Homemade Sodas and Mixers for Cocktails

Sparkling jasmine tea soda is exactly what it sounds like: jasmine tea with bubbles. It can be a soft, elegant refreshment on its own, and it can also behave like a “non-alcoholic topper” behind the bar, adding aroma and lift without heaviness. The catch is that jasmine is unforgiving. Over-extract it and it turns bitter or overly perfumed. Under-extract it and the bubbles feel thin and pointless. Carbonate it warm or cloudy and the result often foams, goes flat fast, or tas

This is a bright, green, garden-forward tonic built from tarragon, basil, and lemongrass—carbonated to service pressure in a siphon. It’s designed for speed (blend-strain-filter-charge), clarity (fine strain + coffee filter), and stability (cold extraction + low oxygen). Below you’ll find why it works, how to nail it every time, and how to use it across cocktails, low-ABV, and zero-proof serves.

In the ever-evolving landscape of cocktail culture, house-made sodas are no longer just playful additions — they are the backbone of high-level zero-proof mixology and refined highball construction. Among these, pomelo soda stands out for its rare citrus complexity, delicate bitterness, and crystalline refreshment.