Coca Cola Recipe

Make simple syrup

Combine 2 cups granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until all sugar dissolves and the solution is clear (do not boil vigorously). This yields a concentrated simple syrup. Remove from heat.

Stir in 2 tablespoons caramel color and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the warm syrup until fully incorporated. If using powdered caffeine, dissolve the measured caffeine into a tablespoon of warm syrup, then mix into the rest. Set the syrup aside to cool to room temperature.

If using whole spices/zests: gently bruise or lightly crush coriander seeds and place in a small heatproof container with the orange zest (or a pinch of dried orange peel) and a 1/2 teaspoon of the warm syrup. Let steep for 10–15 minutes to extract oils, then strain. If using essential oils, skip steeping and add oils directly — essential oils are potent, so add only the specified tiny amounts.

To the cooled syrup, add 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon orange oil (or the prepared orange infusion), 1/8 teaspoon cassia or cinnamon oil (or a splash of cinnamon infusion), 0.05 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (or a drop of nutmeg oil), 1/8 teaspoon crushed coriander infusion (or coriander oil), and 1 drop neroli or orange blossom water. If using lime essential oil, add 1 drop. Stir thoroughly to combine. Taste and adjust — flavors should be concentrated and bright but balanced; adjust citrus or spice by drops/very small amounts.

Strain the combined syrup through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids and volatile particulate matter. Store the finished cola syrup in a clean, airtight bottle or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Chill 250–300 ml (about 1 cup) of carbonated water per serving. For a single serving, use about 60–80 ml of cola syrup to 240–300 ml carbonated water (roughly a 1:4 to 1:5 syrup-to-water ratio). Start with 60 ml syrup and adjust to your taste.

Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour the measured cola syrup over the ice, then slowly add cold carbonated water to preserve carbonation. Stir once gently to combine.

Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately. Keep any unused syrup refrigerated and use within 2 weeks.