Beyond the Bar - Unexpected Ways to Cook with PURA Soda

We know PURA Soda as the refreshingly uncomplicated soft drink – low in sugar, big on flavour, and proudly South African. But step away from the drinks trolley for a moment and head into the kitchen, because PURA isn’t just made for sipping. Its clean ingredients and subtle flavour profiles make it a surprising and versatile addition to modern cooking.

 Whether you’re throwing together a quick midweek meal or planning a leisurely summer lunch, here are five creative ways to bring PURA into your kitchen – no cocktails required. 

1. PURA Cucumber & Lime in Summer Salads and Light Ceviche 

With its crisp lime acidity and cool cucumber notes, this flavour lends a fresh lift to anything from raw fish to leafy greens. 

Try this: Whisk together PURA Cucumber & Lime with olive oil, chopped mint and coriander, and a pinch of sea salt for a vibrant salad dressing. It’s equally delicious as the base of a light marinade for ceviche or grilled courgette ribbons with feta. 

2. PURA Seville Orange as a Glaze for Roast Chicken or Grilled Vegetables 

Naturally sweet with a gentle citrus sharpness, PURA Seville Orange holds its own in the oven or on the braai, caramelising beautifully when reduced. 

Try this: Combine with garlic, wholegrain mustard, and fresh thyme for a sticky glaze that works brilliantly on roast chicken thighs, crispy pork belly, or flame-charred root veg. 

3. PURA Pomegranate in Guilt-Free Baking 

Looking for a clever way to cut refined sugar in your baking? The subtle tartness of PURA Pomegranate brings moisture and flavour without overpowering. 

Try this: Use it in place of water or juice in cake batters or an icing glaze. A simple drizzle made with PURA and a touch of lemon zest elevates loaf cakes, cupcakes or gluten-free muffins with minimal effort. 

4. PURA Lemon & Elderflower as a Dessert Syrup 

Light and fragrant, this floral blend makes an elegant syrup when gently reduced, adding a sophisticated finish to chilled puddings or fruit. 

Try this: Simmer and spoon over lemon sorbet, panna cotta, or even Greek yoghurt with granola. It also pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a soft meringue base for a modern twist on Eton mess. 

5. PURA Ginger & Lemon in Stir-Fry Sauces 

Bold and slightly fiery, the Ginger & Lemon flavour adds balance and brightness to savoury dishes, especially when paired with soy or sesame. 

Try this: Whisk together with soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and a splash of rice vinegar for a quick stir-fry glaze. Toss through noodles, tofu or prawns for a punchy midweek meal with minimal fuss. 

In the Kitchen with PURA 

PURA Soda was created with conscious refreshment in mind – and that same ethos translates beautifully to everyday cooking. Low in sugar, crafted with natural flavours, and endlessly adaptable, it’s a modern pantry staple for food lovers who care about what goes into their glass – and their plate. 

So, the next time you reach for a can of PURA, consider keeping one aside for the kitchen. Because refreshment doesn’t begin and end at the bar cart – sometimes, it starts at the stove.