Earl Grey Cola

by Michelle Dudash, Chef and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

March 11, 2015 • 0 comments

This homemade cola gets its sweetness from evaporated cane juice, a lower-processed type of cane sugar, rather than relying on high fructose corn syrup.

Molasses, spices and vanilla impart a natural cola taste. Selzer water and citrus add bubbly zip, rather than chemicals used in traditional soda.

Want More Time-Saving, Healthy Recipes and Tips LIKE THESE?

Get my free weekly emails with quick and easy tips and recipes to eat healthier every day. Plus you'll get my free clean eating grocery list.

We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe.

Want more recipes and tips like these? Get these delivered straight to your inbox twice per month.

Earl Grey Cola

1 1/2 cups evaporated cane juice

2 cups water

Zest and juice of 2 oranges, divided

Zest of 1 lemon, divided, and juice of 2 lemons

Zest and juice of 1 lime, divided

2 teaspoon coriander seeds

1 cinnamon stick

1 teaspoon minced ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger)

1/4 teaspoon grated or ground nutmeg

4 Earl Grey tea bags

1 tablespoon molasses

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

56 ounces plain selzer water

Combine the evaporated cane juice, water, citrus zests only, coriander, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Add the tea bags and steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags and add citrus juice, molasses and vanilla. Allow to cool. Strain and refrigerate until ready to use.

To serve, pour 1/4 cup of the finished syrup over ice in a glass. Pour in 4-6 ounces of selzer, depending on preferred sweetness, and stir.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes, plus cooling time

Makes 14 servings, 1 16-ounce glass with ice each

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 98 calories, 0 g total fat (0 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 4 mg sodium, 0 mg cholesterol, 25 g total carbohydrate (0 g fiber), 0 g protein, 0% DV iron, 0% DV calcium, 0% DV Vitamin A, 14% DV Vitamin C.

More Healthy Fast Food Favorites:

Turkey & Vegetable Confetti Pizza with Almond-Flaxseed Crust
Oven-Fried Chicken Nuggets with Maple-Dijon Dip
Chili-Cumin Skinny Fries with Parmesan and Creamy Scallion Dip
Orange-Pomegranate Roy Rogers
Dark Chocolate Banana Pops with Pecans

Earl Grey Cola

By Michelle Dudash, Chef and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Published: March 11, 2015

• Yield: servings (16 ounces with ice) (14 Servings)
• Prep: 15 mins
• Cook: 10, plus cooling time mins
• Ready In: 25 mins

This homemade cola gets its sweetness from evaporated cane juice, a lower-processed type of cane sugar, rather than relying on high fructose corn syrup. Molasses, spices and vanilla impart a natural cola taste. Selzer water and citrus add bubbly zip, rather than chemicals used in traditional soda.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups evaporated cane juice
• 2 cups water
• zest and juice of 2 oranges divided
• zest and juice of 1 limes divided
• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1/4 teaspoon grated or ground nutmeg
• 4 Earl Grey tea bags
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 56 ounces plain seltzer water

Instructions

1. Combine the evaporated cane juice, water, citrus zests only, coriander, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Add the tea bags and steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags and add citrus juice, molasses and vanilla. Allow to cool. Strain and refrigerate until ready to use.
   
2. To serve, pour 1/4 cup of the finished syrup over ice in a glass. Pour in 4-6 ounces of selzer, depending on preferred sweetness, and stir.
   

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Snack
• Skill Level: Easy