If you or someone you know is on TikTok even a little then you surely know about this viral healthy co*ke balsamic vinegar recipe. Made with just two ingredients—soda water and balsamic vinegar—it’s said to taste just like Diet co*ke. I had to try it for myself—then had to make it better.
Table of Contents
- Original Viral Balsamic Soda Recipe
- Ingredients
- Fruit-Infused Balsamic Vinegar
- Pure Maple Syrup
- Lime-Flavored Soda
- How to Make The Best Balsamic Soda
- Variations
- Other Drinks to Try
- Healthy co*ke Balsamic Vinegar Recipe Recipe
- Recipe Tests
- Test 1:
- Test 2:
- Test 3:
- Test 4:
- Test 5:
Original Viral Balsamic Soda Recipe
The original recipe that blew up TikTok isn’t really a recipe at all. It consists of ice being dumped into a wine glass with a splash of balsamic vinegar and as much soda water (any kind) as you like.
There isn’t much to it and I was intrigued. To start I tried a splash of generic balsamic vinegar and lime-flavored Bubbly water. I’m not sure if it was the less-than-stellar balsamic or some preconceived notions, but I wasn’t blown away. But I also didn’t hate it.
So I kept going. Next, I tried it with a high-end fruit-infused vinegar and, without being dramatic, I was shocked at how much better it was. I started drinking it regularly!
But alas, I can’t keep well-enough alone and I wanted to try to get it even closer to what a true Diet co*ke tastes like.
Ingredients
Fruit-Infused Balsamic Vinegar
A high-quality balsamic vinegar is essential for this healthy co*ke balsamic vinegar recipe. It’s the main flavor enhancer so be sure to use something with a lot of flavor. I like fig-infused balsamic and pomegranate balsamic.
Pure Maple Syrup
To give this “healthy co*ke” a nice sweetness, you’ll need pure maple syrup. I don’t recommend using honey or agave.
Lime-Flavored Soda
I like lime-flavored sparkling water the best but feel free to use any citrusy soda water such as lemon or grapefruit. Avoid any sparkling water that is sweetened.
How to Make The Best Balsamic Soda
I found two ingredients to be absolutely essential when for making the best Balsamic Soda, or “healthy homemade Diet co*ke.” The first, really good high-quality balsamic vinegar. Preferably a balsamic that is fruit infused of some sort. I’ve tried pomegranate balsamic vinegar and fig balsamic vinegar and both were delicious. The more syrupy and sweet, the better.
And the second ingredient is pure maple syrup. Just a tiny splash of pure maple syrup adds a dose of sweetness which takes this to true cola territory.
If you don’t want to add sweetness, you can skip the maple syrup, but a fruit-infused balsamic vinegar is absolutely key.
As for the soda water, I prefer lime-flavored soda water such as Lime Bubbly. Lemon or grapefruit would also be good options. But steer clear of anything sweetened or with fruit juice included.
Variations
- Make it boozy by adding a splash of vodka.
- Make a cherry “soda” by adding some grenadine.
- Instead of maple syrup, add an herb-infused simple syrup such as thyme, rosemary or sage.
Other Drinks to Try
Drinks & co*cktails
Naturally Sweetened Grapefruit Rosemary Soda
Drinks & co*cktails
Creamy Pistachio Coffee
Drinks & co*cktails
Maple Latte
Healthy co*ke Balsamic Vinegar Recipe
Print Recipe Pin
3.80 from 24 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Yield 1 drink
Category Drinks
Cuisine American
Description
A better version of the viral TikTok Balsamic Soda.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon fruit-infused balsamic vinegar such as fig, balsamic, or strawberry
- ½ teaspoon pure maple syrup
- ½ cup lime-flavored soda water
Instructions
Stir together vinegar and maple syrup in a glass.
Pour soda water in and give it a stir. Fill fill with ice and enjoy.
Notes
Feel free to use any light-flavored soda water such as lime, lemon, or grapefruit. Avoid using soda waters with fruit juices or sweeteners added.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 drinkCalories: 10kcalCarbohydrates: 2gSodium: 1mgSugar: 2g
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Recipe Tests
Here’s what my testing included:
Test 1:
- ¾ cup lime-flavored soda water
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon molasses
Results: the only flavor present was molasses. Strike one.
Test 2:
- ½ cup lime-flavored soda water
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon maraschino cherry syrup
Results: bland and a little sharp. Strike two.
Test 3:
- ½ cup lime-flavored soda water
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- ½ teaspoon pure maple syrup
Results: light and tasty. On to something here!
Test 4:
- ½ cup lime-flavored soda water
- 1 teaspoon pomegranate-flavored balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon pure maple syrup
Results: also light and tasty! Would drink this anytime.
Test 5:
- ½ cup lime-flavored soda water
- 1 teaspoon fig balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon pure maple syrup
Results: delish! Syrupy and tasty. We have a winner.
Original Post Date Updated Post Date
About The Author
Lauren Grant is a professional culinary food scientist, food writer, recipe developer, and food photographer. Lauren is a previous magazine editor and test kitchen developer and has had work published in major national publications including Diabetic Living Magazine, Midwest Living Magazine, Cuisine at Home Magazine, EatingWell.com, AmericasTestKitchen.com, and more.
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