Pepsi Zero Recipe

Chill base water

Start with thoroughly chilled carbonated water (about 12 fl oz for one serving). Cold liquid retains carbonation and gives the best mouthfeel.

In a small sanitary container, dissolve the caramel color syrup (2 ml) into a spoonful of the carbonated water. This is primarily for color; stir gently to avoid excessive loss of carbonation.

Add the phosphoric acid solution (1 ml) to the flavored mixture. This provides the characteristic tart/acid backbone of cola. Stir gently to incorporate.

Add the cola flavor concentrate (3 ml) to the mixture. This concentrate contains the blended citrus peel, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and subtle herb notes that define cola. Stir carefully to combine without agitating the carbonation.

Measure and add the caffeine solution equivalent to 10 mg caffeine to the mixture and stir gently to disperse.

Dissolve the aspartame (0.04 g) in a small amount (5–10 ml) of room-temperature still water first to ensure it disperses evenly. Add this sweetener solution to the cola mixture and stir gently.

If using ace-k to round sweetness, dissolve the 0.02 g in the same small still-water portion and add to the mixture. Taste and adjust in very small increments if needed (be cautious; high-intensity sweeteners are potent).

If a preservative is desired for short-term storage, add potassium benzoate (20 mg) dissolved into the small water portion before adding sweeteners. Mix thoroughly.

Pour the flavored, sweetened mixture back into the chilled 12 fl oz of carbonated water gently. Do not pour from height; tilt the glass and pour down the side to minimize CO2 loss.

Add ice cubes (optional) to a serving glass if desired. Pour the prepared Pepsi Zero into the glass over the ice.

Garnish with a lemon wedge on the rim if you like a faint citrus accent. Serve immediately while cold and fizzy.