If you're looking for a refreshing and delicious drink to enjoy on a warm day, look no further than this Sparkling Grape Juice recipe! Made with fresh grapes and a few simple ingredients, this grape soda recipe is crazy easy to make and is very budget-friendly. No more shelling out hundreds of dollars for flavored seltzers from the store, because making homemade syrups is all the rage now. Don't believe us? Check out our amazing homemade Orange Soda recipe!

Living a healthier lifestyle is key in today's climate. We cannot afford to be consuming harmful ingredients left and right without any concern for the consequences. Making homemade recipes, specifically syrups, will not only save you a nickel and a dime but also save you energy, health, and years of happiness knowing you're putting quality ingredients in your body.

In this post, we will be going over the simple steps to make Sparkling Grape Juice, also known as Grape Soda, to serve to your friends and family. This specific recipe will serve about 5 people, depending on your portion size. We recommend using Concord grapes as opposed to the traditional grapes you usually consume. Concord grapes have a richer and more complex flavor profile which is key in a syrup recipe as it will be diluted when we add in our sparkling water. Have any questions? Feel free to comment on our Pinterest post and let us know your thoughts!

Grape Soda Recipe

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Why Concord Grapes?

It's simple really, when it comes to the kind of grape you'll want to use in your sparkling grape juice or grape soda, make sure you use Concord. Why you ask? Because Concord grapes are packed full of amazing, complex flavors. They also contain a large number of antioxidants in them, so you're getting the added benefits there as well. Due to the larger flavor profile that Concord grapes provide, it will make for an overall tastier and sweeter soda experience. If you don't have access to Concord grapes, make sure you are using the darkest grape you can find! Those are the ones that will closely resemble the Concord flavor profile.

Can I Just Add Sparkling Water to Grape Juice?

Yes, you can absolutely just add sparkling water to store-bought grape juice. However, if you want a truly delicious and unique flavor that your friends and family will rave about, then we suggest making the syrup with Concord grapes first. Once the homemade syrup has been made, then it's okay to add in the sparkling water as it will be diluted by the syrup. This will give you a tasty sparkling grape juice that is far superior to just adding sparkling water to store-bought grape juice! Not to mention, anytime you can control the ingredients in homemade syrups the better. Make it sweeter, make it more citrusy, and most importantly, make it healthier!

Store-Bought Sparkling Water vs. Homemade Sparkling Water

The debate of all time, store-bought sparkling water or homemade, which of these is better? To be quite honest, they are virtually the same outside of some key factors. Store-bought Sparkling water likely contains some form of additives, even if it's plain in flavor. Not to mention if you purchase flavored sparkling water, you need to keep in mind how much citric acid you're now consuming on a regular if not daily basis. These intense flavors have been linked to many health problems including tooth decay and digestion issues as we are tricked into believing the natural flavors that are added to these beverages are actually healthy for us. Although they are technically healthier than your classic sodas, they cannot be out ruled for having zero health impacts. Unflavored sparkling water, however, can actually have great health benefits!

Homemade sparkling water, however, is just that: homemade. You get to control what goes in and what stays out! Making spin-offs of your classic and beloved seltzer water flavors is incredibly easy, and way healthier. It's also better for the environment; by switching to a more sustainable way of consuming water, we can chip away at the ridiculous amount of more than 60 million single-use plastic bottles that get thrown away each day.

At Soda Sense, refilling your CO2 canisters used in your soda machine at home has never been easier. All you'll need is our free Refill Box and you can ship and receive full CO2 canisters straight to your front door. If you already have a soda maker at home with another brands canisters such as Soda Stream, you can exchange your Soda Stream canisters with Soda Sense! By exchanging with Soda Sense, you can have peace of mind knowing our CO2 is sustainably sourced right here in Seymour, WI. Join the Refill Club today and start exchanging a better way!

How to Make Sparkling Grape Juice

Once you have your ingredients out and measured, it's time to get cooking! We will first go over how to make your grape soda syrup.

To begin, measure out your Concord grapes in a small pot and then add in your water. Turn the stove on to high heat only for a small amount of time. You'll want to make sure that the second you see your water starting to boil, immediately bring your stove to low heat. Then, add in your Xylo sweetener (or any sweetener!) and a good squeeze of lemon juice. The lemon juice pairs beautifully with the Concord Grapes and assist in brightening up the already dense syrup.

Allow your mixture to simmer for 15 mins on the stove at low heat. Many folks will say 20 mins is required for a fruit-based syrup to fully develop the correct flavors, however, we have to keep in mind that your syrup will also need to cool down before transferring and straining. Speaking of, after your 15 mins have passed, remove your pot from the stove and allow it to cool down for 5-10 mins.

After your mixture is completely cooled, lightly muddle your Concord grapes and then grab a thin strainer or a cheesecloth, and transfer it into a glass container. You can also use a plastic container, we recommend your mixture be cooled down enough though in order to avoid any melting messes! If you also decide to use a cheesecloth, be warned that this syrup will stain your likely white cheesecloths!

Once your syrup is strained and contained, it's finally time to make the best part: the grape soda! Dust off that soda maker that you were gifted last Christmas because it's time to put it to some good use. Plug it in, place your full CO2 canister in the back, and carbonate one full bottle of water. Grab a glass with ice and pour in 3 oz of your grape syrup, and then top your glass off with your homemade sparkling water. Feel free to garnish with some lemon wheels!

Now that wasn't so hard, right? ;)

What Are The Health Benefits of Homemade Sparkling Grape Juice?

When it comes to enjoying a refreshing beverage, nothing beats homemade sparkling grape juice, especially considering the health benefits it offers. The key advantage lies in the control over ingredients and the absence of harmful additives found in store-bought alternatives. By making your own syrup with fresh Concord grapes, you can be certain that you're consuming a concoction filled with essential antioxidants and natural goodness. These compounds not only contribute to a richer and more complex flavor profile but also support your overall well-being.

When you sip on your homemade sparkling grape juice, you can take pride in the fact that you're nourishing your body with quality ingredients. Unlike mass-produced sodas that often contain excessive sugar and artificial additives, your homemade creation provides a healthier alternative. The reduction in harmful ingredients can lead to improved energy levels, better digestion, and even contribute to your long-term happiness as you make mindful choices for your health.

Related Article: Healthier Alternatives to Coke

The Art of Flavor Experimentation

One of the most exciting aspects of crafting your own sparkling grape juice lies in the endless possibilities for flavor experimentation. Once you've mastered the art of creating the grape syrup base, you can start adding your unique twists to the recipe. Enhance the sweetness with a touch of honey or maple syrup, or introduce a zesty twist with a hint of lime or orange zest. You can even infuse the syrup with herbs like mint or basil for a burst of freshness.

The flexibility to adjust the sweetness and citrusy notes ensures that your sparkling grape juice caters perfectly to your taste buds. Additionally, you can play around with different sparkling water brands or experiment with carbonation levels to find the ideal effervescence that brings out the best in your homemade soda. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination, so get creative and embark on a flavorful journey!

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