If you can get it where you are, have you considered trying malta[0][1]?

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malta_(soft_drink)

[1] https://www.findmeabrewery.com/blog/malta/

I have tried malta, and I like it. But it's a bit sweeter. I think it's a worthwhile substitute if you don't want the fun of trying to make something that might go wrong.