seltzer water. Each has its merits.
I'm going for easy, so I'll be adding club soda to a homemade ginger simple syrup. Ginger simple syrup is easy to make, simmering fresh lemon and fresh ginger root in water, sweetened with sugar, and cooked down to syrup stage. Finally, the syrup is strained before adding to the beverages, such as club soda or tea.
There's a reason I'm making ginger ale today. It's my birthday! Today, I'm choosing activities that will put a smile on my face. Making ginger ale is one of those fun projects to celebrate the day.
Have a great weekend!
Happy Birthday Lili! Hope you enjoy a nice slice of birthday cake with your ginger ale! I remember growing up we used to make soda out of grape juice and club soda, so refreshing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Trina!
DeleteI mentioned your grape soda to my daughter Julia and she loved that idea. I think I know what we'll be making soon!
I remember my mother making root beer a few times, but I have never made any soda. Making ginger ale sounds like a fun activity and a good thing to do for fun on your birthday. Suits you perfectly. Wishing you a Happy Birthday, Lili!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Live and Learn!
DeleteI bet those occasions when your mother made root beer were special times! What a great memory to have.
Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alice!
DeleteI hope you had a lovely weekend.
Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Lili, happy birthday to you! There, you've been sung to! :)
ReplyDeleteNow you have me curious about all the ways to carbonate drinks. I had never thought about it before. Enjoy your day!
Awww, thank you Kris!
DeleteI'd like to try making water kefir sometime. It sounds interesting and in addition to being bubbly, it would be a source of probiotics. I might also try the yeast method. Making soda was interesting to read about.
Happy happy birthday, Lili!Thank you for sharing this day and all the others with us.
ReplyDeleteThank YOU, Lynn!
DeleteI did have a wonderful birthday.
Oh happy birthday Lili! I love ginger ale. My sister who passed away a couple of years ago always had one in her fridge so I think of her every time I have one. I'd love to try a homemade version. Have a wonderful day full of love and pampering!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ruthie!
DeleteThat's a beautiful way to remember your sister.
My day was a lovely one, indeed.