Homemade Kola Nut Cola

Keith

Yield: [ yield ]

This homemade cola is a refreshing way to make your own cola at home. With kola nut powder to give it a natural kick and aromats including cinnamon, citrus and vanilla, there's not surprises or secrets in this recipe.

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cooling time: 2 hrs

Equipment: Cheesecloth

Ingredients

• 1 cup (220g) white sugar
• ½ cup (110g) tightly packed brown sugar
• 3 cups (750ml) water
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 flat teaspoons (5g) kola nut powder *adjust according to the strength of your powder
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• ½ teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1 medium orange zested and juiced (3 tablespoons of juice)
• 1 medium orange zest only
• 1 medium lemon zest and juice from half (1 and ½ tablespoons)
• 1 lime zest and juice from half (1 tablespoon)
• ½ teaspoon citric acid

Instructions

1. Add white and brown sugar to a medium saucepan. Add water to the saucepan. Add cinnamon, coriander seeds, nutmeg, kola nut powder and ginger to the saucepan.
2. Put on a medium to high heat and stir well to dissolve sugar. When the mix starts to bubble, turn down to very low heat and simmer with the lid on for twenty minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
4. Zest and juice one orange. Zest only the second orange. Zest lemon and juice half lemon.Zest lime and juice half lime.
5. Add vanilla, citrus juice and zest and citric acid to the pot. Stir well.
6. Chill in the fridge for about two hours or longer to allow flavors to develop.
7. Line a sieve with a cheesecloth and put it over a large bowl. Strain cola through cheesecloth. Transfer cola to a clean airtight jar or container.
8. To drink, add some ice to a glass. Half fill with cola then top with either still water or seltzer. Add a slice of lime on the side and drink! Delicious!

Notes

Kola nut powder contains caffeine so this homemade cola is not suitable for children.

Kola nut powder is available from some health food and specialty stores.

Kola nut powder can vary in the amount of caffeine it has in it, so always read the label and adjust the amount of kola nut powder as needed.