Birthday Drinks

Last weekend was my birthday and, as a result, I'm now the proud owner of a Soda Stream water carbonater.

It's taken me a little while to write about this because it's a little overwhelming.  With the ability to carbonate anything, how can I possibly choose?!  Here are the drinks I've made so far:

• My first carbonating endeavor was simple, just plain carbonated filtered water.  I'm still marveling at the money (and bottles/cans) we'd save this summer by not buying La Croix.  

• Next I added fresh lemon juice and a little maple syrup (my usual lemonade).  Of course, it's even better carbonated.

• My first fail was a honey and rose water soda.  The idea is good, but the execution was flawed.  And the result...chunky {shudder}.  I'll need to work on this one.

• My favorite drink: TX grapefruit syrup (that's a jam that failed to set) with fresh mint and carbonated water. Amazing!

• Also good: Strongly brewed mango ceylon tea (decaf for me), fresh lemon, mint, sugar syrup and carbonated water.  It's sweet tea soda.

• My latest experiments are with rosemary syrup and lavender syrup.  Rosemary and grapefruit with fresh mint are perfect together: citrus-y tart with floral notes from the rosemary and bright mint!  

I can't wait to until my herb garden isn't covered in snow and I can play with fresh lemon verbena, basil and stevia!  And you don't really need a Soda Stream to make these drinks- any carbonated water will do.

Making these syrups is really easy- First, make a big batch of sugar syrup (Heat 1 part water and 1 part evaporated cane juice to boiling.  Cook a minute or two and make sure sugar is all dissolved.  Cool.).  Then flavor small batches of the syrup with each herb/spice.  If you're trying something new, I recommend simmering 1/2 cup sugar syrup with 1 Tbsp. of the dried herb for just a minute or two.  Then cool and strain into an air-tight container.  Store in the refrigerator.