Homemade Old Fashioned Dr. Pepper
Craving a nostalgic sip of a classic soda shop favorite? This Homemade Old Fashioned Dr. Pepper recipe is a refreshing, easy copycat drink that recreates the bold, vintage fountain flavor of the original with simple ingredients at home.
What makes this “old fashioned” Dr Pepper?
It’s inspired by the original soda fountain style — typically made with carbonated water and flavored syrup rather than pre-bottled soda.
Does this taste exactly like store-bought Dr Pepper?
It’s very close, but not identical. The original formula is a secret, so this is a homemade copycat version that captures the same bold, spiced cherry-cola flavor profile.
Can I use club soda instead of sparkling water?
Yes! Club soda works great and adds a slightly sharper bite.
Cook with me!
Homemade Old Fashioned Dr. Pepper
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups Water
- 3/4 cup Coconut Sugar or granulated cane sugar
- 1 cup Frozen Cherries
- 1/2 cup Frozen Blackberries
- 1 " Ginger thinly sliced
- 2 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
- 1 tsp. Whole Cloves
- 1 Star Anise
- 1/2 tsp. Ground Nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp. Ground Cardamom
- 1/2 tsp. Crushed Black Pepper
- Sparkling Water
- 2 tbsp. Fresh Orange Juice
- 1 tbsp. Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 tsp. Almond Extract
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the water, sugar, frozen cherries and blackberries, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, pepper, and cardamom. Stir to combine, then place over medium high heat.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer on LOW, covered with saucepan lid, for 20 minutes.
- Strain and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Stir in the orange juice, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract. This is your Old Fashioned Dr. Pepper Syrup. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Enjoy 1/4 cup of the syrup with 1/2 cup sparkling water. Add more syrup to personal preference. Enjoy!
I truly hope you all enjoy this treasured recipe that has nestled its way into our hearts here in the ABM kitchen! ’till next time… xxL
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
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I enjoyed this! Not quite on-par with Dr. Pepper, but definitely a tasty cherry-spiced syrup.
This was super yummy!! I LOVE the blackberries with the cherries–so good!! I feel it gives it such a unique blend and helps replicate the authentic flavors of an old-fashioned Dr. Pepper!! The spices were on point!! However, if there was one thing I would do differently it would be to add one (maybe 2) cinnamon sticks, instead of ground cinnamon. Because, even though I strained the mixture, you can still feel the tiny granules of spice, nothing to bad at all, though! Just to clarify, I did love the cinnamon addition! As it is so comforting, has health benenfits, and obviously gives the Dr. Pepper a better flavor, but I felt that it could use a little less! Otherwise…. So good!
P.S. (Post-Script) I did use Organic Pure Cane Sugar, instead of Coconut sugar (to my own surprise)! And I think it also helped making the Dr. pepper feel more authentic (since it was originally crafted using Pure Cane Suagr). However, the color does turns more plum-y/purple-y if using Cane Suagr. It is really pretty, just not as brown as the photos (since I am assuming she used coconut sugar…) I will definitely make this again!!! I would like to try it making coconut sugar as I also think it might add a “carmely” flavor!!! Can’t wait to have it with some burgers! 🙂 Thank you so much!
Super tasty! It was like I was making a potion, because , I smelled Dr. pepper at the very end when I added the citrus and extracts.
It was fun to share the soda & talk about the flavor profiles. I’ve made the recipe 3 times & my co worker as tried it as well!
Thank you for sharing this recipe