Cola Syrup from the Cocktail Dudes

sugar

🥗Healthier: stevia

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Stevia reduces calories while brown sugar offers a similar flavor.

vanilla extract

🥗Healthier: vanilla bean

💰Cheaper: vanilla essence

Vanilla bean provides a natural flavor, while essence is more affordable.

citric acid

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Lemon juice is natural and adds flavor, while vinegar is cost-effective.

caramel

🥗Healthier: maple syrup

💰Cheaper: honey

Maple syrup offers sweetness with fewer additives, while honey is often cheaper.

Put the cracked cola nuts into a large saucepan.

Break the cinnamon stick into three parts and add to the saucepan.

Add the cloves and star anise to the saucepan.

Heat the saucepan over medium-high heat.

Toast the cola nuts and spices for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant.

Add 4 cups of water to the saucepan carefully.

Add the lime zest and the split vanilla bean to the saucepan.

Slowly add the granulated sugar to the saucepan and stir for about 15 seconds to begin dissolving.

Scrape the pulp from the vanilla bean into the mixture and stir to incorporate.

Bring the mixture to a boil, which takes about 2 minutes.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 2 minutes.

After simmering, cut the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature for about 2 hours.

Strain the cooled mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large 4-cup beaker with a spout, straining twice if necessary.

Use a funnel to transfer the syrup into a clean bottle and cork it for storage.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: