My New Obsession - Homemade Soda

Yes you read that right. Homemade soda

I love to make homemade anything, so when I saw this pin on pinterest how to make Homemade Ginger Ale, I had to try it. It was as easy as the post said it was. I added all the ingredients to a 2 liter bottle, and in two days (and it was pretty cool) the soda was fermented and bubbly. So bubbly in fact that I had to keep opening the bottle a teeny bit to let the air out and re-close until it settled a little.

I loved it, but I think there is a bit too much lemon, and I'm sure there is too much sugar. So I searched websites and found lots of great recipes. There was also too many ginger chunks that had to be strained after. I didn't like that.

Alton Brown's Recipe is similar, but eliminating the chunks by simmering the Ginger, straining and adding the Ginger flavored Syrup. Alton Brown Ginger Ale This recipe will go in my next bottle. I'll let you know how it goes. I also want to try lime instead of lemon. And you can use powdered ginger too.

I started thinking, that if it's that easy to make Ginger Ale, what other soda's can I make. I searched and this was the best resource I found. Thank you Mother Earth News. I think the real trick is, very clean utensils, the right amount of sugar and the right amount of yeast.

I've purchased Root Beer extract. It's on the way. And I must try Grape Soda too. I'm going to try other things, like teas and herbs. How about Lime and Mint. Mojito soda. Awesome! I've also ordered champagne yeast. See if that makes a difference.

There are a few other tips I read if you want to try this at home. Although you CAN ferment in bottles, it's recommended that you first try plastic bottles. Two liter soda or gallon milk/water bottles. The fermentation can cause the bottles to explode if it goes too far, so better broken plastic, than broken glass, and the plastic does give a bit. Another tip was to feel the bottle when you first add all the ingredients. It should give a little. The process is finished when the bottle is firm and does not give. Remember to put in the fridge immediately to stop the fermentation process.

I'm so very excited about this. Hey, if I'm ever snowbound and out of soda, I can whip up a batch in 2 days. Cool. The best thing about this, is that it's supposed to be healthier. That is except for the sugar. But the thought is that you can maybe use less sugar and maybe stevia, or honey, or even agave syrup. I'm wondering how molasses or honey would taste with the Ginger Ale? I'll be trying everything and posting my best recipes for you. Keep watching :)