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Ingredients
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Soda base (per 16 fl oz serving)
Special options & add-ins (optional)
Method
Soda assembly
Prepare cup
If using ice, fill a 16 fl oz cup about three-quarters full (approximately 1 cup) with fresh ice. If serving without ice, chill the cup or pour directly into a chilled glass.
Dispense carbonated water
Place the cup under the fountain nozzle. Dispense chilled carbonated water until you reach about 14 fl oz in the cup (leave room for syrup and overflow). If manually measuring, pour 14 fl oz.
Add syrup
Add 2 fl oz of the chosen soda syrup to the cup. If using a measured pump on a fountain dispenser, use two full pumps (or follow equipment-specific pump-to-water ratio to achieve standard sweetness).
Mix gently
Use a straw or stir stick to gently stir the drink 3–4 times to fully incorporate syrup with carbonated water, avoiding vigorous stirring to preserve carbonation.
Top and finish
If necessary, top with a small splash of carbonated water (up to 2 fl oz) to fill the cup. Add optional garnish: a lemon or lime wedge on the rim and/or a mint sprig. Serve immediately with a straw.
Optional variations & add-ins
Citrus brightened
For a brighter profile, squeeze about 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon or lime juice into the cup before adding syrup, then proceed with dispensing water and syrup as above.
Grenadine float
After mixing the soda and syrup, add 1/2 tablespoon grenadine by pouring slowly toward the center — it will sink slightly and create a layered look. Do not stir if you want the float effect.
Fruit slush option
For a slushy variation, blend 1/4 cup frozen fruit with 2–3 fl oz carbonated water until semi-smooth, then add 2 fl oz syrup and pour into the serving cup. Top with remaining carbonated water and serve immediately.