Recipe information
Make Pepsi in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
Syrup Base
Flavor Concentrate
Finishing & Carbonation
Syrup Base
1. Make simple syrup
Combine 2 cups granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar fully dissolves and the liquid is clear, about 4–6 minutes. Do not boil vigorously. Remove from heat.
2. Add color
Stir in 2 tablespoons caramel color (or prepared caramel) into the warm syrup until evenly incorporated. This gives the syrup the characteristic cola color. Let the syrup cool to room temperature (about 20–30 minutes).
Flavor Concentrate
3. Combine flavor ingredients
Into a small bowl or jar, combine 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon orange extract, 1/10 teaspoon citrus oil blend (if using), 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/20 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon cola nut extract or caffeine solution (optional). Stir or whisk until homogenous. If you used any essential oils or extracts, ensure they are food-grade and use sparingly.
4. Incorporate into syrup
Once the syrup has cooled to room temperature, whisk the flavor concentrate into the syrup until fully combined. Taste a small amount: the concentrate should be noticeably aromatic and slightly tannic but not overly dominant. Adjust small amounts of vanilla or citrus to preference, but keep totals small to maintain balance.
Finish & Serve
5. Dilute and carbonate
To assemble a glass of homemade Pepsi-style soda, fill a tall glass with about 1 cup ice (optional). Add 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the prepared cola syrup per 1 cup (240 ml) of cold carbonated water for a balanced sweetness and flavor. Gently pour 1 cup (240 ml) cold carbonated water over the syrup to preserve carbonation and stir once gently. The recipe's syrup yield should be enough to mix with approximately 4 cups of carbonated water at this ratio.
6. Adjust and store
Taste and adjust: add more syrup if you prefer sweeter/stronger cola (up to 1/3 cup syrup per cup water) or more carbonated water for a lighter drink. Store any leftover syrup in a sealed container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. When ready to serve more, use the same ratio and always use cold carbonated water for best fizz.
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