Thai Lime Soda (Nam Manao Soda)
Why this recipe works
- Ready in minutes: The drink is mixed directly in the glass, so there is no syrup to cook or equipment to clean.
- Bright sweet-sour balance: Caster sugar softens the sharpness of fresh lime without dulling its clean citrus character.
- Fresh and fizzy: Cold soda water and ice keep the drink crisp, lively and best suited to immediate serving.
Get the most out of this recipe
Timing notes
- Serve straight away: Add the soda water just before drinking so the fizz stays clean and lively.
- Mix the base first: Stir the lime juice and sugar together before adding ice and soda water; this helps the sugar dissolve without flattening the drink.
Ingredient notes
- Choose juicy limes: Firm, heavy limes usually give the brightest flavour and enough juice for a well-balanced glass.
- Use fresh lime juice: Bottled lime juice lacks the fresh aromatic edge that makes Nam Manao Soda taste clean and sharp.
- Keep the soda water cold: Well-chilled soda water gives a cleaner fizz and reduces the need to over-stir once the glass is filled.
Make-ahead tips
- Prepare the lime base ahead: The lime juice and sugar can be mixed and chilled in advance, then finished with ice and soda water just before serving.
- Best freshly finished: Once the soda water is added, the drink should be served immediately rather than stored.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Juice the lime into a glass and add the caster sugar. Stir for 20 to 30 seconds until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Add the ice cubes, then top up with the soda water. Stir gently for 10 seconds and serve straight away.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the cleanest fizz, pour the soda water down the side of the glass and stir only briefly.
- If your lime is very sharp, add an extra 1 tsp caster sugar and stir again until dissolved.
Substitutions
- Replace caster sugar with agave syrup for a quicker-dissolving sweetener; start with 2 tsp and adjust to taste.
- Replace soda water with flavoured sparkling water for a lightly scented variation.
Storage
- Best made and served immediately. If needed, mix the lime juice and caster sugar and chill for up to 4 hours, then add ice cubes and soda water just before serving.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 1 glasses
- Total time: 5min (5min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Thai
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