Name: Amara Restaurant & Bar Koh Phangans Sprite Recipe
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cups granulated sugar; 1 cups water; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 2 tbsp fresh lime juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 tsp lime zest; 1 tsp citric acid; 1 tsp freshly grated ginger (optional for depth); 4 cups cold sparkling water (chilled); 1 to taste ice cubes; 4 pieces lime slices or lemon slices (for garnish)

Method

Syrup Base

Make simple citrus syrup

In a small saucepan combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Add the lemon and lime zests and the optional grated ginger. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture just comes to a simmer (do not boil vigorously).

Once the sugar is dissolved and the syrup is simmering, reduce heat to low and let it gently simmer for 3 minutes to extract flavor from the zests and ginger.

Remove the pan from heat. Let the syrup cool for 5 minutes off the heat, then stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, and 1 teaspoon citric acid. Stir until citric acid is dissolved. Taste and adjust: add up to 1 more teaspoon of lemon or lime juice if you want brighter acidity, or a pinch more citric acid for a sharper tang.

Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a clean jar or bottle to remove zests and any ginger bits. Cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator until cold (at least 30 minutes). The chilled syrup can be stored up to 2 weeks refrigerated.

Carbonation / Finishing

When ready to serve, fill a tall glass with ice (if using). For each 8-oz (1 cup) serving: add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the chilled citrus syrup to the glass. This recipe's quantities are scaled to make about 4 cups of finished drink: use 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) syrup mixed with 4 cups sparkling water to yield roughly 4 servings. Adjust syrup to taste for sweeter or more citrus-forward soda.

Pour cold sparkling water over the syrup and ice. Stir gently once to combine, taking care to preserve carbonation.

Garnish with a slice of lime or lemon. Serve immediately while fizzy.

Notes: If you have a soda siphon or home carbonation device, carbonate plain chilled water and then mix with the syrup in the same proportions (1 part syrup to 8 parts carbonated water is a good starting point). For a caffeine-free, natural homemade 'Sprite' concentrate, avoid adding any other flavorings; the citric acid preserves brightness and helps replicate commercial soda tang.