Sprite Recipe

Make simple syrup

Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a gentle simmer (do not boil vigorously). Once sugar is fully dissolved, remove from heat.

Cool the syrup slightly (5–10 minutes) so it is warm but not hot before adding fresh citrus components.

Add citrus and vanilla

Stir 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 teaspoon lime zest, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract into the warm simple syrup. Mix thoroughly to combine. Taste and adjust: if you prefer tangier, add up to 1 more tablespoon total of lemon/lime juice; for a brighter citrus aroma, gently muddle an additional 1/2 teaspoon zest into the syrup.

Allow the syrup to cool completely to room temperature (about 20–30 minutes). For best clarity, strain the cooled syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove zest solids and any pulp. Chill the syrup in the refrigerator if not using immediately.

Mix with sparkling water

Fill four serving glasses with ice to taste. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chilled citrus syrup per 1 cup (8 fl oz) of cold club soda to each glass, depending on desired sweetness. For the recipe quantities given (1 cup syrup + 4 cups soda), start with 3 tablespoons syrup per cup of soda. Pour 1 cup (8 fl oz) chilled club soda into each glass over the syrup and gently stir once to combine. Taste one serving and adjust syrup amount if you want sweeter or tarter.

Garnish and serve

Garnish each glass with a lemon or lime slice. Serve immediately while fizzy. If preparing a pitcher: combine the full cooled syrup with 4 cups very cold club soda in a pitcher, gently stir once, and serve over ice.