Cola Syrup

Name: Cola Syrup
Ingredients: Grated zest of 2 medium oranges; Grated zest of 1 large lime; Grated zest of 1 large lemon; 18 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 18 teaspoon nutmeg, preferably freshly grated; 1 section of a star anise pod, crushed; 1/2 teaspoon dried lavender flowers; 2 teaspoons minced ginger; 1 one-and-a-half-inch piece vanilla bean, split; 1/4 teaspoon citric acid (available at health food stores, or canning supply stores or kingarthurflour.com); 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon (packed) light brown sugar; 3/4 teaspoon caramel color powder, optional available at kingarthurflourcom

13 ingredients

12 steps

Ingredients

Grated zest of 2 medium oranges
Grated zest of 1 large lime
Grated zest of 1 large lemon
18 teaspoon ground cinnamon
18 teaspoon nutmeg, preferably freshly grated
1 section of a star anise pod, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried lavender flowers
2 teaspoons minced ginger
1 one-and-a-half-inch piece vanilla bean, split
1/4 teaspoon citric acid (available at health food stores, or canning supply stores or kingarthurflour.com)
2 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon (packed) light brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon caramel color powder, optional available at kingarthurflourcom

Directions

1

In a heavy pot over medium heat, bring 2 cups water to a simmer with the zests, cinnamon, nutmeg, star anise, lavender, ginger, vanilla and citric acid.
2

Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes.
3

In a food processor, whirl the sugars together for one minute (this will help them dissolve), then transfer to a large bowl.
4

If using caramel color, sprinkle it over the sugar.
5

Line a sieve or colander with a double thickness of cheesecloth and place over the bowl.
6

Pour the contents of the pot through the sieve.
7

Carefully gather up the corners of the cheesecloth and twist the top to close.
8

Use a spoon to press the bundle against the sieve, squeezing out all the flavorful liquid.
9

Stir the syrup and let cool, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves, about 15 minutes.
10

Transfer to containers and keep refrigerated.
11

To make a soda, pour 1/4 cup syrup over ice and add 1 cup seltzer.
12

Stir.