Homemade Soda Bliss: Craft Your Own Cherry Dr Pepper

Create your own homemade soda with this Cherry Dr Pepper recipe, free from additives and customizable to your taste.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Cooling Time 30

Total Time 1 5

Servings: 4 cups

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Calories: 100

For the Syrup

4 cups Filtered water Use filtered or tap water for best results.
2 teaspoons Cinnamon chunks Substitute with cinnamon sticks, adjusting for taste.
½ teaspoon Ground nutmeg No suitable replacements, although mace can work in a pinch.
½ teaspoon Cloves Ground allspice is a good alternative.
½ teaspoon Ground cardamom Whole crushed cardamom pods can be used instead.
1 pod Star anise Can be omitted if not available.
1 tablespoon Dried ginger root Fresh ginger can be used, about 3 tablespoons.
1 tablespoon Peppercorns Consider using white pepper for a subtler taste.
⅓ cup Dried cherries OR Fresh/Frozen Cherries (1 cup), fresh is delightful.
¾ cup Coconut sugar Brown sugar can be substituted if needed.
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Vanilla bean or powder can substitute well.
¾ teaspoon Almond extract Can be omitted for a nut-free version.
1 tablespoon Orange juice Fresh juice is best, bottled works in a pinch.
1 tablespoon Lemon juice Lime juice can also provide a nice twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Dr Pepper Soda

In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups of filtered water with cinnamon chunks, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, star anise, dried ginger root, and peppercorns. Set the heat to medium-low and gradually bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
Once the mixture has simmered, remove it from the heat and carefully strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl, discarding the solid herbs and spices.
While the strained liquid is still warm, stir in ¾ cup of coconut sugar until completely dissolved.
Next, pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and ¾ teaspoon of almond extract, mixing well. Add 1 tablespoon each of fresh orange juice and lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
Transfer your syrup into a clean jar or airtight container. Allow it to cool to room temperature before sealing. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
To serve, mix ¼ cup of the syrup with about 1 cup of chilled seltzer water. Stir gently and adjust the syrup amount according to your taste preferences.

Serving: 1cupCalories: 100kcalCarbohydrates: 25gPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 1mg

Use quality ingredients for best flavor and strain well. Adjust sweetness per your taste preference.

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