
Pop or soda is not something I like. It’s been hard for me to find a flavour I like, and it’s not something I drink often. I was intrigued by the idea of carbonating tea beverages. Tea makes everything taste better. This easy tea soda recipe is perfect for those who love soda and carbonated drinks. You can also enjoy homemade soda without artificial flavourings or colours. Tea soda or tea pop is made from just two ingredients: carbonated water and simple tea syrup. You can mix any tea to make tea soda.
Because little or no sweetener is used, the first method is healthier. This method tastes more like sparkling tea.
A sweet, carbonated soda comes to my mind when I think about pop or soda. The second method is not as healthy as the first, but it’s still a good soda.
It can be healthier than soda, but you could argue it is still better than regular soda. You can also control how sweet the tea leaves are and get additional benefits. You won’t find artificial colours or flavourings in the tea.
The Different Types of Carbonated Water
Not all carbonated water is the same! You can make carbonated water from natural sources or use CO2 to create it. Here are four popular options.
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water comes naturally carbonated. It is rich in minerals like calcium, sodium, magnesium, and potassium.
Seltzer Water
Seltzer water has carbon dioxide (CO2) carbonated. It doesn’t contain any minerals, but you might find natural flavours.
Club Soda
Club soda is artificially carbonated. Although it contains minerals, they are not found in nature. Salt and sodium bicarbonate may be added to the product.
Tonic Water
Tonic water is more like a soft drink than water. It is carbonated water but also contains sugar and quinine. It can taste not very pleasant. It is often mixed in with alcohol to make cocktails.
My top choices for making tea soda at home are Sparkling Water, Seltzer Water and Club Soda.
Teas for homemade soda:
It’s possible to make any tea into soda! This recipe is best made with a favourite tea iced. Tea soda can be used with either pure or flavoured teas. Here are some ideas:
- Black Tea: English Breakfast. Earl Grey. Chai. Keemun
- Green Tea: Sencha and Genmaicha, Jasmine and Matcha, Hojicha
- White Tea: Silver Needle and White Peony
- Oolong Tea: Milk Oolong and Iron Goddess of Mercy. Dan Cong
- Herbal tea: Peppermint, Ginger, Rooibos, Hibiscus
Here’s what you need:
- 1/4 cup of hot water, 2 teaspoons loose leaf tea, or 2 tea bags
- 1/4 cup granulated Sugar
- 1 cup sparkling water
- Ice
Directions:
- Quick Tea simple syrup. Heat water and add tea leaves or tea bags. Let it steep for five minutes.
- Strain the tea leaves and take out the tea bags. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Allow the tea syrup to cool before you use it.