/r/sodamaking

Photograph via snooOG

A sub-reddit for people who make their own soda.

This subreddit is dedicated to making your own soda, including but not limited to:

  • Creating your own soda syrups

  • Creating sodas using syrup and co2 systems like sodastream

  • Fermenting, brewing, and creating cultured soda

  • Creating and using soda in non-alcoholic mixed beverages

Please keep posts polite and on topic.

Other subreddits you may like:

Content Attributions:

Header image created by Onlyyouqj - Freepik.com

/r/sodamaking

1,185 Subscribers

2

Options for plate chillers

I'm doing a kitchen remodel and replacing the existing ice maker that cools the plate and replacing it with an ice maker that i really don't want to drill a hole into. My current options are to put the current ice maker in the basement directly under the sink and have about 10 ft run, or find another under sink solution. What kind of options are out there besides priming the gun each time or drilling the hole into the very expensive new unit?

0 Comments
2024/12/01
23:39 UTC

4

is dried tarragon a good substitute for making tarragon soda if you can't find fresh leaves?

i wanted to make tarragon soda and most recipes mention fresh leaves but here in my part of the world i only have dried leaves available. would that work too? does it taste the same as fresh leaves? has anyone tried it?

1 Comment
2024/11/26
06:28 UTC

2

Suitable CO2 Regulator for a McCann’s Big Mac Carbonator

I recently acquired a McCann’s Big Mac Carbonator. I am currently in the process of setting up. I am fairly new to all of this, so pardon my ignorance. What should I look out for when purchasing a CO2 regulator for my setup?

Edit: I'm considering the Kegland MK4 Regulator. However, I'm uncertain as to which pressure relief valve is best suited for my carbonator.

5 Comments
2024/10/15
15:36 UTC

2

Will plate chillers work?

Currently upgrading from a 5lb tank connected to a dying sodastream to a full dispensing system.

I have a Mccan big mac carbonator on the way, and initially I was going to use a modified ice cube machine and a cold plate but then I managed to get a really good deal on an 800 Watt lab grade recirculating chiller that can go as low as -5C.

So my question is:

I'm wondering can I use a multiplate wort chiller to cool my carbonated water? Plate chiller

The chiller is all stainless steel where water will come in contact.

2 Comments
2024/10/12
20:24 UTC

1

How do I make soda

So I’m trying to make a nice a sweet slightly vanilla kind of soda syrup but I’m trying not to use alcohol to extract flavours ( I’m under age where I live) I’m asking to see if anyone has good recipes that matches that criteria

2 Comments
2024/09/29
10:12 UTC

1

Chilling solution

So in theory, could you buy a mini fridge type of setup and run your water from the tap through the mini fridge before carbonation to pre-chill the water and also keep the syrup stored cold? Thinking about something like a moonshine operation, a coil of copper tubing in the fridge to keep at least a gallon of water pre chilled at any time.

1 Comment
2024/09/06
18:51 UTC

2

How to Power a 6 Valve DIY Soda Tower?

Hey all! I decided to embark on my first DIY project! I managed to acquire 6 Lancer valves that I'm looking to hook up to a custom fabricated soda tower. The only problem is, I come from a background of solely using Wunder-Bar guns so I'm a little out of my element when it comes to dealing with electrical components. I've scoured the internet with no luck. I've even called Lancer themselves, whom weren't very helpful as they strictly want the valves used in conjunction with their towers. I simply just want to know how I would go about in connecting all six valves to a single power source.

I did manage to find a couple of videos (video 1, video 2) detailing a tower setup but being the beginner that I am, I lost him when it came to his power source. He explains it in brief but doesn't go as far as "how" he connects them. If anyone can point me in the right direction as far as what to buy and how to connect every valve it would be greatly appreciated. This is the one missing link to me completing this project so you're input would be a blessing.

P.S. I've disassembled the valve and attached a photo to give you all an idea on what wire's I'm dealing with. Thanks!

https://preview.redd.it/moe0nsf63fkd1.jpg?width=5712&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3a284b167273b234caad0a35faaca80a6e7947dd

0 Comments
2024/08/23
13:41 UTC

1

Extract question

I was watching a Darcy O’Neill video on how to make extract because in the near future I want to make his recipe for moxie but he said to make an extract you need 1 oz of essential oils and ethanol and I was wondering if you could make an extract without ethanol?

TLDR: I want to make extract for moxie that doesn’t contain ethanol/alcohol, is that possible?

2 Comments
2024/08/20
05:16 UTC

4

I need help with either obtaining good wintergreen, finding alternatives, or finding a different recipe to make root beer.

0 Comments
2024/07/31
19:01 UTC

2

Preserving Soda?

Hi Folks! I'm thinking of making various kinds of ginger beer and sell them at local farmers markets, offering both on tap and in growlers. While I've only made ginger beer at home before, I understand that selling it commercially requires considerations for preservation and sell-by dates.

I'm planning on using forced carbonation and ensuring everything is properly sanitized, without using any yeast. Do I need to add preservatives to the kegs or bottles? When selling growlers, is it good enough to advise customers to keep them refrigerated?

If anyone has experience selling soda at farmers markets and can share any general advice, I would greatly appreciate it!

2 Comments
2024/07/11
21:44 UTC

5

Sodamaking in the Buckeye State

So I've been making soda for two years now, personally. Most individuals tells me my recipe is fantastic. So I've already registered my business and I'm looking to not only license but also start selling my soda flavors in my home state. Here's the problem.... I don't have the reach, I don't have the capital, and in my state you need to have your own commercial space to produce soda. I potentially might have between about 100 to get started. Got a few bottles that have been thoroughly sanitized but now I'm finding out the space that I was using, I can't use at all. This is sort of starting to become a headache but I'm confident my idea will work. Should I just stop trying at this point?

3 Comments
2024/07/01
22:40 UTC

3

Has anybody tried making homemade flavoured tonic water?

2 Comments
2024/05/28
22:50 UTC

18

My first 110 oz of honeydew melon soda complete today. Recipe in the comments.

2 Comments
2024/05/25
15:59 UTC

2

Baking soda / acid for carbonation

Has anybody tried to use baking soda and vinegar to carbonate their sodas?

2 Comments
2024/05/24
22:09 UTC

3

Any good tools to seal soda cans ar home?

Title says it all. I am looking for a manual can sealer that would fit a standard 330ml can. I am not quite ready to chill out 800$ for a big fancy one so I am looking for something a bit cheaper. Any help would be greatly appreciated

0 Comments
2024/05/22
11:31 UTC

3

Sorry, new here but I have a question.

I run my food truck out of a relatively small commercial kitchen. What is the smallest equipment needed to produce one type of soda and to bottle it? Is this possible on a small scale? Thanks!

2 Comments
2024/05/17
17:08 UTC

1

What to add for more authentic taste?

I’m looking to make my own soda and all of the ingredients lists I see do not list citric acid. Is that not recommended to add?

3 Comments
2024/05/14
02:38 UTC

3

Hey sorry to bother. I can't seem to get my soda carbonated properly.

I use a corny keg with a CO2 regulator and CO2 tank. 3 days in 32psi. What am I doing wrong?

Edit: It looks like mostly foam is coming out of the keg.

8 Comments
2024/04/28
08:37 UTC

6

Hello, I recently purchased a home soda machine that has a compact remote chiller. I have setup and seems to be working but it’s not as carbonated as I would like. My ratio is 5:1 and my CO2 is set at 95 PSI per the instructions. Any tips for getting McDonald’s style carbonation? Here is my setup.

5 Comments
2024/04/09
03:27 UTC

1

Does anyone have a recipe for root beer without sassafras, sarsaparilla root, birch bark, or root beer extract?

5 Comments
2024/04/07
17:14 UTC

1

Recommendations for Remote Chiller to upgrade a Soda Gun setup

I have a soda gun setup which uses a seltzer water from a pre-chilled corny keg. I want to upgrade to a remote carbonation + chiller setup so that I can free the space in my keggerator for more beer.

I've been trying to find something but the only links I find are those from soda dispenser depot. The equipment looks good but they don't sell the remote chiller on its own. I've also searched on eBay, but can't seem to find anything. I'm sure my search skills are failing me.

Are there any vendors who sell remote chillers for 6-8 beverages? What would people recommend?

9 Comments
2024/03/22
23:04 UTC

1

Birch beer

Does anyone have a good recipe for birch beer? I ordered a premade syrup and it's sadly lacking in flavor. My daughter got a soda stream for her birthday and we've been looking forward to making birch beer

4 Comments
2024/03/19
05:16 UTC

3

Best chance at avoiding bottle explosions?

Hi I’m very new to soda making and want to do natural fermented soda from natural ingredients, etc.

But, many years ago I saw my friend who was homebrewing beer have a bottle burst in his hands causing a huge bloody gash.

Since then I’ve been petrified of getting into the hobby and having that happen.

What’s the best way to brew natural soda with the least risk of danger.

I know I must sound like a coward but it is a genuine fear.

Thanks in advance,

Sippy :]

26 Comments
2024/02/25
00:07 UTC

3

Soda going bad after a few days in fridge

Hi All,

I recently started making mint lime soda (totally improvised) but it is going kinda bad in just a few days. Seeking advice.

My method. 1) Make syrup 2) Add syrup to 1 liter carbonated water bottle.

For the syrup I lightly simmer 1 cup sugar in 1 cup water and add minced mint leaves, fresh lime juice, and lime peele zest. I let this lightly simmer for 15 mins. I then strain out the mint leaves and lime zest with a metal mesh seive.

I add syrup to carbonated water and it tastes great on days 1-3. then it kinda tastes icky after day 3.

I assume it is the small mint/lime plant matter that goes "bad" but how else would one do this process?

Any help is appreciated.

6 Comments
2024/02/21
20:34 UTC

2

What is the best water?

I've tried looking this up, but I only get results for brewing alcoholic beverages. What is the best water to use for making soda? Right now, I use tap water that has been run though a Berkey filter. While this has been working for me, I will need to find a more efficient source of water.

2 Comments
2024/02/05
17:25 UTC

1

What adapter do I buy to refill my CO2 canister?

I am at my whits end. I have read stories about how you can refill the CO2 canisters at Dunhams or a paint ball supply store. All you need is an adapter to go from the canister and their fill tank. I have now purchased 3 adapters and none of them are the correct one. They all said they were, but they were not compatible. Has anyone done it successfully and which adapter did you use?

3 Comments
2024/02/02
20:08 UTC

2

Lemon juice or Lemon Zest

So I have been making soda for a little while (found a recipe in a book) and I was wondering how lemon juice affects a soda, is it more flavorful than zest or does it dull the drink.

3 Comments
2024/01/24
19:41 UTC

1

Bottle after carbonating?

I have a small setup and Iwant to increase my production, but don't have a ton of space. I use yeast fermentation to carbonate my sodas. Currently, I bottle it individually and let it ferment. However, with the volume I plan to do, that isn't really possible. Would it be possible to fill individual bottles with soda from my carboy without losing all the carbonation?

7 Comments
2024/01/15
18:33 UTC

4

Remote chiller before or after the carbonator?

I am building a soda system using the mccann big mac, 5lb tank and a remote chiller from elkay. From all my research, Diy setups always had the water cooled before entering the carbonator or by placing the whole carbonator in a mini fridge. This makes sense since colder water takes more CO2. However, all commercial soda fountain setups that I saw had the cooling done after the carbonator. The idea is to ensure the soda wateris cold when it reaches the bar gun or soda fountain machine. Maybe the McCann carbonators can add enough CO2 to room temp water without issues.

So what do folks think? Add chiller before or after the carbonator. Doesn't make sense to add it before because it will sit in the carbonator tank and warm up to room temp. The only way to solve that is too have the carbonator and it's tank in a mini fridge.

10 Comments
2023/12/20
17:32 UTC

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