Iced Chocolate Soda
How to enjoy your chocolate when the thermometer soars.
I am not a fizzy drink lover, other than champagne, cava, sparkling water and an occasional tonic in my gin and apart from that, it’s very rare for me to have a fizzy pop or soda. I find them too sweet, sticky and artificial.
Then the other issue is chocolate in the summer heat, unless you carry a coolbag and ice packs with you on the off chance of buying your favourite chocolate, then it’s a swift eat before it goes through the stages from snappy crisp, fudgy and bendy to all-out liquid chocolate. I love all the textures of chocolate, but it’s just challenging to eat in the heat.
With temperatures rising and still at least two months of summer to come, I had to create a drink that includes dark chocolate and the refreshing tingle of sparkling water. Fizzy chocolate drinks are not available in shops, so making your own is the only way. It’s super easy, fast and a much healthier way to enjoy a fizzy drink than the ultra-processed products out there.
For 4 large glasses of soda, you will need the following ingredients.
For the chocolate syrup.
25g Cocoa Powder
4 tbsp Honey, Maple Syrup or Agave syrup
Pinch of sea salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
To serve
Sparkling Water
Ice
Mint leaves or orange zest twist - Optional
To make the chocolate syrup
Bring of water with vanilla extract, sea salt and the honey or syrup to the boil and simmer for one minute. Take care as it can boil over very quickly.
Take off the heat and cool.
Once cool, mix well.
To serve
Half fill a glass with ice.
Pour two-thirds full with sparkling water, then pour in the chocolate syrup.
Stir carefully and taste, add more syrup if you want a stronger soda.
Add smashed mint leaves or a twist of orange zest and serve.
Additional tips and notes
Make the syrup in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
Add a shot of your favourite spirit for a boozy chocolate soda.
Buy the very best cocoa powder you can so you get the best flavour possible.
I hope this becomes your new favourite summer soda as it has mine. Share your thoughts, photos, where you are enjoying yours and who with.
Happy Summer Vibes to you all.
Paul x