Combine dark brown sugar, white sugar and 60 ml water in a small saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugars dissolve and mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer 3–4 minutes to slightly thicken. If you want darker color and deeper flavor, stir in 10 ml caramelized sugar syrup or add 5 ml liquid caramel now. Remove from heat.

Allow the syrup to cool for 5 minutes so it is warm but not hot before adding delicate extracts and juices.

Flavoring Concentrate

Infuse and combine flavors

To the warm syrup add vanilla extract, orange zest, grated ginger, ground cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg and ground coriander. Stir thoroughly to combine. Add fresh lime and lemon juices and stir. Taste and, if desired, add an extra 1–2 ml liquid caramel or 1/4 tsp more vanilla for depth. Let the mixture steep 10 minutes off the heat to meld flavors.

Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a small pitcher to remove grated ginger, zest bits, and spice fragments. Press solids gently to extract flavor, then discard solids.

Carbonation & Finish

Assemble the 440 ml Dragon Cola

Fill a 500 ml (approx.) glass with 6 ice cubes. Pour 80 ml of the prepared cola syrup concentrate over the ice. Slowly add 360 ml chilled soda water to reach a total volume of about 440 ml, pouring gently to preserve carbonation. Stir once gently with a bar spoon (2–3 turns) to combine.

Garnish with a lime wheel and optional mint sprig. Serve immediately. Adjust sweetness or intensity next time by using 70–90 ml syrup per 440 ml final drink depending on taste.