Guaraná Refresco

Brazilian guaraná extract⏱ 10 min⚡ Vegan

This homemade guaraná refresco is bright, sweet-tart, and lightly bitter in the characteristic way of guaraná drinks. Served over ice and finished with sparkling water, it is crisp, refreshing, and very close in spirit to a classic Brazilian soft drink.

Nutrition · per serving

155kcal

0gProtein

40gCarbs

0gFat

0gFiber

2 servings

Ingredients

6 items

Xarope de guaraná

water200 ml

sugar80 g

guaraná extract4 g

citric acid1 g

Para servir

cold sparkling water400 ml

ice cubes200 g

Tips

•For a sweeter, more soda-like drink, use the full syrup amount as written; for a lighter refresco, use only three-quarters of the syrup and save the rest for another glass.
•If you want a flatter, more traditional homemade soft drink style, replace sparkling water with very cold still water.
•Store leftover syrup in a clean jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Steps

1
Measure all ingredients. If your guaraná extract is powdered, make sure it is finely ground so it dissolves evenly. Place two serving glasses in the freezer while you prepare the syrup for an extra-cold drink.
2
Make the guaraná syrup: in a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, guaraná extract, and citric acid. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, just until the sugar fully dissolves and the liquid looks uniform; do not boil hard, as prolonged boiling can dull the fresh aroma.
200 ml water80 g sugar4 g guaraná extract1 g citric acid
3
Remove from the heat and let the syrup cool for about 2 minutes. It should be smooth, lightly amber, and fully free of visible sugar crystals.
4
Fill the chilled glasses with ice cubes. Divide the guaraná syrup evenly between the two glasses.
200 g ice cubes
5
Top each glass with cold sparkling water, pouring slowly to preserve the bubbles. Stir gently once or twice, just enough to combine, then serve immediately while fizzy and cold.
400 ml cold sparkling water

Origin & History

Guaraná is deeply associated with Brazil, especially the Amazon region, where the guaraná plant has long been valued by Indigenous communities. Modern guaraná soft drinks became hugely popular in Brazil in the 20th century, turning the berry's distinctive flavor into one of the country's most iconic refreshment profiles.

brazilian drink guarana vegan soft-drink beginner quick

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Steps

Measure all ingredients. If your guaraná extract is powdered, make sure it is finely ground so it dissolves evenly. Place two serving glasses in the freezer while you prepare the syrup for an extra-cold drink.

Make the guaraná syrup: in a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, guaraná extract, and citric acid. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, just until the sugar fully dissolves and the liquid looks uniform; do not boil hard, as prolonged boiling can dull the fresh aroma.

200 ml water80 g sugar4 g guaraná extract1 g citric acid

Remove from the heat and let the syrup cool for about 2 minutes. It should be smooth, lightly amber, and fully free of visible sugar crystals.

Fill the chilled glasses with ice cubes. Divide the guaraná syrup evenly between the two glasses.

200 g ice cubes

Top each glass with cold sparkling water, pouring slowly to preserve the bubbles. Stir gently once or twice, just enough to combine, then serve immediately while fizzy and cold.

400 ml cold sparkling water

Origin & History