Healthy Coke Balsamic Vinegar Recipe

If you or someone you know is on TikTok even a little then you surely know about this viral healthy Coke balsamic vinegar recipe. Made with just two ingredients—soda water and balsamic vinegar—it’s said to taste just like Diet Coke. I had to try it for myself—then had to make it better.

Original Viral Balsamic Soda Recipe 

The original recipe that blew up TikTok isn’t really a recipe at all. It consists of ice being dumped into a wine glass with a splash of balsamic vinegar and as much soda water (any kind) as you like. 

There isn’t much to it and I was intrigued. To start I tried a splash of generic balsamic vinegar and lime-flavored Bubbly water. I’m not sure if it was the less-than-stellar balsamic or some preconceived notions, but I wasn’t blown away. But I also didn’t hate it. 

So I kept going. Next, I tried it with a high-end fruit-infused vinegar and, without being dramatic, I was shocked at how much better it was. I started drinking it regularly! 

But alas, I can’t keep well-enough alone and I wanted to try to get it even closer to what a true Diet Coke tastes like. 

Ingredients

Fruit-Infused Balsamic Vinegar

A high-quality balsamic vinegar is essential for this healthy coke balsamic vinegar recipe. It’s the main flavor enhancer so be sure to use something with a lot of flavor. I like fig-infused balsamic and pomegranate balsamic.

Pure Maple Syrup

To give this “healthy coke” a nice sweetness, you’ll need pure maple syrup. I don’t recommend using honey or agave.

Lime-Flavored Soda

I like lime-flavored sparkling water the best but feel free to use any citrusy soda water such as lemon or grapefruit. Avoid any sparkling water that is sweetened.

How to Make The Best Balsamic Soda 

I found two ingredients to be absolutely essential when for making the best Balsamic Soda, or “healthy homemade Diet Coke.” The first, really good high-quality balsamic vinegar. Preferably a balsamic that is fruit infused of some sort. I’ve tried pomegranate balsamic vinegar and fig balsamic vinegar and both were delicious. The more syrupy and sweet, the better. 

And the second ingredient is pure maple syrup. Just a tiny splash of pure maple syrup adds a dose of sweetness which takes this to true cola territory. 

If you don’t want to add sweetness, you can skip the maple syrup, but a fruit-infused balsamic vinegar is absolutely key. 

As for the soda water, I prefer lime-flavored soda water such as Lime Bubbly. Lemon or grapefruit would also be good options. But steer clear of anything sweetened or with fruit juice included. 

Variations

• Make it boozy by adding a splash of vodka. 
• Make a cherry “soda” by adding some grenadine. 
• Instead of maple syrup, add an herb-infused simple syrup such as thyme, rosemary or sage.

Other Drinks to Try

Drinks & Cocktails

Naturally Sweetened Grapefruit Rosemary Soda

Drinks & Cocktails

Creamy Pistachio Coffee

Drinks & Cocktails

Maple Latte

Recipe Tests

Here’s what my testing included:

Test 1:

• ¾ cup lime-flavored soda water
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar 
• ½ teaspoon molasses

Results: the only flavor present was molasses. Strike one.

Test 2: 

• ½ cup lime-flavored soda water
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• ½ teaspoon maraschino cherry syrup 

Results: bland and a little sharp. Strike two.

Test 3: 

• ½ cup lime-flavored soda water
• 1 teaspoon vinegar 
• ½ teaspoon pure maple syrup

Results: light and tasty. On to something here! 

Test 4: 

• ½ cup lime-flavored soda water
• 1 teaspoon pomegranate-flavored balsamic vinegar
• ½ teaspoon pure maple syrup 

Results: also light and tasty! Would drink this anytime. 

Test 5:

• ½ cup lime-flavored soda water
• 1 teaspoon fig balsamic vinegar 
• ½ teaspoon pure maple syrup

Results: delish! Syrupy and tasty. We have a winner.