DIY Your Favorite Soda (But Better)
Soda is a popular and delicious drink, but do you know what’s lurking inside the can? Between all of the artificial dyes, caffeine spikes, and sweeteners, traditional soda can wreak havoc on your health. What if there was a way to DIY Your Favorite Soda (But Better)?
In this post, we’ll dive into some creative ways to remake your favorite sodas with an herbal twist. These ideas include natural ingredients that will boost your health and leave you feeling energized and refreshed. We’ve even included our favorite recipe for an Herbal Cola Tonic, made with real kola powder and hints of ginger! These creations are not only delicious, but gut-friendly and so easy to make. If you love pop, but want to ditch toxins, keep reading!
Why Is Soda Detrimental?
Soda is a tempting treat for kids and adults, but regular consumption is linked to a myriad of health issues. With a combination of fake dye, high sugar content, and empty calories, traditional sodas might be one of the most dangerous beverages.
Most sodas contain at least 8 teaspoons of sugar per can, usually hiding under a corn syrup label. High sugar consumption is connected to insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity. Plus, it harms your overall gut microbiome, affecting every part of the body. Even if you’re consuming diet soda, the fake sweeteners, such as aspartame, are negatively impacting gut health.
Regular soda consumption is also linked to an increase in chronic disease and inflammation. It can also make you more likely to develop heart disease and even certain cancers. As if that weren’t enough, soda can weaken bones and contribute to tooth decay. Soda has been proven to be highly addictive, most likely due to its caffeine content, with many people struggling to break the addiction. Thankfully, there are a slew of natural beverages that pack the flavor without adding toxic benefits.
👉 There’s one sweet berry you can blend into a simple smoothie that helps crush sugar cravings and makes quitting soda way easier. It naturally retrains your taste buds and supports your gut, without the crash, the chemicals, or the guilt.
Click here to discover this sugar-fighting berry recipe and how to use it.
Natural Alternatives to DIY Soda
Giving up traditional soda doesn’t mean saying goodbye to flavor and fizz. Before companies started adding major toxins to food, soda was moderately healthy! In a way, creating your own soda brings this treat back to its original intention.
Here are some natural beverages that capture the bubbly vibe of soda while still providing health benefits.
Infused Water: Infusing your water with mint, strawberries, lime, lemon, and berries can create a refreshing treat with minimal effort. If you want a traditional soda feel, use sparkling water and add a touch of honey.
Herbal Tea: Tea is delicious on its own, but when iced, it takes on a new, refreshing flavor profile. Mix with carbonated water and liquid stevia for a treat that rivals fruity soda. We recommend hibiscus, ginger, or lemon balm tea.
Fermented Beverages: Water kefir, ginger bugs, and kombucha are a little more time-intensive than simply mixing carbonated water and flavoring, but they are optimal for gut health. Plus, you can customize the flavors with various tea, juice, and other additions.
Vinegar Tonics: Apple cider vinegar is excellent for metabolism. Make a tangy, tasty tonic by mixing apple cider vinegar (preferably with the “mother”) to taste, sparkling water, and stevia. This energizing beverage is a portion of the cost of store-bought and tastes just as good.
👉 Some sodas don’t just spike your blood sugar — they silently trigger chronic inflammation.
If you’re struggling with joint pain, fatigue, skin issues, or stubborn weight… your favorite drink might be one of the hidden causes.
Inside The Holistic Guide to Wellness, you’ll find a complete list of common inflammation triggers — including beverages — and exactly how to build an anti-inflammatory protocol that actually works.
Click here to uncover the real culprits and start the plan today →
Copy-Cat Versions of Your Favorite Soda
Everyone has a soda preference, and it’s easy to follow your taste buds from the comfort of home. If you love the citrus burst of Mountain Dew or Sprite, add lemon, lime, and/or orange juice to your sparkling water with an extra dash of sweetener or honey. If using a sweetener, you can also incorporate citrus essential oils (just a drop or two!) like orange or lemon.
Before toxins were added to beverages, root beer was made with dandelion, sassafras, sarsaparilla, and licorice root. You can alter our Homemade Herbal Cola recipe to use those herbs for a deep, rich soda. Add a touch of molasses and vanilla extract for a creamy twist.
You can add adaptogens like reishi mushroom, maca, and tulsi to your soda to help your body better adapt to life’s stressors. These delicious ingredients support focus and calm the nervous system.
And of course, if cola is your favorite, try the following recipe, which will surely hit the spot.
👉 Whatever you’re sipping — water, tea, coffee, or even homemade soda — you can turn it into a remedy.
Just a few drops of Reishi, Lemon Balm, or other plant-based tinctures can calm your nerves, sharpen your focus, support digestion, or boost immunity… all while you drink what you already enjoy.
These aren’t mass-produced extracts — they’re crafted by Dr. Nicole Apelian, a master herbalist who makes each remedy with care and intention.
Click here to explore Nicole’s Apothecary and grab the Summer Promotion while it lasts →
How to Make Homemade Herbal Cola
Creating your own soda is a great way to enjoy your old favorite treat with none of the toxins. Our Homemade Herbal Cola uses fresh ingredients, including warm spices like cinnamon and anise. It also uses kola powder, which is hailed in various cultures for its ability to reduce hunger pangs and treat depression, headaches, toothaches, and more!
Here’s how it all comes together.
- ½ tablespoon dried kola nut powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
- 1 tablespoon raw honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 12 ounces sparkling water
Step One: Place the dried kola nut powder, ground cinnamon, cloves, anise, and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over low heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
Step Two: Remove from heat and strain. Let cool to room temperature.
Step Three: Stir in the honey and vinegar.
Step Four: To use, stir 2-4 tablespoons (depending on how strong you want the flavor) into 12 ounces of sparkling water. If desired, serve with a lime or lemon wedge. Enjoy!
How to Use and Store Homemade Soda
Teens and adults can safely enjoy this soda. Because it contains caffeine, it’s best to avoid giving it to children, pregnant/nursing individuals, or those sensitive to caffeine.
If you are sensitive to caffeine, but still want to enjoy this beverage, try cutting the syrup in half and adding a little more sweetener.
You’ll have leftover cola syrup, so store it appropriately. It’s best to store the syrup in a sealed bottle or jar in the refrigerator. When stored properly, the syrup will last 2-3 weeks. Pour into ice cube trays for longer storage, then transfer to a freezer bag. If freezing, the syrup cubes will last 2-3 months.
⚠️ One Last Thing (from a Friend)
Look, I know you’re not going to give up every soda or sugary drink from the store. You’re human — we all are.
But please, as a friendly reminder… don’t forget to detox every now and then.
Because excessive sugar, artificial sweeteners, colorants, and chemical additives don’t just stay in your system — they slowly wear it down.
Internally, that can look like fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues, breakouts, weight gain, joint pain, or mood swings.
And on the outside? Dry skin, brittle nails, dull hair, and that bloated, heavy feeling that just won’t go away.
So here’s what I suggest:
Try these gentle yet powerful detox recipes from The Forgotten Home Apothecary — each one designed to flush out toxins and support your body naturally:
✅ Liver Detox Elixir
✅ Herbal Parasite Flush
✅ Full Body Detox Tonic
✅ Bowel Balance Formula
✅ Detox Foot Soak
✅ Internal Skin Cleanser
✅ Anti-Parasitic Enema
✅ Gut-Healing Elixir
✅ Lymphatic Drainage Tea
✅ Anti-Fatigue Liver Support
These are real remedies — made from real herbs — passed down, tested, and refined by one of the most trusted herbalists alive.
👉 Click here to explore the complete detox section inside The Forgotten Home Apothecary →
Your body will thank you. Even if it still craves the occasional can of soda.
