Cascara Cola: A Sustainable Cherry Soda from the Coffee Plant

The world of coffee is vast, fascinating, and full of delightful surprises. At Coffee S10 Brews, our passion lies in preserving the richness and tradition of authentic South Indian filter coffee, crafted from the finest handpicked beans. But the coffee journey doesn’t end with the roasted bean in your cup.

Beyond the brew lies an often-overlooked treasure of the coffee plant: cascara.

Imagine a refreshing, lightly effervescent drink with natural sweetness and a gentle fruity tang—while also supporting sustainability. That’s exactly what a homemade Cascara Cola delivers.

This sustainable cherry soda transforms coffee cherry pulp—traditionally discarded—into a vibrant, delicious beverage. It’s innovative, eco-conscious, and proof of the incredible versatility of the coffee fruit.

What Is Cascara?

The Coffee Cherry’s Sustainable Secret

Cascara means “husk” or “skin” in Spanish and refers to the dried outer skin of the coffee cherry.

Coffee grows on trees as cherries, much like other fruits. Inside each cherry are the coffee beans we roast and grind. Once the beans are removed, the fruit skin is often discarded or composted. But when carefully dried, this pulp becomes cascara—a reddish-brown, tea-like ingredient packed with flavor.

When brewed, cascara produces a naturally sweet, tart infusion with notes of:

• Hibiscus
• Rosehip
• Cherry
• Tamarind

Its taste is distinctly different from coffee, offering a fruity and floral profile rather than bitterness.

Using cascara supports a zero-waste coffee philosophy, turning a byproduct into something valuable and delicious. This approach aligns closely with Coffee S10 Brews’ commitment to responsible sourcing, sustainability, and quality from farm to cup.

Why Cascara Cola?

The Rise of Sustainable Cherry Soda

Cascara Cola is a modern twist on traditional soda—without artificial flavors or excessive sugar.

Key Benefits of Cascara Cola

1. Natural, Complex Flavor

Unlike commercial colas, cascara cola offers layered sweetness and gentle acidity straight from the coffee fruit.

2. Sustainable & Eco-Friendly

Using cascara reduces waste in coffee production and supports circular economy practices.

3. Light Natural Caffeine

Cascara contains mild caffeine—less than coffee—providing a gentle energy lift.

4. Rich in Antioxidants

Like coffee beans, cascara is naturally high in antioxidants.

5. Unique & Impressive

A coffee-cherry-based soda is a standout drink and a great conversation starter.

Making a DIY cascara drink gives you complete control over ingredients, sweetness, and flavor.

How to Make Cascara Cola at Home

Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients

Cascara Syrup

• 50 g dried cascara
• 1 liter filtered water
• 200–300 g sugar (adjust to taste)
• Optional: pinch of citric acid

Optional Cola Spice Base

• Peel of 1 organic orange
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2–3 star anise
• 3 green cardamom pods (crushed)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of nutmeg

To Serve

• Sparkling water
• Ice
• Lemon or lime wedges

Step 1: Make the Cascara Syrup

1. Rinse cascara gently under cold water.
2. Simmer cascara with water for 20–30 minutes (do not boil aggressively).
3. Strain and press solids; compost the husks.
4. Add sugar to the liquid and heat gently until dissolved.
5. Stir in citric acid (optional).
6. Cool and refrigerate (keeps 2–3 weeks).

Step 2: Prepare the Cola Spice Base (Optional)

1. Simmer all spices with 250 ml water for 10–15 minutes.
2. Strain and cool.
3. Store refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Step 3: Assemble Your Cascara Cola

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add 2–3 tbsp cascara syrup.
3. Add 1–2 tbsp spice base (optional).
4. Top with sparkling water.
5. Stir gently and garnish with citrus.

Enjoy your homemade sustainable cherry soda.

Tips for the Best Cascara Cola

• Adjust sweetness gradually
• Experiment with spices (ginger, coriander, black pepper)
• Use high-quality sparkling water
• Try cold-brew cascara for a smoother flavor
• Use as a cocktail or mocktail mixer

Beyond Cola: Other Cascara Uses

• Cascara Tea (Tisane)
• Cold Brew Cascara
• Cascara-Infused Spirits
• Cascara Syrup for Lemonade & Desserts

Sustainability & Coffee: A Holistic View

Exploring cascara reminds us that coffee is more than a beverage—it’s a plant with immense potential.

At Coffee S10 Brews, while we focus on perfecting traditional South Indian filter coffee, we also celebrate responsible coffee practices. Just as we carefully roast and blend our premium coffee-chicory ratios for bold aroma and rich flavor, embracing cascara reflects respect for the entire coffee fruit.