Lemon-Lime Soda II

Lemon-lime soda is a carbonated beverage flavored similarly to lemon- and limeade. This recipe is from Vintage American Cocktails & Sodas.

Ingredients

  • 3 drops lemon oil
  • 3 drops lime oil
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) 150+ proof unflavored spirit OR a mixture of ½ tsp (2.5 mL) gum arabic with ½ tsp (2.5 mL) water
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) citric acid
  • 4 tsp (20 mL) water
  • 6⅔ oz (200 mL) water
  • 1½ cups (360 mL) white sugar

Procedure

  1. Combine the spirit or gum arabic water and oils together in a small cup, mixing well. Set aside.
  2. Transfer this mixture into a larger container.
  3. Put the citric acid, water, and white sugar into the container. Stir well.
  4. To make the finished soda, combine 1 volume of syrup with 5 volumes of carbonated water.

Notes, tips, and variations

  • Use a clean eye dropper to measure drops. Do not use a pipette, an eye dropper previously used for dispensing medication, or a spoon to measure drops.
  • Use water from a carbonating machine or a brand of pure carbonated water such as Polar Original Sparkling Water, Great Value Seltzer Water, or Signature Select Seltzer Water. Do not use a brand of mineral water such as Perrier, San Pellegrino, or Mineragua because the added minerals will ruin the taste. Avoid flavored sparkling water such as La Croix or Spindrift because the preexisting fruit flavors will ruin the drink.
  • You can make a Shirley Temple by mixing five crushed frozen cherries with the zest and sugar or by adding a volume of grenadine syrup for every volume of lemon-lime syrup when making the finished soda.