Harborside Soda Recipe

Make citrus-mint simple syrup

Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and liquid just reaches a simmer (about 3–5 minutes).

Remove saucepan from heat. Add 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest, 10 fresh mint leaves (lightly bruised by clapping between your palms or tearing), 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt to the hot syrup.

Allow mixture to steep for 15–20 minutes off heat to infuse flavors. Taste after 15 minutes and adjust: add a bit more lemon or lime if you prefer brighter acidity, or a pinch more salt to enhance brightness.

Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a heatproof container, pressing on solids to extract flavor. Discard solids. Let syrup cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until fully chilled (about 30–45 minutes). Yield: roughly 1 1/4 cups flavored syrup.

Prepare glasses

Divide 2 cups of ice between four tall glasses (about 1/2 cup ice per glass). Add a few thin cucumber slices to each glass and a lemon or lime wheel as desired.

Measure 3 tablespoons (about 45 ml) of the chilled citrus-mint syrup into each glass. If you prefer a sweeter soda, use up to 4 tablespoons; for lighter, use 2 tablespoons.

Pour 1 cup (240 ml) chilled club soda or sparkling water into each glass over the syrup and ice. Gently stir once with a long spoon to combine, taking care not to flatten the bubbles.

Garnish each glass with a fresh mint sprig and an extra cucumber slice or citrus wheel. Serve immediately with a straw or stirring spoon.