Bottled Drinks Recipe

Chill bottles

Store bottled sodas, water, tea and juices in a refrigerator at 2–5°C (36–41°F) for at least 2 hours prior to service so beverages are properly chilled when served.

Prepare glassware

Select appropriate glass for the requested bottled drink (highball for sodas/iced tea, rocks glass for tonic/mineral water). If the guest requests ice, fill glass with 1 to 1 1/2 cups of fresh ice. For a rimmer, wet the glass lip with a lemon or lime wedge and dip in salt or sugar if requested.

Garnish prep

Cut lemons and limes into wedges and prepare mint sprigs. Place garnishes on a small tray for quick service. For fizzy drinks, give lemon or lime wedge on rim; for iced tea or juice, a mint sprig can be added.

Ask the guest which bottled drink they would like (offer choices: cola, lemon-lime, ginger ale, root beer, mineral water still/sparkling, iced tea, orange or apple juice). Confirm any preferences: ice or no ice, garnish, sweetening, rimming, or additions such as bitters or simple syrup.

Open the bottle at the table or behind the bar, depending on service style. For carbonated bottles, open slowly over a sink or napkin to control foam. Hold the bottle at a 45° angle and pour down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation (for sparkling water or soda) or pour in a steady stream for juices and iced tea.

If the guest requested additions: add 10–20 ml of simple syrup (per request) to sweeten iced tea or mixers and stir gently with a bar spoon. For bitters, add 1–2 dashes to the drink and stir once. Adjust to taste.

Garnish and finish: place a lemon or lime wedge on the rim for sodas and mineral water, or float a mint sprig in iced tea. Present the unopened bottle alongside the glass if the guest prefers to finish it themselves, or dispose of the empty bottle according to local service standards.