Vanilla Bean Soda
Make rich vanilla bean soda with simple syrup. Mix with chilled club soda or turn it into a float with ice cream.
You'll never buy cream soda after trying homemade vanilla bean soda. Add a scoop of ice cream for an gourmet soda float.
- Make a concentrated vanilla syrup by simmering vanilla beans with sugar and water, then refrigerate overnight to develop flavor.
- Strain out the pods before using. Start with a small amount of syrup in soda and adjust sweetness to taste.
- Keep syrup chilled and use within a few weeks. Use leftover pods for vanilla sugar or extract.
Preparation Instructions:
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the vanilla syrup keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the syrup will keep best for about 2 weeks. It can last up to 1 month if it looks, smells, and tastes normal. Discard it if you see mold or an off odor.
Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla beans?
Yes. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract to the finished syrup, after it cools, and taste. Beans give a stronger, fresher vanilla flavor and visual flecks, but extract is a quick substitute.
What is the correct serving ratio of syrup to club soda?
Start with 1 tablespoon (0.5 fl oz) of syrup per 8 ounces of chilled club soda and adjust to taste. If you prefer a sweeter drink, use 1 to 2 tablespoons per cup. For a larger mix, 4 ounces of syrup per 1 liter of soda is a good guideline.
How do I avoid foaming when I mix the syrup with soda?
Use chilled club soda and a chilled glass. Add the syrup slowly down the side of the glass or pour it gently into the soda while stirring lightly. Avoid pouring syrup all at once or stirring vigorously.
Can I make a sugar free version?
Yes. Use a heat-stable sweetener like erythritol, allulose, or a liquid monk fruit syrup. Dissolve the sweetener in the same amount of water over low heat, then add vanilla beans or extract. Expect a slightly different mouthfeel and watch how long it keeps.
How can I reuse the spent vanilla pods?
Rinse and dry the pods, then: 1) bury them in a jar of sugar to make vanilla sugar, 2) add them to vodka to make extract, or 3) steep them again in a new batch for a lighter second extraction. Discard if they develop mold.
How do I scale the recipe for a larger batch?
Keep the same 2:1 sugar to water ratio used here. For every batch that uses 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water, add 3 vanilla beans. If you double the recipe, double all ingredients and add 3 more beans. Taste and adjust vanilla intensity as needed.
How long does the vanilla syrup keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the syrup will keep best for about 2 weeks. It can last up to 1 month if it looks, smells, and tastes normal. Discard it if you see mold or an off odor.
Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla beans?
Yes. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract to the finished syrup, after it cools, and taste. Beans give a stronger, fresher vanilla flavor and visual flecks, but extract is a quick substitute.
What is the correct serving ratio of syrup to club soda?
Start with 1 tablespoon (0.5 fl oz) of syrup per 8 ounces of chilled club soda and adjust to taste. If you prefer a sweeter drink, use 1 to 2 tablespoons per cup. For a larger mix, 4 ounces of syrup per 1 liter of soda is a good guideline.
How do I avoid foaming when I mix the syrup with soda?
Use chilled club soda and a chilled glass. Add the syrup slowly down the side of the glass or pour it gently into the soda while stirring lightly. Avoid pouring syrup all at once or stirring vigorously.
Can I make a sugar free version?
Yes. Use a heat-stable sweetener like erythritol, allulose, or a liquid monk fruit syrup. Dissolve the sweetener in the same amount of water over low heat, then add vanilla beans or extract. Expect a slightly different mouthfeel and watch how long it keeps.
How can I reuse the spent vanilla pods?
Rinse and dry the pods, then: 1) bury them in a jar of sugar to make vanilla sugar, 2) add them to vodka to make extract, or 3) steep them again in a new batch for a lighter second extraction. Discard if they develop mold.
How do I scale the recipe for a larger batch?
Keep the same 2:1 sugar to water ratio used here. For every batch that uses 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water, add 3 vanilla beans. If you double the recipe, double all ingredients and add 3 more beans. Taste and adjust vanilla intensity as needed.
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