This Lemon Soda has three basic ingredients and is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and bubbly. It has the perfect level of sweetness, allowing the lemon flavor to shine through. If you love lemon or citrus drinks then you’ll love this soda.
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Nothing beats the taste of homemade Lemon Soda. Whether you're entertaining or just want to beat the summer heat making this refreshing and citrusy drink is easier than you think. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart and is incredibly delicious. And unlike many store-bought lemon sodas which can be incredibly sweet, this is more citrusy and tart than sweet.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Soda
Here is what you’ll need for this refreshing summer drink:
- Lemon Simple Syrup: Use this recipe for making your own lemon simple syrup. It lasts in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks and freezes well so you always have some on hand. The lemon syrup is made with fresh lemon juice and sugar, so make sure to have at least 5 lemons on hand.
- Sparkling Water or Seltzer: Use your favorite brand of sparkling water, club soda or seltzer to add a sparkling and refreshing fizz to this homemade soda. If you have time, place the cans or the bottles in the refrigerator the day before.
- Ice Cubes: Make sure you have plenty of ice on hand. The ice cubes can be small or large.
- Lemon Slices: Lemon slices are a nice garnish for this drink as they sit in the drink they add even more lemon flavor.
- Mint Leaves: The mint adds a subtle sweet take and cooling sensation to the drink, which is perfect for a hot summer day. But the mint leaves are completely optional, so if you don’t have any, don’t let that stop you from making this delicious drink.
How to Make Lemon Soda
The original recipe was made with small ice cubes or crushed ice. If you’re using large ice cubes, you may only need 4 or 5 ice cubes, depending on how tall your glass is. This recipe is for a 12-ounce glass. If you’re using a smaller glass adjust the amount of ice.
For Individual Drinks. Add about 1-½ cups of crushed ice to the glass. Add a lemon slice, by pushing it into the center of the ice along the side of the class. Pour ¼ cup of the lemon syrup over the ice. Slowly pour 6-8 ounces of the club soda into the glass. Add a sprig of mint and another lemon slice and serve.
For a 48-Ounce Glass Pitcher. Add several lemon slices (about 8) to the pitcher. Add the entire recipe of lemon simple syrup. Pour 3-4 12-ounce cans of club soda or two 24-ounce bottles of sparkling water into the picture. Stir the mixture together.
How to Store The Lemon Soda
Lemon soda does not store well and should be consumed within a few hours of adding the club soda. The club soda eventually goes flat. If making a large pitcher to be consumed the same day, keep it in the refrigerator until consumed.
Variations
- Use flavored sparkling water or flavored seltzer to easily add another flavor to the lemon soda.
- Add a combination of ginger beer and club soda for a gingery and slightly spicy lemon soda.
- Substitute lime simple syrup for the lemon simple syrup.
What is the Difference Between Sparkling Water, Club Soda, and Seltzer
Sparkling water, often sold as sparking mineral water. is water that is naturally carbonated. It contains calcium, sodium, and magnesium and the taste can vary from brand to brand based on the minerals in the water.
Club soda and seltzer are both carbonated with carbon dioxide, but unlike seltzer, club soda has the addition of potassium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate in the water which gives it a slightly saltier taste than seltzer.
If you have a preference you can make this lemon soda recipe with of the three choices. If you're not sure which to use, start with seltzer water.
Pro Tips for Making This Recipe
- If adding mint leaves use mint leaves without any brown spots or brown edges. Brown spots can mean a variety of things including overwatering or underwatering the original plant.
- To maximize the fizz of the drink add the club soda or seltzer right before serving the soda.
- Chill the lemon simple syrup and the club soda before making the lemon soda. The ice cubes will melt slower.
Recipe - Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use the homemade lemon simple syrup in a SodaStream.
I don't make any health claims with this recipe. The advantage of homemade soda is that it is less sweet than store bought versions and you can control the amount of sugar. Also it is made with all natural ingredients - lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water.
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Homemade Lemon Soda
Ingredients
- 4-5 tablespoons lemon simple syrup
- 1 cup sparkling water or seltzer
- 1 cup ice cubes crushed ice or small ice cubes
- 5 lemon slices
- 5 mint sprigs each sprig should have 2 or 3 leaves
Instructions
- These are the instructions for how to make a single drink in a 12-ounce glass.
- Pour 4-5 tablespoons of lemon simple syrup into the glass. Add the ice to the glass. If using large ice cubes, use 4 or 5. Add a lemon slice.
- Slowly pour the sparkling water over the ice. Add the mint sprig and enjoy the soda.
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