Soda Recipe

Choose your soda

Select one bottle/can from the available choices (Sprite, Coca-Cola, Barq's Root Beer, Jarritos varieties such as Mandarin/Tamarind/Guava, Grapico, Mountain Dew, or Dr. Pepper). Confirm whether the guest prefers the soda poured into a glass or served in its can/bottle.

Ensure soda is chilled

Use a chilled can or bottle. If the soda is not chilled, refrigerate for 30–60 minutes (not included in active prep time). For immediate service, place the sealed can/bottle in an ice bath for 3–5 minutes to rapidly cool.

Open can or bottle

Open the can by lifting the tab. For bottled Jarritos or other crown-cap bottles, use a bottle opener and remove the cap cleanly. Wipe the bottle/can lip with a clean napkin if serving the container directly.

Pouring technique

If pouring into the glass, tilt the 12 oz serving glass at about a 45° angle and pour the soda slowly down the side to preserve carbonation and minimize foam. For Barq's Root Beer and some foamy styles (e.g., Grapico), pour a bit more upright and more slowly to allow a small head to form; for Jarritos bottles, pour gently to preserve flavor and carbonation.

Serve in can/bottle option

If the guest prefers the soda in its can or bottle, present it chilled with a napkin under the container and the straw on the side. Wipe any condensation and place the napkin beneath to catch drips.

Prepare glass

Place the 12 oz serving glass on a clean surface. Add approximately 1 cup of fresh ice to the glass (enough to fill ~2/3 of the glass).

Pour soda into glass

Following the pouring technique above, pour the opened soda into the glass over the ice until about 1 cm (1/2 inch) of head remains or until the glass is about 90% full. Stop pouring if excessive foam develops, wait 10–15 seconds, then top up slowly.

Garnish

If requested or appropriate, place 1 lemon or lime wedge on the rim of the glass or cut a small notch and slide the wedge onto the rim. For citrus-forward sodas (Sprite, some Jarritos), a squeeze of the wedge can be offered.

Add straw & finishing

Place 1 straw in the glass at a slight angle. Wipe the outside of the glass with a napkin to remove any drips or condensation. Present the drink with an extra napkin beneath the glass or the can/bottle on a small napkin if served in-container.

Deliver promptly to ensure optimal carbonation and temperature. If serving multiple sodas, repeat these steps for each selection.