Lemon and rosemary soda

After my successes with rosewater ginger beer and turmeric and orange ginger beer I thought I would try a ginger-free soda and see how that went. Happily, it went well!

This lemon soda is not as fizzy as the ginger beer, I believe this is because the acid in the lemon juice may dull the effects of the yeast, but it is tangy and refreshing and the rosemary adds just a little interest without being overwhelming. As always, I’m sure it would be delicious with a splash of gin or even tequila!

In this pic: Milk bottles, jute twine and yellow heart straws.

Lemon and rosemary soda

1/4 cup finely grated lemon rind (around 4 lemons worth)

1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves

3/4 cup raw caster sugar

4 1/2 cups water

1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

You will also need a clean  plastic 1.25 litre bottle. I just cleaned out a used soda water bottle.

Place the lemon rind, rosemary, sugar and 1/2 cup of the water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Set aside until cold, at least 1 hour. Strain the syrup into a jug, pressing on the lemon rind and rosemary to release all of the liquid. Using a funnel, pour the syrup into the clean bottle. Add the yeast, lemon juice and remaining water. Seal and shake to combine. Set aside at room temperature for up to 7 days, until lightly carbonated. This will vary greatly depending on the temperature over this time and the age of the yeast etc. The best way to check is to just open the top every day and see if there is enough fizz. Once fizzy, store in the fridge for up to two weeks. Don’t leave it at room temperature once it has become fizzy as it may explode if too much carbonation builds up.

Makes 1.25 litres

oOo This would be so lovely at a baby shower or high tea as a non-alcoholic option. You could theme the bottle to suit the event, perhaps a pretty blue ribbon around the bottle and blue straw if she’s having a boy or a floral straw and a fragrant lemon leaf around the bottle for a garden tea party.