Cel-Ray Soda
A refreshing and surprisingly delicious homemade version of the classic Jewish deli soda. This recipe balances the crisp, savory flavor of fresh celery with a touch of sweetness for a unique sparkling beverage.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Celery Syrup
- b.In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped celery, granulated sugar, water, celery seeds, and salt.
- c.Stir the mixture over medium-high heat until the sugar completely dissolves.
- d.Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
- e.Let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the celery flavor to infuse into the syrup. The celery should be very soft.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Strain and Chill the Syrup
- b.Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. This brightens the flavor.
- c.Place a fine-mesh sieve over a heatproof bowl or jar. For an even clearer syrup, line the sieve with cheesecloth.
- d.Carefully pour the hot syrup through the sieve. Use the back of a spoon to press down on the celery solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
- e.Discard the celery pulp (or save it for stocks or soups).
- f.Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until completely chilled.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Soda
- b.Fill four tall glasses (like Collins glasses) with ice cubes.
- c.Pour 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the chilled celery syrup into each glass.
- d.Slowly top each glass with 3/4 cup (180 ml) of cold seltzer water or club soda.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Gently stir the soda to combine the syrup and seltzer.
- c.Garnish with a fresh celery stalk, a lemon twist, or a sprig of mint, if desired.
- d.Serve immediately and enjoy the unique, refreshing flavor.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the clearest soda, strain the syrup through a double layer of cheesecloth.
- 2For a more intense celery flavor, let the syrup steep with the celery solids for 30 minutes off the heat before straining.
- 3The celery syrup can be made up to 2 weeks in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- 4Don't boil the syrup vigorously for too long, as it can become too thick and candy-like.
- 5Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less syrup to each glass.
- 6The leftover celery pulp is flavorful and can be added to soups, stews, or stocks to minimize waste.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add a thin slice of jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the saucepan when making the syrup for a spicy kick.
HerbalHerbal
Infuse the syrup with other herbs by adding a sprig of fresh rosemary, thyme, or mint during the simmering process.
Ginger InfusedGinger-Infused
Add a few thin slices of fresh ginger to the syrup while it simmers for a warm, zesty note.
CocktailCocktail
Turn it into an adult beverage by adding 1.5 oz (45 ml) of gin or vodka to each glass before topping with seltzer.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Hydration
Made primarily with seltzer water and celery, which has high water content, this beverage can contribute to your daily hydration needs.
Contains Antioxidants
Celery is a source of antioxidant compounds like flavonoids and vitamin C, which help protect the body against oxidative stress.
Aids Digestion
Celery seeds have been traditionally used in herbal medicine to promote digestion and reduce bloating, adding a subtle functional benefit to the soda.
Frequently asked questions
It has a unique flavor profile that is surprisingly refreshing. It's not like drinking celery juice; it's more of a crisp, slightly savory, and peppery flavor balanced by the sweetness of the simple syrup. Many describe it as a 'sweet and savory ginger ale'.