Salted Lime Soda

Vietnamese-style salted lime soda turns fresh lime, sugar and fine sea salt into a sharp, cooling drink with a lively sparkle. Served over plenty of ice and topped with well-chilled sparkling water, it has the brightness of limeade but with a savoury edge that makes the citrus taste cleaner and more refreshing. The salt should be subtle rather than briny, rounding the sweetness and acidity without flattening the bubbles. Best mixed to order, it is an easy no-cook mocktail for hot days, quick meals or anytime a crisp, tangy drink feels more appealing than something heavy or overly sweet.
Cuisine style Vietnamese-style refreshment
Cooking style No-cook preparation • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 15 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Bright but balanced: Fresh lime gives the drink its sharp citrus edge, while sugar softens the acidity and salt rounds out the flavour.
  • Clean, crisp finish: Well-chilled sparkling water and plenty of ice keep the soda light, cold and lively.
  • Ready in minutes: Everything is mixed directly in the glass, making it a fast drink with very little washing up.

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Timing notes

  • Serve straight away: Add the sparkling water just before serving so the drink stays fizzy and bright.

Ingredient notes

  • Use a juicy lime: A fresh, juicy lime gives the cleanest acidity and the most aromatic citrus flavour.
  • Adjust to taste: If the lime is especially sharp, add a little more sugar or use simple syrup for easier mixing.

Make-ahead tips

  • Prepare the base ahead: Mix the lime juice, sugar and salt ahead and keep chilled for up to 1 day, then add ice and sparkling water when ready to serve.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Cut the lime in half and squeeze the juice into a glass. Add the caster sugar and fine sea salt, then whisk or stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
  2. Add the ice cubes. Top up with the sparkling water and stir briefly, just once or twice, so it stays fizzy.
  3. Taste and adjust with a little more caster sugar if you like it sweeter. Serve straight away while it is bright and cold.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Chill the glass and sparkling water for the crispest, most refreshing finish.
  • Stir only briefly after adding the sparkling water to keep the bubbles lively.

Substitutions

  • Replace caster sugar with simple syrup for faster mixing and a smoother drink.

Storage

  • Best made and served immediately. If needed, mix the lime juice, caster sugar and fine sea salt ahead and keep chilled for up to 1 day, then add ice cubes and sparkling water just before serving.

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Salted Lime Soda
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 1 glasses
  • Total time: 5min (5min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Vietnamese
Beginner friendly Kid friendly

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