When we came across a recipe for making a homemade version of a popular cola, we discovered the basic ingredients are citrus and spices. (Not what you’d expect, right?) Then it hit me – instead of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamon, and cloves, why not use Vanilla Spice Chai? So here is our version of a classic cola, only minus all the artificial colorings and sweeteners! ~ Marlys
Tea Cola (updated)
Ingredients
Simple Syrup
- 2 tsp Vanilla Spice Chai loose tea
- 1 tsp Orange peel dried
- 1 tsp Lemon peel dried
- 1 cup Water (for brewing)
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar packed
Soda
- 1 tsp Lime juice
- Club soda
Instructions
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Combine Vanilla Spice Chai loose tea and dried citrus peels in the water and brew for 3 minutes. Strain out loose tea & citrus peels.
To make Simple Syrup
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Combine brewed Chai & citrus tea with both sugars to make a simple syrup.
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Allow syrup to cool down, then stir in the lime juice. Syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
To serve the Cola
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For one glass of Cola, combine 1/4 cup Chai syrup with 1 cup of Club soda and stir.
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To make a 2-liter of Cola, pour out 1 1/2 cups of Club soda, then pour in the Chai syrup in slowly. (A funnel comes in handy.) Put the lid on and give it one gentle tilt back and forth to mix before drinking.
Tea Cola
Ingredients
- 2 cups Vanilla Spice Chai brewed tea
- Zest of 1 lime
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- Juice from 1/2 lime
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar
- Club soda (for serving)
Instructions
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Combine Vanilla Spice Chai brewed tea, citrus zests, and lime juice in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Then reduce and simmer for 20 minutes.
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Strain out the zests using a fine mesh strainer (or cheesecloth).
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Rinse out the sauce pan (or use a fresh one), and pour tea back in. Add the sugars and stir over low heat until dissolved.
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Allow to cool down, then pour into a container with a lid. Cover and store in the refrigerator overnight.
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To serve, mix 1/4 cup tea syrup with 1 cup of club soda. Stir to combine.
