The perfect blend of effervescence and tang. I’m a life-long fan of seltzer, but when I stumbled across the wonders of apple cider vinegar, well, let’s just say, they were bound to make a splash together. If you’re a big conventional soft-drink drinker, then this might not be your cup of tea. But if you’re already sold on kombucha — boy, have I got a drink for you.

Recipe:

• 18 oz. / ½ liter Seltzer (I use my soda stream)
• 3-4 tablespoons Bragg’s organic apple cider vinegar
• 1-2 tablespoons organic honey —or— agave nectar

In a glass, dissolve your sweetener of choice into your apple cider vinegar. (Less is more when it comes to agave nectar.) Then add your ice and top off with seltzer. Give it a couple stirs for good measure and voilà.

If you’re feeling really adventurous, plop a lemon wedge into that bad boy.

Think of this recipe as more of a guideline. You can fiddle with the portions to make more to your liking. I personally prefer mine unsweetened, but that doesn’t make for very tasty cola, now does it?

Under the Hood.

You’re probably thinking: “Why am I going through all this trouble for a not-Coke?” And I’d say back, “Why wouldn’t you?”

Traditional soft drinks pretty much strike out on every level. Corn syrup makes us fat and diabetic. (Twice as fat compared to consuming the same amount of sugar, actually.) And most big-name brands have phased out citric acid for phosphoric acid, which our bones are more inclined to swap out calcium for, which means higher risk (or should I say, rates) of osteoporosis in soft-drink drinkers. On top of that, the Coca-Cola Company recently spent millions of dollars lobbying in the wake of the BPA ban to continue to use it as the lining of their cans. And they won.

Now let’s look at our Crunchy Cola. First off, seltzer is awesome. (Yes, I’m biased, but I’m also a camel. So the effervescence is a great way for me to remember to stay hydrated.) Seltzer’s also great for your gut if you have indigestion, and — get ready for this one, science geeks — the carbonation hits the same fermentation receptors on our tongues as a satisfying glass of beer.

Raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar is fast becoming one of my favorite ingredients. I started drinking it in lieu of kombucha for the flora benefits without all the sugar. When metabolized, it turns our bodies alkaline, making it a great remedy for heartburn and acid reflux. And that can also help to prevent against cancer, since cancer cells can’t survive in an alkaline environment. Moreover, it’s great for clearing your skin and controlling weight. (I’ll let you know when I can wash laundry on my stomach, but for now, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.)

If you choose to sweeten your Crunchy Cola, agave nectar’s a great way to do it. It’s relatively unrefined compared to sugar — which is not to say it’s nutritious, but whatever it has is at least still there — and its low glycemic index means less of a rise and fall in blood sugar. Honey, on the other hand, is incredible. It’s naturally anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and a probiotic. It’s filled with antioxidants, regulates blood sugar, and increases physical performance. And even more amazing: because bees process pollen to make honey, consuming local honey can actually inoculate sufferers from seasonal allergies. But to get these benefits, be sure to buy local, raw, and unheated honey. Unfiltered’s best, if you don’t mind the occasional chunk of nature.

Now that you know all this, swapping out your old soda for Crunchy Cola doesn’t feel like such a loss. Suddenly, it feels like you’re getting a whole lot more. Happy mixing!