homemade soda

i haven't mentioned this,

because i'm trying not to remind myself,

but i gave up drinking for lent.

yes. it's true.

believe it.

since i've been boycotting adult beverages

i've tried to get creative with some other treats.

including these great homemade sodas that i found in women's health.

cherry-vanilla soda

ingredients

3 cups 100% unsweetened black cherry juice

1 vanilla bean

soda water

(makes 3-4 cups of soda)

directions

1. place black cherry juice and vanilla bean in a medium-size saucepan.

cover and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat,

then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes,

until liquid has reduced to 1 cup.

remove from heat and let cool until comfortable to handle.

2. remove vanilla bean and chill the syrup in a sealed glass jar in the fridge.

it will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.

3. to serve, pour 1/4 cup syrup into a tall glass,

top with 6 to 8 ounces chilled soda water. stir.

4. ENJOY! :)

raspberry lime ricky

ingredients

2 cups raspberries

1/2 cup filtered water
4 1/2 Tbsp lime juice, divided
3 Tbsp maple syrup
2 Tbsp agave nectar
soda water

(makes 2-3 cups of soda)

directions

1. put 2 cups raspberries, water, 3 tablespoons lime juice,

maple syrup, and agave in a medium-size saucepan.

cover and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat,

then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.

2. remove from heat and let it rest for 15 minutes.

pour through a strainer lined with a double layer of cheesecloth

and squeeze to extract as much liquid as possible.

3. add remaining lime juice and chill the mixture

in a sealed glass jar in the fridge. syrup will stay fresh for up to a week.

4. to serve, pour 1/4 cup syrup into a tall glass,

top with 6 to 8 ounces chilled seltzer or soda water. stir.

5. ENJOY! :)

my honest review

*i love vanilla, so i thought i was going to die at first sip

of my cherry vanilla creation. it was just so sweet. very GOOD.

but not as refreshing as i thought it would be.

*the raspberry lime ricky was awesome.

i totally plan to make a pitcher of this for a summer bbq.

*both of these would have tasted better with vodka. (it's true!) :)

cheers!