On 1/28/2013 3:44 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?

You should be able to find a distributor that sells to local
restaurants.

One of the most important ingredients in any homebrew food
product is "expectations".
If you're trying to make something that tastes like "coke",
you're likely to be disappointed.
If you're trying to make a carbonated beverage that doesn't
taste awful, you'll have more success.
Carbonated water doesn't taste awful after you get used to it ;-)