Cardamom Soda Recipe

A subtle spice flavor defines this lightly sweetened cardamom soda, which gets its nut-brown color from brown sugar instead of caramel coloring. If you have coconut sugar in your pantry, this is a great place to use it!

20 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
½ cup dark brown or coconut sugar
Pinch of salt
16 oz. club soda
Lemon twists for garnish (optional)

Heat the cardamom pods, sugar, salt and 2 cups of water in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain the syrup, discarding the cardamom, and chill.

When you’re ready to make your soda, add 4 ounces of the syrup to a 10-ounce ice-filled glass and top with club soda. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Store any remaining cardamom syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Makes 4 servings.