When you think of cola, the image that comes to mind is usually a bottle or can from the shop. But cola doesn’t have to come packaged  you can actually make it at home, with real ingredients and no hidden additives. This homemade version is made with coconut sugar, citrus peels and a few warm spices, coming together into a drink that’s naturally fizzy, refreshing and full of flavour.

It tastes different from commercial cola lighter, cleaner, and with a depth that only comes from fresh spices and citrus. Pour it over ice, top it with sparkling water, and you have a glass of cola that feels both familiar and new. Once you try it, you may find yourself reaching for this instead of the usual bottled kind.

If you’d like to watch the complete video recipe, tap to watch on our Instagram.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: About 6–8 drinks 

Ingredients

• 200g coconut sugar (about 1 cup)

• Peel of 1 orange (zest only, no white pith)

• Peel of 1 lemon (zest only, no white pith)

• 1 cinnamon stick

• ½ tsp grated nutmeg

• ½ tsp coriander powder,1 tsp vanilla extract

• 240ml water (1 cup)

• Sparkling water or soda, for serving

• Ice cubes

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

 Wash and dry the orange and lemon. Use a peeler to remove only the outer zest avoid the white pith, as it can make the syrup bitter. Lightly crush the coriander seeds to release more aroma.

Step 2: Heat the Coconut Sugar

 In a saucepan, add the coconut sugar and water. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves completely, forming a syrup. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3: Add Spices and Citrus

 Once the sugar has dissolved, add the orange peel, lemon peel, cinnamon stick, and nutmeg . Let the mixture simmer on a low heat for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavours to infuse deeply into the syrup.

Step 4: Add Vanilla Extract

 Turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This rounds off the flavour and gives the syrup a smooth finish.

Step 5: Strain the Syrup

 Strain the mixture through a fine sieve or muslin cloth to remove the solids. You now have your homemade cola syrup.

Step 6: Serve the Cola

 To serve, add 3–4 tablespoons of the syrup over ice and top with sparkling water or soda. Stir gently and enjoy. Adjust the amount of syrup to taste.

Variations

• Spiced Cola: Add a few cloves or a star anise for deeper spice notes.

• Ginger Cola: Simmer fresh ginger slices with the syrup for a zesty kick.

• Herbal Twist: Add a few sprigs of fresh mint or basil just before straining for a refreshing flavour.

• Cola Float: Pour the homemade cola over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a natural take on the classic float.

Zama Tip

The key to a good homemade cola is balance. If the syrup tastes too sweet, add a little more lemon zest or a splash of lime juice before serving. If it feels too sharp, stir in a spoonful of extra coconut sugar while the syrup is still warm. Taste as you go and adjust to your preference.

FAQ

Q. Does homemade cola taste like commercial cola?
A. No. Commercial cola is made with artificial flavours, chemicals and carbonation methods that can’t be matched at home. This version has a lighter, natural taste with citrus and spice notes.

Q. How long does the cola syrup last?
A. Store the syrup in a clean glass bottle in the fridge. It keeps well for 2–3 weeks.

Q. Can I make this drink without sparkling water?
A. Yes. You can mix the syrup with plain chilled water, but the fizz from sparkling water makes it more refreshing.

Q. Can I reduce the sugar?
A. Yes, but remember that sugar balances the strong flavours of spices and citrus. Reducing it too much may make the drink taste sharp.

Q. Is coconut sugar necessary?
A. Coconut sugar gives the syrup a rich, caramel-like flavour. You can use jaggery or raw cane sugar as alternatives, though the taste will vary slightly.