09/08/2026
Homemade Cola: 🫚 I’ve been told this tastes like a combo of Coca Cola and Pepsi, but with all natural ingredients that have actually been studied for pain and nausea relief. No corn syrup or dyes! Comment RECIPE to have it sent to you to save for later.
As a recipe developer for people with migraine, I brainstormed recipe ideas with my Danielle Byron Henry Migraine Foundation and Migraine at School team and it was clear Coke and Pepsi were favorites. Some were helped by the caffeine, but others liked the flavor to settle the stomach or the bubbles for nausea. I wanted to recreate it in a way that used less ultra processed ingredients, with ginger and cinnamon bringing some evidence-based relief for both pain (PMID: 34851560) and nausea.
If caffeine is helpful, you can also use drops to add it!!
Obviously if your friend wants an actual Coke we don’t recommend “tricking” them (can’t believe I have to say this). This is just a fun way to try something new and ideal for people who find the flavors comforting or good for nausea, or who might be sensitive to the regular version (like me!)
Homemade Cola
Makes 4-6 drinks
1 large orange
1 lemon
1 lime
1 cup brown sugar
3 tbsp. freshly grated ginger
1 1/4 cups filtered water
1/2 cinnamon stick
1/4 tsp. coriander
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
Pinch mineral sea salt
Sparkling water
For more detailed instructions, just comment RECIPE.
Use a peeler to remove the peels from the orange, lemon, and lime. Set the peeled fruit aside, you’ll only use the lime juice later, if desired. Heat everything but the sparkling water over a small pot. Bring to a simmer then reduce heat, simmering for 15 min. Allow the mix to cool on the stove 15 min. Strain the mixture then add 2-4 ounces to a glass with ice. Top with sparkling water and stir in caffeine drops, if desired.
Enjoy!!
