Fountain Drinks Recipe

Chill and prepare glass

Choose a serving glass and chill it briefly if desired. Add the measured ice into the glass if you prefer a cold, diluted drink (about 1 cup). If you prefer no ice, skip this step and ensure the carbonated water is well chilled.

Add syrup

Measure 1/4 cup (about one part) of the concentrated soda syrup into the chilled glass. Use a pour spout or measuring cup to be accurate; fountain systems typically dispense roughly a 4:1 ratio of water to syrup, so this recipe uses that as a guideline (1 part syrup to 4 parts carbonated water).

Combine carbonated water

Slowly pour 1 cup (four parts) of chilled carbonated water over the syrup and ice. Pour gently down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation and minimize foaming. If your syrup is very concentrated or you prefer a lighter taste, replace up to 1/4 cup of the carbonated water with filtered still water for dilution.

Stir gently

Use a long spoon or straw to stir the drink once or twice, gently combining syrup and carbonated water. Avoid vigorous stirring to retain effervescence.

Brighten or sweeten (optional)

Taste the fountain drink. If it needs more brightness, add 1 teaspoon fresh lemon or lime juice and stir gently. If it needs more sweetness, add 1 teaspoon simple syrup and stir until combined.

Add herbs or garnish (optional)

For a craft touch, lightly clap 2 fresh mint or basil leaves between your palms to release oils and drop them into the drink. Add a fruit slice or wedge to the rim or inside the glass for garnish.

Serve

Serve immediately while carbonated and cold. Provide a straw or long spoon for sipping. If preparing multiple servings, maintain syrup-to-carbonated-water ratio (1:4) and use very cold carbonated water to keep carbonation consistent.