Rivella Recipe

Prepare whey base and dissolve sugars

Combine the filtered water (250 ml) with the sugar (90 g), invert sugar syrup (15 g), and citric acid (3 g) in a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat, stirring constantly, just until the sugar and citric acid fully dissolve. Do not boil. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to warm (about 40–45°C / 104–113°F).

Incorporate whey

Once the syrup is warm but not hot, whisk in the milk whey concentrate (60 ml) until fully integrated and smooth. If using buttermilk or plain whey from strained yogurt, whisk thoroughly to avoid lumps. The small amount of heat helps stabilize and solubilize the whey proteins into the syrup.

Add flavors and finish base

Stir in the natural fruit extracts or clear apple-pear juice (40 ml), lemon juice (5 ml), vanilla extract (1 ml) and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust: the goal is a subtly fruity, slightly tangy, lightly sweet profile. If you prefer sweeter, add up to 10 g more sugar; for brighter acidity, add up to 1 g more citric acid.

Cool the concentrated base

Allow the flavor-whey syrup to cool completely to room temperature. Chilling briefly in the refrigerator (15–20 minutes) speeds the process and helps preserve carbonation later.

Mix with carbonated water

Place the chilled carbonated water (1.25 l) in a large clean pitcher. Slowly and gently pour the cooled syrup base into the carbonated water while stirring with a long spoon using gentle, steady strokes to combine. Stir minimally to avoid losing too much fizz—aim for 6–8 gentle strokes.

Adjust and carbonate (optional)

Taste the assembled drink. If the flavor is too concentrated, add up to 50 ml additional chilled carbonated water. If you prefer more fizz and have a home carbonator, you can prepare the base and carbonate a weaker water-base mixture directly; otherwise the gentle mixing with pre-carbonated water preserves bubbles best.

Chill and serve

Refrigerate the finished Rivella-style drink for at least 30 minutes to ensure it's well chilled. Serve over ice in tall glasses or straight from the bottle. Optionally garnish with a thin apple slice or lemon wheel. Keep leftovers in a sealed bottle in the fridge and consume within 48 hours for best carbonation and flavor.