Fresh Lime Soda Sweetness

It's hard for me to imagine anything more refreshing than a fresh lime soda in the summer of India. It's one of the first things we introduce to our visiting friends. It's tangy and sweet and bubbly and oh so good on so many levels. Especially when you're sweating profusely. Or have just spent 30 minutes in Indian traffic, having a lengthy conversation with the camel stuck in traffic next to you. He'd probably like a fresh lime soda too...

Why are fresh lime sodas amazing? First of all, they are fresh. Not a chemical laboratory product, bottled in a factory with preservatives and chemicals and who knows what else. Second of all, you can tailor it to your exact preferences. You pour in all the ingredients yourself. More puckery? No problem. Want more sweetness? Just pour another dose of sugar syrup in there. Want to balance your electrolytes? Throw a dash or two of salt in there.

Another reason I love fresh lime sodas is because of its mysterious chemical reactive potential. Depending on the order you pour the ingredients into your glass, you're liable to have a massive eruption on your hands, leaving much of your beverage on the table. Done it many times, to my chagrin.....and still I can't remember the proper order. I think I have it in the correct order below.....I think.....

So give it a try. Enjoy the rest of your summer. And comment below if you experience an eruption in your fresh lime soda glass!

Fresh Lime Soda
1 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1/3 cup simple syrup or powdered sugar (see note on simple syrup below)
3 cups soda water
mint leaves for garnish

1. Mix lime juice and sugar together till the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the soda water and stir lightly just to mix.
3. Place crushed ice in 4 glasses and pour the soda over it.
4. Garnish with mint leaves and serve at once. Be sure to serve the camel first ;)

**How to make simple syrup**
Basic simple syrup is a ratio of 1 part water to 1 part sugar. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, bring cold water and sugar to a boil. Turn the heat to low and stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved completely and the mixture is clear (3-5 minutes). You shouldn't be able to see any sugar crystals in the liquid. After boiling, let the syrup cool to room temperature. You can store simple syrup in the refrigerator for up to six months.


Photo Credit: Lacie Newton Stone