MSG Free Sparkling Mint-Lime Soda with Sea Salt
There is something deeply refreshing about a homemade sparkling drink that actually tastes like the real thing — bright, herbal, and just a little tart. A pinch of fine sea salt is the quiet secret here, rounding out the citrus and making every sip feel more alive without tipping into savory territory. Fresh mint leaves are steeped in a warm honey syrup until fragrant, then strained out so you get pure, clean flavor with none of the bitterness. Squeezed lime and lemon juice bring a lively acidity that store-bought sodas rarely match, and chilled sparkling water keeps the whole thing light and fizzy. For anyone navigating flavor enhancers and additive-heavy beverages, this recipe is a genuine breath of fresh air — every single ingredient is whole and recognizable. It comes together in well under half an hour, and the mint syrup can be made ahead and kept on hand for whenever the craving hits. Serve it over ice with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge for a drink that looks as good as it tastes.
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Learn more →Ingredients
2 servings
For the mint syrup
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed, plus extra sprigs for serving
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup water
For the drink
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 2 cups plain sparkling water, chilled
- 1 cup ice cubes
For serving
- 2 fresh mint sprigs (optional)
- 2 lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the honey and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the honey fully dissolves, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, add the 1/4 cup mint leaves, and stir to submerge them.
- 2
Let the mint steep in the warm syrup for 10 minutes, then pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a small bowl or jar, pressing the leaves gently to extract their flavor. Discard the spent mint. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
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