I know diet soda has a mixed reputation, but I enjoy it occasionally. I limit myself to one diet Coke, Pepsi, or Dr. Pepper about once a week. While I’m aware these drinks aren’t the healthiest choice—especially consumed in large amounts—soda remains an occasional treat in our household.
I satisfy my daily craving for bubbles with a SodaStream Home Seltzer and Soda Maker I’ve had for years. Most days I make plain seltzer, which quenches my thirst for fizz. Sometimes we want something sweeter, though, and on those days I look for low-calorie options that still feel indulgent.
For my kids, a quick fizzy drink usually means unsweetened juice over ice topped with seltzer. As an adult trying to avoid liquid calories, I usually stick to seltzer. Recently I noticed stevia-sweetened sodas at the store and wondered if I could make a similar, zero-calorie soda at home. Having made homemade root beer syrup before, I decided to try a stevia-sweetened hibiscus-lime soda—the hibiscus would help mask any aftertaste sometimes associated with stevia.
What is Stevia and where do I buy it?
Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia plant. It is many times sweeter than sugar while containing no calories or carbohydrates, and it’s often used by people managing blood sugar and by those seeking a no-calorie sweetening option. Stevia is widely available in most well-stocked grocery stores and online. Because it’s so potent, a small amount goes a long way.
Hibiscus flowers have a tart, fruity flavor similar to cranberries, with subtle sweetness that plays well with citrus. Combined with lime juice and a touch of stevia, hibiscus makes a bright, tangy, fruit-punch-like soda.
For this recipe you can find dried hibiscus flowers at health food shops or order them online. I like to keep a supply on hand for iced hibiscus tea and other uses.
The great thing about this syrup-based approach is that you make a batch, store it tightly covered in the refrigerator, and then mix syrup with chilled seltzer as needed. There are no bulky bottles or complicated steps each time you want a drink. If you don’t have a home carbonation system, plain seltzer or club soda from the store works fine.
Homemade Calorie-Free Hibiscus Lime Soda (Stevia Sweetened)
Rebecca Lindamood
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
To Make the Calorie-Free Hibiscus Lime Syrup:
- 3 cups cool fresh water
- 1/4 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 2 scant tablespoons Stevia powder
- 1/4-1/2 cup fresh lime juice to taste
To Make Calorie-Free Hibiscus Lime Soda:
- 1 glass ice optional
- 1 tablespoon or more Calorie-Free Hibiscus Lime Syrup
- chilled seltzer water or club soda
Instructions
To Make the Calorie-Free Hibiscus Lime Syrup:
-
Add the water and hibiscus flowers to a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and leave the covered pot on the burner to steep until the liquid reaches room temperature. Line a colander with a coffee filter or use a fine mesh sieve to strain the liquid from the flowers. Discard the flowers, rinse the pot, and return the strained liquid to the pot over medium heat. Stir in the stevia—if it clumps at first, keep stirring until it dissolves. Stir in 1/4 cup lime juice and taste the syrup. If the stevia flavor is noticeable, add more lime juice to balance it. Pour the syrup into sterile jars with tight-fitting lids and store in the refrigerator.
To Make a Calorie-Free Hibiscus Lime Soda:
-
If desired, fill a glass with ice. Pour about 1 tablespoon of the hibiscus-lime syrup into the glass, then add 8 ounces of chilled seltzer or club soda. The mixture will foam, so pour carefully. Stir gently, taste, and add more syrup if you prefer it sweeter. Serve immediately.
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Calculate nutrition using the exact ingredients you use if you need precise values.
did you make this recipe?
Tag @foodiewithfam on Instagram and use the hashtag #foodiewithfamily so the author can see your version.
Disclosure: Some original links were affiliate links. Also, I am not a doctor or registered dietitian; research stevia and any sweetener for your personal needs.