Dirty Dr. Pepper

Have you ever tried making homemade soda?! It’s so much easier than you may think! This homemade Dr. Pepper, has the signature blend of fruity with caramel and cola and makes it just irresistible. Made with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and star anise, citrus zest, cherries and vanilla and almond extract. I think you will love this homemade soda. Leave the heavy cream out if you just want the original. No mystery chemicals and additives just real scratch ingredients. It’s pure nostalgia!

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 tsp. orange zest
• 2 tsp. lemon zest
• 2 tsp. lime zest
• 1 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 inch ginger, peeled
• 1 star anise
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tbsp. peppercorn
• 1 cup dried cherries
• 1 tsp. bitters
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. almond extract
• Club soda
• heavy cream

Directions

In a small sauce pan add the brown sugar and water. Bring to a simmer just until the sugar dissolves. Add in the zest, cinnamon, spices, ginger, peppercorns and cherry. Continue to simmer for 5-10 minutes. Just until it starts to thicken.

Strain and stir in the vanilla, almond extract and bitters.

Store the syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

To serve, fill a glass with ice and pour 1 part syrup to 3 parts club soda, finish with a splash of heavy cream, stir and enjoy!