Healthy Alternatives to Soda

No one really thought about the need for healthy alternatives to soda until we all became addicted to it in the 1970s. Prior to that Coke came in a 10 oz bottle, as I recall, that you could buy for 15 cents. It was a treat that was just that, a treat.

Fast forward to the 21st century and coke is the new water. (By the way, please understand I am from Texas. EVERY soda product is called coke here, even Pepsi, so keep that in mind.) It is not ingested by the ounce anymore by by the liter...and it is really bad for the body in those amounts.

But if you need your fizz, what are you going to do?

One of the favorites around here is Italian Sodas. We started making them when we owned a tea room, and once we got used to them were too spoiled to stop. Italian sodas are really easy to make and have far less sugar that the cokes that you buy. The syrups also come in sugar free versions. I do not think sugar free alternatives, other than stevia, are healthy so I do not recommend them but they are out there if you want.

The best way to serve an Italian soda is in a tall iced glass, with some whipped cream on the top. If you make your own whipped cream from organic cream, and watch your sugar, it isn't unhealthy unless you are having to watch your fat intake. The combinations are almost endless.

Italian Soda: Basic Recipe

• 2 Tbs flavored syrup
• 8-12 oz club soda

Pour syrup into glass, add club soda and stir.

That is easy, isn't it? Now, when you need to add some luxury to that you want a Cremosa.

Cremosa:Basic Recipe

• 2 Tbs flavored syrup

• 8 oz club soda
• 4 oz half and half or cream

Stir together, or serve in layers. To serve in layers, pour the syrup in the glass. Add the club soda, then partially whip heavy cream and float it on top. It takes some practice but is a beautiful presentation.

Now that you have the basics down...Here are some of the best flavor combinations based on the Monin syrups which you can click on in the side bar for more information:

• Victorian-1 tbs vanilla, 1 tbs rose
• Creamsicle-1 tbs orange, 1 tbs vanilla
• Creme Brulee-1 tbs caramel, 1 tbs vanilla
• French Countryside- 1/2 tbs lavender, 1 1/2 tbs lemon
• Summer Afternoon-2 tsp blackberry, 2 tsp white chocolate, 2 tsp violet
• S'mores-1tbs toasted Marshmallow, 1/2 tbs Caramel, 1/2 tbs Chocolate

There are literally hundreds more combinations and ways of making them, and each of the recipes can be used for cremosas as well.

Now, healthy? Sure. Here is the breakdown:

Italian Soda

calories-90

sugars: 11 g

sodium 0

Coke

calories 110

sugar 30g

sodium:11

Plus, you have a natural, gourmet beverage that is exactly what you wanted without the chemicals. You can adjust the calories by using less syrup. There are no calories at all in club soda.

Another healthy alternative to soda is a drink made with fruit juice and club soda. Like the Italian sodas, the possibilities are almost endless. Various combinations of organic fruit juices, or organic fruit juices and tea are given some fizz by mixing them with the club soda.

In this case, you will want to make your drink half club soda, half juice.

Juicy Sodas :

Orange-

• 4 oz orange juice
• 4 oz club soda

Citrus Blast-

• 1 oz orange
• 1/2 oz lemon
• 1/2 oz grapefruit
• 1/2 oz key lime

• 2 oz green tea
• 4 oz club soda
• a little sugar or honey if needed.

Sparkling Fruit Punch

• 4 oz organic mixed juice punch
• 4 oz club soda

Banana

• 1 banana liquified in the blender
• 4 oz club soda
• 1 tsp lemon juice

There are many combinations to choose from. Any organic, 100% fruit juice will be a great addition to your homemade beverage. Be sure to pour it into iced glasses because it is just so much better that way.

The best alternative to anything is water. Pure water is essential to the body and the more of it, within reason, the better.

Whether you drink it iced, with a slice of lime or lemon, or at room temperature be sure, no matter what else you are drinking, that you get all the water your body needs. Eight 8 oz. glasses is only the bare minimum.

And sadly, coffee does not count. Keep a large glass of water within reach and sip it often for the healthiest body ever.