James Wong
The alternative guide to cool stuff to grow
Recipe: Counterfeit Cola
Thought Making Cola at Home Was Impossible? Here's my very own 'Counterfeit Cola' recipe using regular store cupboard ingredients.
Originally invented as a patent medicine in America's deep South in the late 1800's, Coca cola gets its name from the South American coca leaves - the source of cocaine - & caffeine-packed African cola nuts & which once gave it a powerful energising kick and perceived 'tonic' effect.
Sold as a cure for everything from stomach upset to impotence, surprisingly although laced with cocaine alkaloids Coca cola was seen as a 'drink of temperance' during the age of prohibition in the States, where it gained massive popularity as a more virtuous alternative to alcohol.
Astonishingly it still contains coca leaves (although now with the cocaine removed) as a key flavouring agent, as well a secret formula of other herbs and spices. After a bit of research and plenty of trial & error, I reckon I have come up with what is a pretty good homage to the globe-dominating, plant-based soft drink - coca leaf free though of course!
Ingredients
3 sticks cinnamon bark 6 limes6 lemons3 oranges1 1/2 tsp nutmeg2 tbslp vanilla extract4 tbsp coriander Seeds12 tblsp liquid caramel (Check out the baking aisle)1 tblsp orange flower water (Check the baking aisle of larger supermarkets & arabic stores)2 cups sugar1 cup tap water1 bottle of soda water
1.Zest the oranges, limes & lemons and place in a pestle and mortar with the rest of the spices and 2 tblsp of the sugar. Grind the whole lot together until they are all well broken up in the sugar. A spice mill will work well for this too.
2. Tip the spice/sugar mix into a saucepan and combine with the caramel, orange flower water, the remaining sugar & tap water. Simmer until all the sugar has been dissolved and the mixture becomes fragrant. This should take about 5 minutes.
Counterfeit Cola's Not-so-secret ingredients
3. Strain the infused syrup & bottle up. This will keep fresh for up to a year.
4. To serve pour 2 shots (about 60ml) of the syrup into a tall glass with plent of ice and top up with soda water. Stir well and serve.
For a sacriliciously calorific but truly delicious indulgence from the deep South, pour the cola syrup over gammon, ribs, ham or chicken with a little salt and leave to marinate for 30 minutes for a sticky-sweet BBQ treat.
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© 2011 James Wong
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