Easy Coffee Soda Recipe

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As a coffee lover, there are so many ways to enjoy this favorite beverage. From the good old drip method to fancy espresso machines, there are SO many options!!

But what about those hot summer days when you crave the taste of coffee but don’t want a steaming cup of joe? Enter this easy coffee soda recipe, a refreshing alternative to your regular coffee that’s a great option for long summer afternoons.

I started making this easy coffee soda recipe last summer and now, I’ll show you how to make coffee soda at home too – along with some tips and variations to make it even better and more exciting!

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What is Coffee Soda?

Coffee soda is exactly what it sounds like: coffee mixed with soda water. 

It’s a great way to add some fizz and fun to your cold brew coffee, and it tastes similar to nitro coffee, which is cold brew infused with nitrogen bubbles. 

Coffee soda is also very low in calories, since it has no added sugar or cream (unless you want to add some).

What does coffee soda taste like?

Coffee soda tastes like a bittersweet and fizzy version of coffee. 

It has the rich and complex flavor of espresso or cold brew coffee, but with a light and refreshing carbonation.

Depending on the ingredients added, it can also have hints of citrus, vanilla, chocolate, or cherry. Some people describe it as a coffee-flavored soda, while others compare it to a sparkling iced Americano or a nitro coffee.

Ingredients You Need For This Coffee Soda Recipe

Main Coffee Soda Ingredients:

• Cold brew coffee: This forms the base of your drink, providing a smooth, rich coffee flavor without any bitterness that can sometimes come from hot coffee. Use high-quality cold brew coffee for the best flavor.
• Club soda or seltzer water: Adds carbonation and a light, refreshing fizz to your iced coffee soda, making it an effervescent and thirst-quenching beverage.

Optional Additions:

• Splash of simple syrup: Made with equal parts sugar and hot water, simple syrup sweetens your coffee soda just enough, balancing out the natural bitterness of the coffee without overpowering its flavor.
• Lemon juice: Adds a touch of acidity and brightness, which helps to enhance the coffee’s natural flavors and bring a refreshing tang to the drink.
• Orange peel: Serves as a beautiful garnish and infuses the drink with a subtle, fragrant citrus aroma that complements the coffee’s flavors.
• Shot of espresso: Intensifies the coffee flavor for those who prefer a bolder, more robust taste in their iced coffee soda.
• Espresso shots: Can be added for an extra caffeine kick and deeper coffee flavor, making your drink more akin to an iced Americano.
• Coffee ice cubes: Prevents dilution of your drink as the ice melts, maintaining the integrity of the coffee flavor throughout.
• Orange bitters: Imparts a complex, slightly bitter citrus note that adds depth and intrigue to your iced coffee soda.
• Splash of cream: Gives your coffee soda a rich, velvety texture and a hint of creaminess, making it more indulgent and luxurious.

How to Make Coffee Soda

Making coffee soda is super easy. All you need are two ingredients: cold brew coffee and soda water. You can use store-bought or homemade cold brew, and any kind of sparkling water you like. Here are the basic steps:

1. Prepare your cold brew coffee using your favorite coffee beans and method. A French press or large pitcher works great for this. Allow the coffee to steep in cold water for 12-24 hours, then strain it into an airtight container. (In a time crunch? You can opt for storebought cold brew or even just make a cup of coffee using a Nespresso machine if you prefer).
2. When you’re ready to make your iced coffee soda, fill a tall glass or highball glass with ice cubes. You can use regular ice cubes, or make your own coffee ice cubes for a stronger flavor.
3. Pour equal parts of cold brew coffee and soda water into the glass. I like to use 4 ounces of each, but you can adjust the ratio to your taste. Add a splash of cream and your favorite flavorings, if desired.
4. Stir gently and enjoy! Store any leftover cold brew coffee in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Variations of This Coffee Soda Recipe

Coffee soda is delicious on its own, but you can also customize it with some extra ingredients. Here are some ideas:

• Use flavored sparkling water or ginger ale. An alternative option for carbonation that infuses a hint of flavor into the coffee soda for a pleasant bubbliness while keeping it light and crisp.
• Add some sweetener. If you like your coffee a bit sweeter, you can add some maple syrup or simple syrup to the drink. I recommend using 1 teaspoon per glass, but you can add more or less depending on your preference.
• Add some flavor. You can also add some flavoring syrups or extracts to your coffee soda, such as vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, or mint. A little goes a long way, so start with a few drops and adjust as needed.
• Add some garnish. To make your coffee soda more festive, you can add some fresh herbs, orange peel, or citrus wedges as fr a pop of color and extra flavor. For example, you can add a sprig of rosemary or a slice of lemon to your drink for a refreshing twist.
• Add more caffeine. After you pour the cold brew coffee over the ice, you can add a shot of espresso or espresso shots for a stronger coffee flavor.
• Make a coffee cream soda. For a more indulgent treat, try adding a splash of cream or even a scoop of ice cream to your iced coffee soda.
• Add some foam. If you want to make your coffee soda more creamy and frothy, you can top it with some cold foam. Cold foam is milk that is whipped until it forms a thick foam that floats on top of iced coffee. You can make it at home using a milk frother or a blender. Here’s how:
  • Pour 1/4 cup of milk (any kind) into a milk frother or a blender.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of maple syrup or simple syrup if you want some sweetness.
  • Froth or blend the milk until it forms a thick foam.
  • Spoon the foam over your coffee soda and enjoy!

When to Enjoy Coffee Soda

Enjoy your iced coffee soda as a delightful mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a tasty drink for those hot summer days!

I hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned how to make coffee soda at home. If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you mix coffee with soda?

Yes, you can mix coffee with soda to make… coffee soda! It’s a refreshing way to enjoy coffee with some bubbles and fizz.

Is coffee and seltzer a thing?

Yes, coffee and seltzer is a thing. It’s a type of coffee soda that is made of espresso or cold brew coffee mixed with seltzer water. Some people also add some citrus, tonic, chocolate milk, or cherry soda to it for extra flavor.

What is coffee with soda water called?

Coffee with soda water is called coffee soda.

Why do Italians serve sparkling water with coffee?

Italians serve sparkling water with coffee for a few reasons. One is to cleanse the palate before and after drinking espresso, which is a very intense and flavorful drink. 

Another reason is to hydrate the drinker, since caffeine can be dehydrating and Italy has a warm climate. 

A third reason is to stimulate the taste buds with the minerals in the water, which can enhance the enjoyment of the coffee.

What happens if you make coffee with soda water?

If you make coffee with soda water, you get a drink called coffee soda – and it’s delicious!

Is seltzer just vodka soda?

No, seltzer is not just vodka soda. Seltzer is a term for carbonated water that has no added ingredients or flavors. Vodka soda is a cocktail that consists of vodka and seltzer, usually served with ice and a lime wedge. Seltzer is a non-alcoholic drink, while vodka soda is an alcoholic drink.

Is coffee soda good for you?

Coffee soda may have some health benefits, depending on the type and amount of coffee and soda water used. 

Coffee contains caffeine, which can boost alertness, mood, and metabolism, but also cause side effects like anxiety, insomnia, and dehydration if consumed in excess. 

Coffee also contains antioxidants and other compounds that may reduce the risk of some chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and Parkinson’s. Soda water is simply carbonated water that has no calories or added sugar, but may have some minerals that can stimulate the taste buds and hydrate the body. 

However, soda water can also cause bloating, gas, and tooth erosion if consumed too often. Some people may add baking soda to their coffee to reduce acidity and improve their digestion, but this can also affect the flavor and pH balance of the body. 

Some people may also add sweeteners or flavorings to their coffee soda, which can increase the calories and sugar intake. Therefore, coffee soda can be good for you in moderation, but it is not a substitute for plain water or a balanced diet.

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