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Ingredients
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Classic Dr Pepper (homemade soda)
Simple syrup (for sweetening)
Homemade Dr Pepper flavor concentrate (optional, makes ~1/2 cup)
Method
Simple syrup (for sweetening)
- 1
Make simple syrup
Combine 0.5 cups granulated sugar and 0.5 cups water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar fully dissolves. Bring just to a gentle simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Transfer to a jar and chill if not using immediately.
Homemade Dr Pepper flavor concentrate (optional)
- 2
Mix flavor concentrate
In a small bowl or jar, combine 0.25 cups cola syrup or strongly brewed black tea (cooled), 1 tbsp cherry syrup or grenadine, 0.5 tsp orange juice, 0.25 tsp lemon juice, 0.25 tsp vanilla extract, 0.0625 tsp almond extract, 0.125 tsp ground allspice and 0.0625 tsp ground cinnamon. Stir or shake until homogenized. Taste and adjust: add more cherry for fruitiness, more almond for nuttiness, or a pinch more spice. Reserve up to 1/2 cup.
Classic Dr Pepper (homemade soda)
- 3
Assemble drink
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes to chill. Pour 2 tablespoons of the Dr Pepper flavor concentrate into the glass (use the purchased syrup if you have it). Add 1/2 cup simple syrup. Add 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. If using, add 1/8 teaspoon amaretto or a drop of almond extract for marzipan notes. Stir gently to combine the concentrates and syrup with the juices.
- 4
Add carbonated water
Slowly pour 2 cups chilled carbonated water into the glass, stirring gently once or twice to incorporate without losing too much fizz. Taste and adjust: add up to 1 tablespoon more flavor concentrate or up to 1-2 tablespoons more simple syrup if you prefer sweeter.
- 5
Garnish and serve
Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a thin lime wheel if desired. Serve immediately with a straw.