Copi Kola
Copi Kola is a homemade, old-school cola syrup made with natural spices, citrus peels, sugar, and a touch of coffee for depth. Unlike commercial sodas, this handcrafted drink delivers a warm, slightly herbal flavor with balanced sweetness and customizable fizz. It’s nostalgic, refreshing, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
Servings: 1
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Peeler or zester
- Fine strainer
- Wooden spoon
- Glass jar or bottle
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1½–2 cups sugar (white, brown, or mixed)
- 1 strip orange peel
- 1 strip lemon peel
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 4–5 whole cloves
- 1 whole star anise
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Peel the orange and lemon carefully, avoiding the white pith to prevent bitterness.
- Add water, citrus peels, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and nutmeg to a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat.
- Slowly add sugar, stirring continuously until fully dissolved. Keep the heat low to avoid burning.
- Pour in the brewed coffee and vanilla extract. Stir gently to combine.
- Simmer for 30–40 minutes until the mixture slightly reduces and deepens in color.
- Strain the syrup into a clean glass jar and allow it to cool completely
- To serve, mix 2–3 tablespoons of Copi Kola syrup with 1 cup chilled sparkling water over ice. Stir gently and adjust to taste.
Notes
- Avoid boiling on high heat to preserve spice flavor
- Do not include citrus pith, it causes bitterness
- Adjust sugar based on personal preference
- Coffee adds depth, not a coffee flavor
- Store syrup refrigerated in a sealed glass bottle
- Best used within 2–3 weeks