This is what I use to make a vibrant homemade Italian-style soda without neon syrups or artificial colors.

Ingredients

2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1 cup filtered water
½ cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
Optional: small piece of fresh ginger for brightness

Instructions

Add blueberries and water to a saucepan.

Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and cook 10–15 minutes, lightly crushing berries as they soften.

Strain through a fine mesh strainer, pressing to extract liquid.

Return liquid to pan.

Add honey (or maple), lemon juice, and zest.

Simmer another 5 minutes until slightly thickened into a pourable syrup.

Cool and store in the refrigerator.

Keeps about 1–2 weeks.

To Make Blueberry Lemon Soda

Add:

1–2 tablespoons syrup
Ice
Sparkling water
Optional squeeze of fresh lemon

Stir.

For a creamy Italian soda version:

Add a splash of coconut milk or cream.

Optional Upgrades

Add muddled basil.

Add lemon balm for a fresh herbal note.

Mix with mineral water instead of standard sparkling water.

Use raw honey for a richer flavor.