Memorial Day is quickly approaching, and for regions of the USA, this remembrance day marks the beginning of summer. In our area, Memorial Day coincides with the first summer cookouts and the opening of pools and local pick-your-own farms ready with their rows of strawberries. It was thoughts of picking ripe, summer berries with my kids that inspired the recipes I’m sharing with you today—festive and summery red, white and blue sodas!
Making your own soda is actually quite easy. It’s also MUCH healthier and, really, it’s a lot of fun! I chose to use honey instead of sugar to create these soda syrups, as honey is hands-down a healthier alternative to white sugar. To make a soda, all you do is prepare a sweet syrup base to which seltzer water is added, and—¡voila!—soda! You can purchase seltzer water at the grocery store for your soda-making adventures, but if you have one of these seltzer makers (aff.link), all the better! (I love mine!)
If you are hosting a Memorial Day cookout or get-together, it’s helpful to know that these soda syrups can be made in just a few minutes each, one day in advance, which will make your day-of preparations that much simpler.
When serving, consider mixing the drinks upon request for your guests, or have a sign or small card on the soda table with instructions on how to mix your own soda. Or, if you have an older child, give him or her the job of mixing sodas at the soda station. (I can totally see my 9-year-old daughter having fun with that!) It’s helpful to have stirrers or straws available as each soda needs a good stir once mixed. A few fresh berries or limes slices dropped in each glass adds a special touch.
Since Memorial Day is more than just the beginning of summer—it’s our nation’s day set aside to specifically remember those men and women who have given their lives for our good—I thought a trio of sodas was appropriate: a red, a white and a blue. Whether we sip them at the pool, in the backyard by the grill, or at Grandma’s house, may they help keep us mindful of why we get to spend this day in peace with our family and friends. Great sacrifice lies behind our peace and freedom.
How to Make All-Natural, Honey-Sweetened Sodas
* Two quick notes about the syrups:
1. These soda syrups can be made with either fresh or frozen berries. If using frozen berries, measure the berries into a bowl and let thaw before continuing on with the recipe.
2. I’ve given mixing ratios, but try mixing a soda for yourself as a test. The mixing ratio is easily tweaked according to personal preference, which is one of the benefits of homemade, self-mixed sodas.
Double-Berry Red
Yields about 2 cups of syrup, which makes 16 small sodas. This soda should be mixed 1 part syrup to 4 parts seltzer water.
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 1/2 cups honey
Combine the berries with the honey in a glass bowl, stirring and mashing slightly with the back of a fork. Let sit for 2-3 hours. Blend in a blender, then press thru a mesh sieve to remove seeds. Pour into a serving container.
To mix a Double-Berry Red Soda: Pour 2 tbsp (1 oz) soda syrup into a small glass, add 1/2 cup (4 oz) seltzer and stir to mix. Add a few raspberries if desired.
Dreamy Creamy Coconut-Lime
Yields about 4 cups of syrup, which makes 16 small sodas. This soda should be mixed 1 part syrup to 2 parts seltzer water.
- 2 cans lite coconut milk
- 1 1/2 cups honey
- 2 limes
Combine the coconut milk with the honey in a glass bowl. Squeeze in the juice from the limes and stir well.
To mix a Dreamy Creamy Coconut-Lime Soda: Pour 4 tbsp (2 oz.) soda syrup into a small glass, add 1/2 cup (4 oz.) seltzer and stir to mix. Add a thin slice or two of fresh lime if desired.
Black & Blue
Yields about 2 cups of syrup, which makes 16 small sodas. This soda should be mixed 1 part syrup to 4 parts seltzer water.
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup blackberries
- 1 1/2 cups honey
Combine the berries with the honey in a glass bowl, stirring and mashing slightly with the back of a fork. Let sit for 2-3 hours. Blend in a blender, then press thru a mesh sieve to remove seeds. Pour into a serving container.
To mix a Black & Blue Soda: Pour 2 tbsp (1 oz.) soda syrup into a small glass, add 1/2 cup (4 oz.) seltzer and stir to mix. Add a few blueberries if desired.
Wishing you and your family a happy and blessed Memorial Day Weekend!
Christy, Whole Foods on a Budget
