This cola syrup recipe is meant to serve as a guideline for creating your very own craft cola recipe. After all, craft cola and its ingredients are all about intention. Change out the spices, fruits, sugar, anything and create a combination that speaks to you. If you do make your own craft cola, please share and tag us!
Keep in mind that “craft cola” might taste quite different than other cola syrups you’re familiar with! This recipes focuses on the natural spices and fruits.
Serve over ice with club soda or sparkling water in a 1:3 ratio or mix with milk or milk alternative in a 1:4 ratio!
Craft Cola
Craft Cola is all about creating a spice-forward syrup that features tasty fruits in fun and flexible combinations. Please experiment with this recipe in any way you like. Enjoy the journey!
Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 25 MinInactive time: 12 HourTotal time: 12 H & 35 M
Ingredients
- 500ml filtered water
- 550g cane sugar
- 50ml yuzu juice
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 3g allspice
- 4g star anise
- 3g coriander seeds
- 7g black pepper
- 5g clove
- 3g cinnamon
- 5g green cardamom
- 1 vanilla Bean
- 1g kola nut
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Cut the vanilla bean in half the long way and scrape out the "caviar"
- Crush the cardamom pods to release the seeds
- Slice the orange and lemon
- Grate the nutmeg (if using whole)
- Add the whole spices and the fruit slices to a pot with the water
- Bring to a boil
- Add the sugar and mix thoroughly
- Cover and keep the heat on medium (below boiling 180F-200F) for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Add the yuzu juice and mix
- Transfer to a container and allow to steep overnight
- Strain all the spices and fruits
- Mix with sparkling water in a 1:3 ratio of syrup:water or mix with milk/milk alternative in a 1:4 ratio of syrup:milk
- Enjoy!
Notes
- You can use any sugar you like or even mix sugars. I sometimes like to use some light brown sugar for a caramel taste.
- Maintain a ratio of 1:1 sugar to liquid, but add or reduce sugar to your preference.
- I recommend using whole spices, but you can also grind them.
- If you don't have yuzu juice, try using the juice from a different citrus or fruit altogether!
- If you don't have kola nut, try using black tea leaves.
- Keep the pot covered while steeping to prevent evaporation. Changes in water content will affect the sweetness.
- Mix or swap spices and fruits for a combination that you prefer!
- Adjust the amount of syrup used to adjust for your spice and sweet preference.
- Steeping time is flexible. Steep according to your strength preference.