DIY SODA BAR

MAKES 3 CUPS of each flavor soda syrup

about 12 servings of each flavor

PREP TIME

15 minutes

COOK TIME

15 minutes

TOTAL TIME

30 minutes

EASY

SIMPLE SYRUP

4 cups sugar

4 cups water

MANGO-MANDARIN MINT SODA

2 cups cubed mango (about 2 small or 1 large)

3 clementines or seedless mandarins, peeled

Leaves from 4 sprigs mint

CELERY-BASIL SODA

2 cups chopped celery (about 3 large stalks)

Leaves from 1 (2-ounce) bunch basil (about 2 cups)

STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB SODA

2 cups chopped rhubarb (about 2 large stalks)

2 cups chopped hulled strawberries (about 14 large)

6 liters soda water, for serving

Ice

1. Make the simple syrup: In a large saucepan, heat the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has completely dissolved. Set aside to cool (you should have about 6 cups simple syrup).

2. To make mango-mandarin mint soda: In a blender, combine 2 cups of the cooled simple syrup, the mango, clementines, and mint and blend until smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve (you should have about 3 cups mango-mandarin syrup).

To make celery-basil soda: In a blender, combine 2 cups of the cooled simple syrup, the celery, and the basil and blend until smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve (you should have about 3 cups celery-basil syrup).

To make strawberry-rhubarb soda: In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of the cooled simple syrup and the chopped rhubarb and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until the rhubarb softens and can easily be pierced with a fork, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly, then transfer to a blender, add the strawberries, and blend until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve (you should have about 3 cups strawberry-rhubarb syrup).

3. Pour the syrups into flip-top or squeeze bottles and refrigerate until cold (the syrups can be refrigerated for up to 15 days). When it’s time for the party, arrange a soda bar with the syrups, soda water, ice, and tall glasses. To make each soda, fill a glass with ice, then add enough soda water to come within 1 inch of the rim (about 6 ounces or ¾ cup). Squeeze about ¼ cup of the soda syrup into the glass, adding more or less to taste, stir, and enjoy!

Packaged in flip-top glass bottles, these syrups also make great host gifts.

Ditch the canned soda and serve this simple homemade version instead!