Facts are facts: Americans love soda. It’s not the healthiest drink in the world, but there’s something utterly satisfying about a slightly sweet (okay, over the top sweet) experience with the tiny bubbles that pop, pop, pop in our mouth to give us energy and vitality. Canned and bottle sodas have their place, but I guarantee, once you start concocting your own homemade variety, you’ll never be the same. And you’ll be amazed at how easy it is.
Our CHILE-LIME-PINEAPPLE POP is delicious all by itself, but if you’re in the mood, it’s hipster bar worthy with an ounce or two of vodka, gin, or mezcal. Thump thump - sip sip!
CHILE-LIME-PINEAPPLE POP
SERVES 10 | PREP 10 MINUTES, UP TO 12 HOURS
INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp pink peppercorns, crushed
1 lime, juiced
3 fresh jalapeno peppers, sliced
4 cups pineapple juice
1 bunch fresh cilantro, divided in two
1 cup sugar
10 cups club soda
Pineapple wedges, for garnish
TECHNIQUE
Place crushed peppercorns, lime juice, one sliced jalapeno pepper, and pineapple juice in a large, airtight container and stir to combine. Set aside while we make the jalapeno simple syrup - Please note that the pineapple juice mixture can also be stored in the fridge for up to 12 hours or longer if you have the time and desire a more intense flavor.
In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar with 1/2 cup of water and one additional jalapeno. Bring to a simmer over medium high heat for about 1 minute, then remove from heat, and allow the syrup to steep with the pepper for about five minutes.
Strain the pineapple juice mix through a mesh sieve and discard the peppercorns and peppers. Stir in the jalapeno simple syrup.
Pour ¼ cup of the pineapple juice over ice and then top with club soda, garnish with pineapple wedge, cilantro leaf, and fresh jalapeno slice.