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Ingredients
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Carbonated bases
Carbonation and water (for syrup systems)
Ice and garnishes
Method
General setup (for syrup + CO2 dispenser)
- 1
Check equipment
Confirm fountain dispenser is clean, sanitised, and connected to chilled carbonated water/CO2 lines and the appropriate syrup lines for each flavor. Ensure syrup-to-water ratio on dispenser is set per manufacturer's spec (typical 5:1 to 6:1 syrup:water for fountain concentrates).
- 2
Chill lines
Make sure carbonated water and syrup lines are chilled to serving temperature (35–45°F / 2–7°C) to preserve carbonation and taste.
Filling a glass (single serving)
- 3
Prepare glass and ice
Select a 12–16 oz serving glass. Fill the glass about 2/3 full with ice (approximately 1 cup). If using crushed ice, fill slightly more to compensate melting.
- 4
Dispense the chosen drink
Place the glass under the chosen fountain nozzle (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, or Orange). Pull the lever or press the button and dispense soda directly into the glass until liquid level reaches about 1/2 inch (1–1.5 cm) below the rim to allow for foam and carbonation. Stop dispensing and allow foam to settle; top off briefly if necessary.
- 5
- 6
Manual mixing (if using concentrated syrup + separate carbonated water)
- 7
Measure syrup
If you have bottled fountain syrup rather than a dispenser, measure 1 part syrup for every 5 parts chilled carbonated water (common 1:5 ratio). Example: for a 12 oz drink, use 2 oz (1/4 cup) syrup to 10 oz carbonated water. The ingredient list lists 1 cup each as a reference; adjust proportions per serving.
- 8
Combine with carbonated water
Gently pour the chilled carbonated water into a chilled glass with ice, then slowly add the syrup over the back of a spoon or down the side to minimize foaming and preserve carbonation. Stir gently once or twice with a long spoon to blend.
- 9
Adjust sweetness and serve
Taste and, if necessary, adjust with a splash more syrup (for sweeter) or a bit more carbonated water (for lighter). Garnish as described and serve immediately.
Cleaning and maintenance (post-service)
- 10
Wipe dispenser nozzles and drip trays between uses. Follow manufacturer schedule for deeper cleaning and line flushing to avoid syrup buildup or off‑flavors. If switching flavors in portable systems, flush lines with cold water between flavors.
