440ml King Cola Recipe

Combine extracts

In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the natural cola flavor (6 ml), vanilla extract (2 ml), citrus oil (1 ml) and cinnamon tincture (1 ml). Stir or swirl gently to fully blend the oils and extracts. If using ground cinnamon, first dissolve it in 5 ml of warm water, strain any solids, then add the infused liquid to the mixture.

Taste the concentrate carefully by diluting a 0.5 ml drop in 25 ml of cold carbonated water to check balance. Adjust by adding up to 1 ml more cola extract for stronger cola notes, or 0.5 ml more vanilla for sweetness depth. Keep total concentrate volume reasonable: aim to remain near 10 ml total.

Measure 60 ml high fructose corn syrup (or simple syrup). If using granulated sugar, dissolve 60 g in 30 ml hot water to make approximately 60 ml simple syrup; cool to room temperature before using.

In a chilled 500 ml mixing pitcher or bottle, add 350 ml cold carbonated water. Gently pour in the 60 ml syrup. Stir very gently with a long spoon (no vigorous stirring) to combine so you don't flatten the carbonation.

Add 8 ml caramel color to the sweetened carbonated water and gently fold in to reach classic cola color. If you lack caramel color, a small pinch of dark brown sugar dissolved in the syrup can impart color (adjust sweetness accordingly).

Add 4 ml phosphoric acid solution (or 4 ml of 1% citric acid substitute) to bring tang and acidity. Stir gently to distribute. Use food-grade acid solutions and measure accurately; acids are concentrated — adjust slightly to taste but do not exceed recommended amounts for a balanced soda.

Add the prepared 10 ml (approx.) flavoring concentrate to the sweetened carbonated base. Pour the concentrate slowly down the side of the pitcher to preserve fizz. Gently invert the pitcher once or stir 2 gentle strokes to incorporate — avoid vigorous mixing.

Chill the assembled cola in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes or serve immediately over 3–4 ice cubes in a 440 ml glass or bottle. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge if desired; squeeze a small amount into the drink for a bright citrus lift (optional).

Taste and adjust: if too sweet, add 5–10 ml more cold carbonated water. If too flat, pour in fresh carbonated water and serve immediately. If lacking acidity, add no more than 0.5–1 ml additional phosphoric/citric acid, mix gently, and retaste.