Italian Soda's

Classic Italian Soda are a combination of syrup, cream or milk, sparkling water and optional whipped cream on the top.  I love the refreshing taste of Italian Soda, but wanted a healthier, lower calorie version.  It is quite simple to make and is a wonderful drink in the summer.

Ingredients:
2 ounces gourmet fruit syrup - can be bought in certain stores or at coffee shops.  I made two syrups tonight, the recipes are below.
8-12 ounces sparkling mineral water.

Put ingredients in a glass filled with ice, stir and enjoy.
Note:  If using homemade juice, you only need about 1 ounce.  The homemade juice is much strong, as there is little water.


Berry Syrup - Can use any berry.  I made blueberry, but will also use raspberries and strawberries.  You can use a mixture of any berry.

Ingredients:
12-16 ounces of berries - Can be fresh to frozen.  If the berries are big, you may want to cut into smaller pieces.
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup sugar (or Splenda or other sugar equivalent to make sugar free.  May need to adjust measurement to get the equivalent of 1/2 sugar)
A couple teaspoons of lemon juice.

Bring all of the ingredients to boil, stirring frequently.  Boil for about 10 minutes.  Strain juice to remove fruit piece.  Put in container and refrigerate.  Can be frozen into smaller containers, as the juice will only last about a week in the frig since there are no preservatives.


Lemon-Lime Juice

Ingredients:
2 Lemons
2 Limes
1/2 Water
1/2 Cup sugar (or sugar equivalent as stated above)

Grate the peel of one lemon and one lime in a sauce pan.  Cut all of the limes and lemons in 1/2 and squeeze to remove juice into the sauce pan.  Add water and sugar.  Bring to boil.  Boil about 10 minutes.  Stirring frequently.  Strain juice to remove the peels and any fruit.  Store in frig or freeze as stated above.