Description
Quench your thirst with this vibrant, easy-to-make homemade Italian lemon soda. A perfect balance of sweet and tart, it’s endlessly refreshing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup cold water (for simple syrup)
- 2–3 fresh lemons (for zest and 1/2–3/4 cup juice)
- Cold sparkling water (club soda or seltzer), for serving
- Ice
- Optional: Fresh mint, basil, or lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Lemon Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar and 1 cup of cold water. Zest 2-3 lemons directly into the pot, then juice the lemons (aim for 1/2 to 3/4 cup juice) and add to the pot. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not boil vigorously.
- Cool the Syrup: Remove the pan from heat. Let the syrup sit for 10-15 minutes, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar to remove zest and pulp. Let it cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours until thoroughly chilled.
- Assemble Your Soda: Fill a glass with ice. Pour in 2-3 tablespoons of the chilled lemon simple syrup (adjust to your sweetness preference).
- Top and Serve: Top the glass with cold sparkling water, stirring gently to combine. Garnish with a fresh lemon slice, mint sprig, or basil leaf if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes