This DYI soda is sweet nostaglia (minus the refined sugar and fake flavors).  Cherries are loaded with antioxidants, including vitamins A and C and using fresh vanilla bean imparts a deep, sensual flavor.

Yields: 6 servings

Love the fizzy stuff but hate lugging home cases of seltzer? A carbonation system in the next best thing to a personal soda fountain. Owning a machine like the SodaStream ($79-199, sodastream.com) can save you money in the long run, and your drink will be ready in about a minute.

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups 100% unsweetened black cherry juice
1 vanilla bean (about 6 inches long)
Seltzer or soda water

PROCEDURE:

Place black cherry juice and vanilla bean in a medium-size saucepan. Cover and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until liquid has reduced to 1 cup. Remove from heat and let cool until comfortable to handle.
Remove vanilla bean and chill the syrup in a sealed glass jar in the fridge.
Per serving: 80 cal, 0 g fat, 18.5g carbs, 5 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 1 g protein

SERVICE

To serve, pour 1/4 cup syrup into a tall glass, top with 6 to 8 ounces chilled seltzer or soda water, and stir.

LEFTOVER STORAGE

Store in a sealed glass jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.