Dr Pepper® Recipe

Make simple syrup

Combine 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 cup water, and 1/2 cup light corn syrup in a medium saucepan. Stir to combine over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Do not boil vigorously. Once dissolved, remove from heat.

Allow the syrup base to cool for 5 minutes so it is warm but not hot (this helps extract the flavors without cooking off volatile aromatics).

Infuse and blend flavors

To the warm syrup base, whisk in: 2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp almond extract, 2 tbsp cherry syrup (or grenadine), 1 tsp light molasses, and optional 1/4 tsp blackstrap molasses if you want a deeper, smoky note. Add 1/2 tsp finely grated orange zest and 1/4 tsp finely grated lemon zest for citrus top notes.

Add the warm spices and small-batch aromatics: 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/16 tsp ground clove, 1/16 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/16 tsp ground allspice, 1/4 tsp finely grated ginger, 1/4 tsp instant espresso powder (or equivalent strong coffee concentrate), and 1/16 tsp anise extract (or a very small drop of black licorice extract). Whisk thoroughly to incorporate. Taste carefully: the goal is a balanced cola-like spice profile with cherry and vanilla highlights.

If you used whole spices or fresh zest and prefer a clearer syrup, transfer the mixture to a heatproof jar or bowl, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes at room temperature. Then strain through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container to remove solids. If you used only ground spices and extracts, straining is optional but will improve clarity.

Cool the finished syrup concentrate to room temperature. Refrigerate in a sealed container if not using immediately; it will keep for up to 2 weeks.

Mix the soda

For each serving (about 1 cup / 240 ml finished drink), combine 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the prepared concentrate with 1 cup (240 ml) chilled carbonated water in a tall glass over ice. Stir gently once to combine. Adjust ratio to taste — some prefer 1:3 concentrate to soda for a fuller flavor, others 1:5 for a lighter soda.

Garnish with a maraschino cherry and/or a lemon wedge if desired. Serve immediately while fizzy.

Store leftover concentrate refrigerated in an airtight container; mix with chilled carbonated water when ready to serve.