This homemade Watermelon-Mint Soda is super easy to make, and so refreshing – enjoyed all summer long by the pool or for backyard cookouts!
Growing up, soda was a treat along with fast food. We rarely had either. It’s sort of funny to me now, thinking about how excited I’d get to go to McDonald’s. Or the joy on my face when my grandparents would drive up and unload so many cases of orange pop from their trunk.
But, we’re doing the same thing with our kids – only allowing them to have soda once in a while. Reserved for pizza and parties, or when we have friends over.
I love soda, but mass-produced sodas are filled with the junk that rots your teeth and insides, right? So I thought it would be neat to try and make my own. Turns out, homemade soda isn’t hard at all! And it’s pretty awesome, allowing you to control the flavor, the sweetness, and experiment with the fruit syrups.
making soda at home is easy
You just need a few things.
1. Syrup is what makes the soda sweet. You start with a simple syrup, which is basically a sugar and water reduction.
2. Some fresh fruit! This gives it flavor. Choose fruits that are very ripe, puree them, and press through a strainer.
3. Seltzer water gives it the carbonation. Pour some cold seltzer water over your simple syrup, pureed fruit, and ice…and you’ve got homemade soda!
The syrup and fruit puree can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator, making this soda at the ready in minutes!
After many years of frustration, I finally just called it quits to gardening. We just don’t have the right soil. And I definitely don’t have a green thumb! But I still plant herbs in pots. Because…EASY. Mainly basil, parsley, rosemary, and mint. Those thrive. And I use them the most in cooking and baking. If only I could grow watermelon and mangoes – my kids would be in Heaven!
We’re so excited for watermelon season. We must go through one every other day during the summer. Seriously.
So I put some ripe watermelon puree and my fresh mint together for a homemade soda, and it was wonderful!
Those triple digits will seem more bearable with some Watermelon-Mint Soda. For an adult version, you could easily add a splash of vodka!
other summer drinks we love!
Creamsicle Slushy (only 3 ingredients!)
Sparkling Peach Lemonade Cooler
Watermelon-Mint Soda
Ingredients
For the Simple Syrup
- 2 cups fresh mint leaves ,divided
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
For the Watermelon
- 1 1/4 cups pureed seedless watermelon
For each Soda
- 3 tablespoons simple syrup
- 2 tablespoons pureed ripe watermelon
- 1 cup cold seltzer water
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Place one cup of mint in a medium heat-resistent bowl; set aside.
- Place the sugar, water, and remaining 1 cup of mint in a medium pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the liquid is clear, not cloudy. The mixture should be reduced and a light syrupy consistency.
- Pour this mixture over the bowl with the dry mint. Allow to cool completely, then strain.
- Make your sodas by placing your simple syrup and pureed watermelon into 8 ounce glasses. Pour in the cold seltzer water and top with some ice. And enjoy!
Notes
- You can store this flavored simple syrup in an airtight container or squeeze bottle in the refrigerator for about 7 days. The pureed watermelon will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adjust the amount of simple syrup and watermelon puree to your liking. Want your soda sweeter? Add an extra tablespoon. Want it less sweet? Only add in two tablespoons. And so on.
- Add a splash of vodka for an adult beverage!
Do you have a sugar free version?