Rivella-Style Whey Soft Drink
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Whey (from strained yogurt or cheesemaking) — 480 ml (2 cups)
- Strong herbal tea (chamomile or lemon balm), cooled — 240 ml (1 cup)
- Sugar — 45 g (3 tbsp)
- Lemon juice — 15 ml (1 tbsp)
- Sparkling water, to top up
- Ice, to serve
Method
- Warm 1/2 cup of the whey gently with the sugar until dissolved, then let cool.
- Combine the sweetened whey with the remaining whey, cooled herbal tea and lemon juice in a jug.
- Chill thoroughly for at least 1 hour.
- To serve, pour over ice and top up with sparkling water to taste.
Introduction: Rivella is one of Switzerland’s most iconic soft drinks, made from milk whey and famous nationwide since the 1950s.
Cultural Background: Rivella is one of Switzerland’s most iconic soft drinks, made from milk whey and famous nationwide since the 1950s. This home version recreates its light, herbal-sweet character using whey, herbal tea and a touch of sugar.
Tips: Straining the whey through a fine cloth first gives a clearer, smoother drink. Adjust sweetness to taste, as whey’s natural flavour varies.
Variations: Add a few fresh mint leaves for extra freshness. Use rooibos tea instead of chamomile for a different flavour base.
Storage: Refrigerate the base mixture (without sparkling water) for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Served cold; no reheating required.
FAQs:
Q: What is whey?
A: Whey is the liquid left over from straining yogurt or making cheese, and forms the base of the original Swiss Rivella drink.
Q: Is this the same as commercial Rivella?
A: This is a homemade approximation inspired by its whey base; the commercial product uses a proprietary recipe.
- Whey (from strained yogurt or cheesemaking) — 480 ml (2 cups)
- Strong herbal tea (chamomile or lemon balm), cooled — 240 ml (1 cup)
- Sugar — 45 g (3 tbsp)
- Lemon juice — 15 ml (1 tbsp)
- Sparkling water, to top up
- Ice, to serve
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