2l King Cola Recipe

Make simple syrup

Combine 2 cups granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light brown sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Stir to combine over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer and allow sugars to fully dissolve, about 4–6 minutes. Do not boil vigorously. Reduce heat and simmer 1–2 minutes more to meld flavors, then remove from heat.

Make caramel color (optional)

In a separate small skillet or saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons granulated sugar over low heat until it liquefies and turns a deep amber (watch carefully to avoid burning). Immediately remove from heat and carefully whisk in 2 tablespoons of the hot simple syrup to stop cooking (it will sputter). This yields a small amount of homemade caramel color and a little flavor; stir it into the syrup base.

Allow the combined syrup to cool while you prepare the flavor concentrate.

Prepare citrus and spice steep

In a small heatproof bowl combine the citrus zests (1 tbsp lime zest, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp orange zest), 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, 1/8 tsp ground coriander, and 1/4 tsp dried lavender if using. Add 1/2 cup hot (not boiling) water to the mixture to steep the zests and spices for 15 minutes, covered, to extract oils and aromatics.

Strain and add extracts

After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bowl, pressing to extract as much liquid and oil as possible. Discard solids. Stir in 2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp orange extract, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice into the strained infusion.

Acid and balance

Add 1.5 tsp citric acid to the flavor concentrate and stir until dissolved. Taste the concentrate: it should be bright and slightly tart. If too tart, add up to 1 tsp simple syrup from the syrup base; if too sweet, add a pinch more citric acid (up to 1/4 tsp).

Combine the cooled syrup base with the flavor concentrate, stirring thoroughly to create a cola syrup. Taste and adjust: you should have a concentrated syrup that tastes like a cola flavor, slightly sweeter than final beverage.

Mix with carbonated water

Chill the carbonated water well. For a 2 L bottle, measure out the cola syrup: start with a ratio of 1 part syrup to 5 parts carbonated water (about 333 ml syrup to 1667 ml carbonated water). If you prefer stronger cola flavor, increase syrup up to a 1:4 ratio. Gently add the measured chilled carbonated water to a clean 2 L bottle or pitcher, then slowly pour in the syrup to preserve fizz. Do not shake; gently invert or stir with a long spoon if necessary.

Serve

Pour over ice if desired. Serve immediately. Keep any leftover syrup refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks; when using, combine chilled syrup and chilled carbonated water at the chosen ratio.

Notes: The recipe yields approximately 2 liters of finished King Cola. Adjust spices, citrus, and sweetness to taste. If you prefer commercial color and consistency, substitute 1–2 teaspoons of commercial caramel coloring for the homemade caramel step.