Homemade Dr. Pepper

Directions

  1. 1Add one cup of coconut sugar to a pot over medium-low heat.
  2. 2Mix the coconut sugar until it starts to caramelize on the bottom.
  3. 3Immediately add water and stir.
  4. 4Add the spices (cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, black peppercorns, cardamom pods), ginger, and citrus peels (lemon peel, lime peel).
  5. 5Add one cup of pitted cherries.
  6. 6Give it a mix and let it come to a low boil.
  7. 7Mash the cherries to extract all the flavors.
  8. 8Strain the mixture into a bowl.
  9. 9Add vanilla and almond extract.
  10. 10Whisk until fully incorporated.
  11. 11Add your desired amount of syrup into a glass with some ice.
  12. 12Pour in seltzer water.
  13. 13Give it a stir.
  14. 14Serve it up.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup coconut sugar
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 star anise
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 0.5 teaspoon cardamom pods
  • 3 pieces fresh ginger
  • 2 pieces lemon peel
  • 1 piece lime peel
  • 1 cup pitted cherries
  • 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon almond extract
  • ice
  • seltzer water

Equipment

potwooden spoonpotato masherstrainerbowlwhiskglass

Tips

  • If cherries are out of season, buy them frozen.