Easy 2-Ingredient Homemade Soda

August 24, 2026

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Sometimes we call this homemade punch.

My kids call it, “Homemade ____" (a popular and rather expensive brand of healthy soda). We love the popular soda as a treat, but for daily treats at home we like to make our own version.

I started making this concoction back during pregnancy when mornings were very blah and I needed a little pick-me-up to get going. Drinking ginger ale every morning wasn’t a very healthy, sustainable option, so I scoured the fridge for other options on hand.

I usually had apple juice in the fridge for the kids. I also usually have sparkling water on hand (the Aldi version of “La Croix”). While I didn’t really want to drink straight apple juice every morning for the sugar count, I figured mixing it with a little sparkling water would cut the sugar content while adding a little “bubbliness” to soothe the tummy.

Boom, it worked. Pregnancy blahs soothed.

And that’s how our family favorite homemade soda was born.

It is really that simple. We just mix a can (or two or three) of sparkling water with whatever juice we have on hand for a delicious, refreshing, quasi-healthy soda alternative.

Sure, it’s not a “no sugar” soda, but in my book, it is way healthier than the traditional sodas. Our homemade “punch” is also way cheaper than the healthy sodas on the market right now. I can probably make a whole pitcher of punch for my family at the cost of one can of healthy soda.

Recently, my husband gave up a 2-Cokes-a-day habit, and when he has a hankering for something sweet, he will join in on the homemade soda. He has given his seal of approval to this treat!

So, here’s how to make our family favorite punch…

Ingredients

Sparkling water of choice—I personally love the canned blackberry and strawberry flavors that Aldi sells. To me, these blend the best with juice. If you want a strong citrus taste, go for the lime or lemons flavors.

Juice—any juice will work. We love the Black Cherry Plum and Pomegranate Plum juices available at Aldi. Apple works great for a very traditional, comforting taste.

Directions

For the best results, chill both the carbonated water and juice for several hours, or better yet, overnight.

Pour the carbonated water into a glass. I have found that pouring the carbonated water first allows the juice and water to mix thoroughly without having to stir it and ruin the “bubbliness.”

Add as much juice as desired. We generally do about a half and half ratio. To me, this gives the perfect amount of sweetness without diluting the carbonation of the sparkling water.

Sip and enjoy!

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Well, there you have it, friends…easy, homemade punch at a fraction of the cost of other healthy options. This is perfect for everyday treats and also fancy enough to serve to guests.

Our homemade soda is not sicky sweet like so many punch recipes from days gone by. It has the perfect balance of sweet and bubbly—a treat you can feel good about!

If you give this a try, let me know in the comments below! What combinations do you like?

-Ashley

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