Classic Cola Syrup
Unlock the refreshing taste of homemade cola with this classic cola syrup recipe, inspired by a top-secret formula. With its delightful blend of sweeteners, zesty oils, and a hint of cinnamon, this beverage evokes nostalgia and excitement in every sip. The key ingredient, cinnamon oil (cassia), adds an aromatic nuance that elevates the overall flavor. Serve it mixed with soda water for a fizzy delight that can be enjoyed by all. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a treat for yourself, this drink is bound to become a family favorite. Remember, while this recipe offers a unique experience, the secret behind it lies in the careful balance of colors, flavors, and the exquisite hint of caffeine from crushed NoDoz tablets.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Granulated Sugar
6 cups (none)
Light Corn Syrup
2 cups (none)
Citric Acid
2 teaspoons (none)
Boiling Water
7 cups (boiled)
Lime Juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Vanilla Extract
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Lemon Oil
1 drop (none)
Orange Oil
1 drop (none)
Cinnamon Oil (Cassia)
1 drop (none)
Red Food Coloring
1 tablespoon (none)
Yellow Food Coloring
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Blue Food Coloring
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Green Food Coloring
18 drops (none)
Cold Soda Water
44 cups (chilled)
NoDoz Tablets
8 tablets (200 mg each) (crushed)
Instructions
1
In a large pitcher or bowl, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, crushed NoDoz tablets, and citric acid. Make sure to crush the NoDoz into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon to avoid any bitterness.
2
Pour in 7 cups of boiling water and stir the mixture thoroughly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the solution appears clear.
3
Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer lined with a paper towel to remove any undissolved NoDoz residue, ensuring a smooth syrup.
4
Once strained, add lime juice, vanilla extract, and all the essential oils (lemon, orange, and cassia), stirring well to combine the flavors.
5
Incorporate the food coloring gradually into the syrup, achieving the desired cola color; cover the mixture and chill in the refrigerator for several hours until completely cold.
6
To serve, pour 1/4 cup of the chilled cola syrup into a glass, top it off with 1 cup of cold soda water, and stir gently. Add ice cubes for a refreshing touch before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Cola Syrup?
Classic Cola Syrup is a homemade beverage concentrate inspired by secret formulas, featuring a blend of sweeteners, citrus oils, and spices.
What is the key aromatic ingredient in this recipe?
Cinnamon oil, specifically cassia, provides the distinct aromatic nuance that elevates the overall flavor.
How is caffeine added to the cola syrup?
Caffeine is added by crushing 8 NoDoz tablets (200 mg each) into a fine powder and incorporating them into the mixture.
What types of sweeteners are used in the syrup?
The recipe uses a combination of 6 cups of granulated sugar and 2 cups of light corn syrup.
How much water is required for the syrup base?
The recipe requires 7 cups of boiling water to dissolve the sugars and citric acid.
What is the purpose of citric acid in the recipe?
Citric acid provides the necessary tartness and helps balance the sweetness of the sugar and corn syrup.
What is the recommended serving ratio for the cola?
To serve, mix 1/4 cup of the chilled cola syrup with 1 cup of cold soda water.
How many drops of lemon oil are needed?
The recipe calls for exactly 1 drop of lemon oil.
Is vanilla extract included in the ingredients?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to enhance the complexity of the cola flavor.
Why must the NoDoz tablets be crushed into a fine powder?
Crushing them into a fine powder ensures they dissolve properly and helps avoid any bitterness from undissolved pieces.
How do you remove undissolved NoDoz residue from the syrup?
The syrup should be strained through a fine-mesh strainer lined with a paper towel to ensure a smooth texture.
What other essential oils are used besides lemon oil?
The recipe also uses orange oil and cinnamon oil (cassia).
How do you achieve the dark cola color?
The color is achieved by gradually incorporating red, yellow, blue, and green food coloring into the syrup.
How much red food coloring is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of red food coloring.
What amount of yellow food coloring is used?
One and a half teaspoons of yellow food coloring are added to the mixture.
What is the amount of blue food coloring used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of blue food coloring.
How many drops of green food coloring are added?
The syrup requires 18 drops of green food coloring.
Is fresh lime juice recommended for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice.
Should the soda water be chilled before mixing?
Yes, using cold soda water is recommended for a refreshing and fizzy final drink.
How long should the syrup chill in the refrigerator?
The mixture should be covered and chilled for several hours until it is completely cold.
Is this cola syrup suitable for parties?
Yes, it is perfect for gatherings, parties, or as a special homemade treat for yourself.
What equipment is suggested for crushing the tablets?
A mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon can be used to crush the tablets effectively.
How clear should the solution be before straining?
Stir the mixture thoroughly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the solution appears clear.
Is it okay to add ice to the final drink?
Yes, adding ice cubes to the glass before serving provides a refreshing final touch.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are a total of 15 ingredients used to make the Classic Cola Syrup and the final beverage.
Is this a non-alcoholic beverage?
Yes, this is a non-alcoholic soda recipe.
How much chilled syrup is used per glass?
Each glass uses 1/4 cup of the chilled cola syrup.
How much soda water is needed per serving?
Each serving requires 1 cup of cold soda water.
Does the water need to be boiled?
Yes, 7 cups of water should be boiled to help dissolve the granulated ingredients.
What preparation is needed for the lime juice?
The lime juice should be freshly squeezed before being added to the syrup.