Sierra Mist Recipe

Prepare citrus

Roll the lemons and limes on the counter to loosen juices. Zest one lemon and one lime finely (set zests aside separately). Halve the lemon and lime and juice until you have approximately 1 tablespoon of each juice.

Make simple syrup (if not pre-made)

In a small saucepan combine 2 tsp sugar and 2 tsp water over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and cool. (You only need 2 tsp of syrup for this recipe.)

Assemble soda

In a chilled glass or mixing pitcher, add the lemon juice, lime juice, and 2 teaspoons of simple syrup. Gently stir to combine. Add 2 cups of chilled sparkling water and stir once more gently to preserve carbonation.

Add ice and aromatics

Fill a serving glass with about 1 cup of ice. Pour the prepared soda mixture over the ice.

Finish and garnish

Sprinkle the lemon and lime zests on top of the soda. Clap the mint leaves between your palms once to release aroma and optionally tuck them into the drink. Stir gently once to distribute aromatics without losing fizz.

Serve immediately chilled. Adjust sweetness by adding up to 1 tsp more simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter profile; for a diet-style version omit the simple syrup and increase zest or mint for more perceived sweetness.