"zxcvbob" wrote in message
...
Frank wrote:
On 1/28/2013 6:44 PM, Danny D. wrote:
I can't find the right group so the two groups this is being sent to are
actually each half-way related to the question below.

I made a home-built C02 carbonation machine using a 20 pound carbon
dioxide tank and some pneumatic hoses & couplings, which, along with a
tire valve inserted into a soda-bottle cap, allows me to easily
carbonate
water at home, three liters at a time (as shown in this photo below):
http://www1.picturepush.com/photo/a/...g/12065184.jpg

My question is related to that machine, but it's related more to the
food
flavoring - in that the entire endeavor is a waste unless/until I can
find an economical alternative to the desired cola flavoring.

Here is a picture of the cola flavoring I'm currently using:
http://www3.picturepush.com/photo/a/...0/12065186.jpg

The 'problem' is that it cost me $5 for the cola syrup, which makes 12
liters, or, roughly about 50 cents a liter. Compared to the C02 which
costs perhaps a penny or two per liter, and the water which is also
something on the order of a penny a liter, the whole home soda machine
project is a failure unless I can get the cola flavoring costs down.

Any ideas on how to relatively closely duplicate the cola flavor at a
substantially reduced cost than what I'm currently paying?


No, but I heard about Soda Stream machine and wondered what flavoring
cost. That is expensive and I'm sure does not duplicate Pepsi or Coke in
taste.

I'd google around for other brands. I think root beer extract is
cheaper. I once made it via the fermentation route where you bottle with
yeast for a day or two, enough to carbonate, and chill so it won't
explode.


Homebrew shops have other flavors of soda mix, but they only make 3 or 4
gallons instead of 5 like the McCormick's root beer. I bet they do have
cola, and you could mix it into a syrup and store it in the fridge instead
of bottling and fermenting it...

Bob

Some homebrew shop sell Gnome extracts which make 10 gallons of soda.

For rootbeer the cheapest is Zatarains.

http://zatarains.elsstore.com/view/p...5181&cid=27121


Robert