Drinks (sparkling Water, Soda, Lemonade) Recipe

Chill a tall glass in the fridge for 5–10 minutes or fill it with a few ice cubes to cool briefly.

Pour 4 cups of cold sparkling water into the chilled glass or into a pitcher.

If using plain sparkling water and you want subtle flavor, add 1–2 lemon or lime slices and gently press them against the glass edge with a spoon to release aroma, or lightly bruise a mint sprig and drop in.

Add about 1 cup of ice cubes if you prefer your drink very cold. Serve immediately so carbonation remains lively.

Chill a glass and/or the soda bottle/can until cold (ideally 1–2 hours in refrigerator).

Fill a glass about two-thirds with ice (approximately 1 cup).

Pour 12 fl oz chilled cola or lemon-lime soda gently down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation.

If desired, squeeze a lime wedge over the soda and drop the wedge into the glass for aroma and a slight citrus note.

Serve immediately to retain fizz.

Make Simple Syrup

Combine 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1/2 cup hot water in a heatproof measuring cup or small saucepan. Stir until sugar fully dissolves to make a simple syrup. Allow to cool slightly (2–3 minutes).

Juice the Lemons

Juice enough lemons to yield 1 cup (about 4–6 medium lemons). Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and most pulp for a smoother lemonade.

In a pitcher, combine the 1 cup fresh lemon juice and the cooled simple syrup. Stir to combine.

Add 3 cups cold water to the lemon-syrup mixture. Taste and adjust: if too sweet, add up to 1/2 cup more lemon juice; if too tart, add up to 2 tablespoons more simple syrup or a bit more water.

Add about 1 cup ice to the pitcher or fill individual glasses with ice and pour lemonade over the ice. Garnish each glass with lemon slices and a sprig of fresh mint or basil if desired.

Serve immediately. Leftover lemonade can be refrigerated up to 3 days; stir or shake before serving as separation may occur.