Cookbook:Soda Pop

Soda pop, commonly called soda or pop (esp. in Canada), is a sweetened and carbonated nonalcoholic beverage. It is a type of soft drink distinct from juices or flavored waters.

Characteristics
At its most basic, a soda typically consists of a sweetened flavored base that is mixed with carbonated water. This base often takes the form of a very concentrated syrup, juice, or extract. The sweetener can be either sugar-based or, in the case of diet soda, non-sugar based. The flavoring can be natural or artificial. In many cases, the precise components of commercial sodas and their ratios are trade secrets. However, flavor extracts and oils are common, as is acidity to balance the sweetness.

Sodas are typically available in cans, bottles, or straight from a soda fountain in a food establishment.

Cola
Colas are typically dark brown in color, with an ambiguous flavor that differs from maker to maker. Some contain kola nut extract, which is an original namesake of this soda variety.

Cream soda
Cream soda is typically flavored with vanilla and/or caramel. Despite the name, it usually contains no cream or other dairy products.

Fruit soda
Fruit sodas are a large category. Citrus flavors in particular are popular and widespread, with lemon-lime being a classic. Orange, cherry, and grape are also common, and regional flavors can include apple, guava, mango, and more.

Ginger ale and beer
As implied, ginger ale is primarily flavored with ginger and comes in both sweet golden and dry types. Golden varieties are sweeter and stronger in flavor, while dry varieties are less so. Ginger beer is very similar to ginger ale, but it is considered spicier and less sweet.

Root beer
Root beer's flavor is dominated by notes of licorice, which can come from sassafras, sarsaparilla, anise, etc. The soda is usually brown in color and generates a lot of foam when being poured.

Selection and storage
Soda may be sold in cans, glass bottles, or plastic bottles, all of which are highly shelf-stable at room temperature. However, soda in plastic bottles can gradually lose some carbonation over a long period due to the porosity of plastic. No matter the container, avoid shaking or jostling it, since this can build up pressure and either burst or make a mess when opened. Soda is best consumed cold, which helps preserve the carbonation and prevents it from tasting overly sweet.

Use
The most common application for soda is as a beverage, either consumed on its own or as a part of a hard or soft mixed drink. One popular blend consists of soda and ice cream, which combine to produce an ice cream float. Some popular soda-based hard drinks include the rum and coke, Long Island iced tea, rooster, etc.

Sodas may also be used in cooking and baking, where they contribute sweetness and acidity. For example, cola may be used in a meat marinade or reduced to make a glaze, and other sodas may be incorporated into cakes.

A basic soda can easily be made at home by combining a simple syrup with carbonated water. Adjust the flavors of the simple syrup and add coloring as desired to produce a range of varieties yourself.