Let’s face it – most people love drinking Coca Cola or Pepsi. However, even though it is delicious – it still has its drawbacks. Specifically, I’m talking about the high sugar content, as well as various other additives. So, being the aspiring cook that I am, I decided to give it a go at making my own homemade version of cola!
It’s fair to say that Dave and the boys absolutely loved it and I’ll definitely be doing it again because of this. Perhaps the most important part of the recipe is getting the measurements right. For instance, if you overdo it on the nutmeg then it could turn out disgusting. So, the key is to make sure everything is precise. In this sense, making drinks is definitely more akin to baking compared to doing a regular meal.

Anyway, here’s my recipe for a homemade, healthier version of Coca Cola:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of water
• 1/2 cup of pure cane sugar
• 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons of coca extract (optional)
• Club soda

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, lime juice, lemon juice, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool.
3. Stir in the coca extract, if using.
4. Pour the mixture into a large glass jar or pitcher and refrigerate until chilled.
5. To serve, pour the syrup over ice and top with club soda. Stir to combine.

This homemade, healthier version of Coca Cola is a delicious and refreshing alternative to the traditional sugary soda. The fresh lime and lemon juice add a tangy flavor, while the cinnamon and nutmeg add depth and complexity. You can adjust the sweetness level to your preference by adjusting the amount of sugar or honey used.