If you’ve ever wished soda tasted a little more… grown up — brighter, less heavy, more refreshing — meet the Cascara Refresher.
It’s sparkling, citrusy, and lightly tangy. The vibe lands somewhere between tart cola and lemon tea, and the best part is how fast it comes together.
This is the signature way we drink The Cascade at home.
What is cascara?
Cascara is coffee cherry — the fruit around the coffee bean. Instead of tasting like roasted coffee, cascara is naturally fruity and tea-like, which is why it makes such a perfect refresher base.
The Cascade (Classic)
What you’ll need
-
1.5 oz The Cascade
-
6–10 oz sparkling water (adjust to taste)
-
Ice
-
Optional: lemon wedge or peel
How to make it
-
Fill a glass with ice.
-
Pour in 1.5 oz The Cascade.
-
Top with sparkling water.
-
Stir once. Add citrus if you want it extra bright.
That’s it. It’s the easiest “better soda” ritual we know.
3 easy variations (same base, different vibe)
1) The Cascade Tonic
-
1.5 oz The Cascade
-
8 oz of tonic
-
Garnish with lime or grapefruit
2) The Cascade Mule
-
1.5 oz The Cascade
-
2 oz ginger beer
-
10 oz soda water
-
Lime wedge
3) Still “Lemon Tea” Version
-
1.5 oz The Cascade
-
Top with still water
-
Add lots of ice and lemon
4) Hot Cascade
- 2 oz The Cascade
- 10 hot water
- Garnish of lemon or lime.
FAQ
Does it taste like coffee?
No — cascara is coffee fruit, not roasted coffee. The refresher drinks more like bright tea or tart cola.
Is this a mocktail?
It’s perfect as a zero-proof drink. You can also use it as a cocktail base (see the variations above).
Can I make a pitcher?
Yes. Multiply the recipe by 6–8 servings and add sparkling water right before serving so it stays fizzy.
