It's been hot here, and sometimes water just doesn't quench my thirst like a frosty beverage does. As a kid, the good ole' standby Slurpee from 7-11 used to do the trick during summer. Now I enjoy making my own 'soda.' You can make this recipe with any fruit you have on hand, I've used rhubarb and cherries. I think peaches...plums...blackberries would be great. Just adjust the cooking time a bit, for softer fruits, lessen the cooking time. enjoy.

Rhubarb Cherry Soda

4 ish c chopped fruit, I used rhubarb and pitted cherries

1 ish c sugar, this amount depends on the sweetness of the fruit you use, obviously rhubarb requires more than sweeter fruits

1/2 vanilla bean, cut a slit down the middle, squeeze out the seeds, put pod and seeds into the pan with the fruit (or 1/2 tsp vanilla)

2 ish c water

club soda

fresh fruit

In a saucepan, put the fruit, sugar and vanilla bean and water over med. heat. Cook partially covered until the mixture is syrupy and thick. This takes about 15 min. Less for softer fruits. Strain out the solids and discard (or eat!). 

In a glass, put a few spoonfuls of the syrup into a glass, add ice, add club soda and some fresh fruit. enjoy...