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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.
Prepare the Celery Syrup
Strain and Chill the Syrup
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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.
This jewish_american recipe takes 25 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 202.9 calories per serving with 0.45g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for beverage or snack.
Assemble the Soda
Garnish and Serve
Add a thin slice of jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the saucepan when making the syrup for a spicy kick.
Infuse the syrup with other herbs by adding a sprig of fresh rosemary, thyme, or mint during the simmering process.
Add a few thin slices of fresh ginger to the syrup while it simmers for a warm, zesty note.
Turn it into an adult beverage by adding 1.5 oz (45 ml) of gin or vodka to each glass before topping with seltzer.
Made primarily with seltzer water and celery, which has high water content, this beverage can contribute to your daily hydration needs.
Celery is a source of antioxidant compounds like flavonoids and vitamin C, which help protect the body against oxidative stress.
Celery seeds have been traditionally used in herbal medicine to promote digestion and reduce bloating, adding a subtle functional benefit to the soda.
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'.
Like any soda, this homemade version contains a significant amount of sugar, making it a beverage to enjoy in moderation. The main benefit of making it at home is that you can control the amount of sugar. While celery itself has health benefits, they are minimal in this form.
One serving of this homemade Cel-Ray soda contains approximately 195 calories, almost entirely from the granulated sugar in the syrup.
The celery syrup can be stored in an airtight container, like a glass jar, in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Yes, you can experiment with sugar substitutes. A 1:1 liquid or granular substitute like erythritol or allulose should work, but it may slightly alter the final texture and taste of the syrup.
Cel-Ray was created in the late 1860s in Brooklyn, New York. It became immensely popular among Eastern European Jewish immigrants and was a staple in delis, where its unique savory-sweet flavor paired perfectly with rich foods like pastrami sandwiches.