7up Strawberry Watermelon Soda Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a refreshing twist to your beverage lineup, then look no further! I’ve stumbled upon a delightful treat that has injected a burst of joy into my kitchen: 7UP Strawberry Watermelon Soda. This fizzy delight combines the crispness of 7UP with the juicy sweetness of strawberries and the refreshing essence of watermelon, creating a soda that’s perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon.

How to make 7up Strawberry Watermelon Soda

7UP Strawberry Watermelon Soda is a flavored variation of the classic lemon-lime 7UP soft drink. It combines the original crisp and refreshing taste of 7UP with the fruity flavors of strawberry and watermelon, creating a sweet and tangy twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 liter 7UP or 7UP Zero Sugar: The base of your beverage, providing that crisp, lemon-lime effervescence.
• 2 cups fresh watermelon: Chopped and seeded for a refreshing, juicy component.
• 1 cup fresh strawberries: Sliced to add a sweet and slightly tart berry flavour.
• Ice cubes: To serve.
• Optional: Fresh mint leaves for garnish and an extra burst of freshness.
• Optional: A splash of lime juice for an additional tangy twist.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fruits: Begin by finely chopping your watermelon and slicing your strawberries. Larger pieces might make the soda somewhat cumbersome to drink, so aim for smaller, bite-sized pieces.
2. Muddle the Fruits: In a large pitcher, gently muddle the chopped watermelon and sliced strawberries to release their juices. This step is key to ensuring that their flavors will infuse beautifully with the 7UP.
3. Add 7UP: Pour the 1 liter of 7UP over the muddled fruit. Stir gently to combine. The carbonation will help lift and disperse the fruit flavors throughout the drink.
4. Chill: Allow the mixture to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is not just to cool the drink but to let the flavors meld together.
5. Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled 7UP Strawberry Watermelon Soda over them. If desired, garnish with a sprig of mint or a slice of lime for an extra touch of flair.
6. Enjoy: Sip and savor the refreshing fusion of flavors!

Tips:

• Fresh vs. Frozen: While fresh fruits are recommended for the best flavors and presentation, frozen strawberries and watermelon can be used as an alternative. Just let them thaw slightly before muddling.
• Sweetness Adjustment: If your watermelon and strawberries are a bit tart or if you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add simple syrup to the mix. Start with a small amount, taste, and adjust according to your preference.
• Serving Options: For a more adult version, a splash of white rum or vodka can transform this beverage into a delightful cocktail.
• Storing: If you’re not planning to serve the soda immediately, you might consider adding the 7UP close to serving time to preserve the carbonation.

What to serve with

Serving 7UP Strawberry Watermelon Soda at a gathering or enjoying it at home can be even more delightful when paired with the right snacks and dishes.

Light Snacks:

• Fruit Skewers: Complement the fruity notes of the drink with skewers made of various fruits like pineapple, kiwi, mango, and berries. The vivid colors and fresh tastes make them an excellent match.
• Chips and Salsa: Opt for a zesty or mild salsa with crispy tortilla chips. The spiciness of the salsa contrasts nicely with the sweet and refreshing soda.
• Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, and gouda, along with crackers and some nuts. The creaminess of the cheeses pairs wonderfully with the crispness of the soda.

Appetizers:

• Mini Sandwiches: Serve small sandwiches or wraps filled with light ingredients like turkey, cream cheese, and cucumber. These bite-sized eats are perfect for casual gatherings.
• Spring Rolls: Fresh vegetable spring rolls with a dipping sauce like peanut or sweet chili offer a crunchy, light appetizer that pairs well with the soda.
• Caprese Salad Sticks: Skewer cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze. They’re simple to make and refreshing alongside your fizzy drink.

Main Courses:

• Grilled Chicken or Fish: Opt for lightly seasoned grilled chicken or fish. The lighter proteins won’t overpower the soda’s delicate fruit flavors.
• BBQ Ribs or Pulled Pork: If you’re in the mood for something heartier, these BBQ staples can complement the fruity and refreshing character of the soda. The sweet and tangy BBQ flavors work exceptionally well with the crispness of the drink.
• Vegetarian Burgers: For a vegetarian option, serve veggie burgers topped with avocado and sprouts. These complex textures and flavors blend well with the refreshing qualities of the soda.

Desserts:

• Sorbet or Gelato: Particularly lemon, mango, or raspberry flavors, which will continue the fruity theme without being overly sweet.
• Light Pastries: Choose pastries like fruit tarts or lemon bars to offer a light, sweet finish to your meal.
• Angel Food Cake: Serve this light, fluffy cake alongside fresh berries for a dessert that’s not too heavy but still satisfies the sweet tooth.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade version of a store-bought soda like 7UP Strawberry Watermelon Soda is a fun and creative way to capture similar flavors using natural ingredients. You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

1. Carbonated Water

• Homemade Carbonated Water: If you own a soda machine like a SodaStream, you can carbonate your water. This allows you to control the level of fizziness.
• Club Soda: As an alternative, use club soda. It’s already carbonated and readily available, making it a hassle-free option.

2. Sweeteners

• Sugar Syrup: Traditionally, soft drinks are sweetened with high fructose corn syrup, but you can make a healthier syrup at home using cane sugar or coconut sugar. Simply dissolve the sugar in equal parts water and boil until it thickens slightly.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: For a natural alternative, use honey or maple syrup, which offers distinct flavours and a rich sweetness.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a low-calorie option, these natural sweeteners provide sweetness without added sugars.

3. Strawberry Flavor

• Fresh or Frozen Strawberries: For a fresh and natural flavor, use pureed strawberries strained through a sieve to remove seeds.
• Strawberry Extract: A more concentrated option, strawberry extract can enhance the flavor without altering the liquid content much.
• Strawberry Juice: Available in health food stores or major grocers, strawberry juice can be a convenient option.

4. Watermelon Flavor

• Fresh Watermelon Juice: Juice fresh watermelon chunks by blending and straining them. This provides a very fresh and mild taste.
• Watermelon Extract: Like strawberry extract, watermelon extract can provide a strong flavor without diluting the drink.
• Concentrated Watermelon Syrup: Typically used in cocktails, this syrup offers a potent watermelon flavor and adds sweetness.

Final Thoughts

Creating your own 7UP Strawberry Watermelon Soda is more than mixing ingredients; it’s about crafting moments of joy and refreshment.

More Strawberry Recipes:

• Strawberry Syrup for Drinks