Sprite Recipe

Make simple citrus syrup

Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar fully dissolves and the liquid is clear (do not boil vigorously). Once dissolved, reduce heat to low and simmer very gently for 2 minutes to slightly concentrate. Remove from heat.

While still warm, stir in the lemon zest and lime zest. Cover and let steep for 10 minutes to extract aromatic oils from the zests.

Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a clean container to remove the zest. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold (about 30 minutes to 1 hour).

When the syrup is cooled, stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice until combined. Taste and adjust: if you want a brighter lemon note, add up to 1 tsp more lemon juice; for more lime, add up to 1 tsp more lime juice. The syrup should be balanced — sweet with a clear citrus tang.

Fill a pitcher or individual glasses with ice (about 2 cups of ice for the quantities listed). Add 1/2 cup of the prepared citrus syrup per 1 cup of club soda for a starting ratio (this recipe yields roughly a 1:8 syrup-to-finished beverage ratio overall). For the full quantities listed, use 1 cup chilled syrup mixture combined with 4 cups chilled club soda — pour the syrup over the ice first, then slowly add the club soda to preserve carbonation.

Stir gently once to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity by adding small amounts of syrup or a squeeze of fresh citrus as needed.

Garnish each glass with a slice of lemon or lime and an optional mint sprig. Serve immediately while fizzy and cold.