Sprite Recipe

Chill and Juice

Chill a highball glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes if desired. While chilling, roll the lime on the counter firmly to release juices, then cut and squeeze enough to yield 1 tablespoon (about the juice of 1 medium lime). Squeeze half a lemon to obtain 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.

Add the lime and lemon juices to the chilled glass along with 1/2 teaspoon of simple syrup. Stir gently to combine and dissolve the syrup into the citrus.

Fill the glass with approximately 1 cup of ice (adjust to preference). Pour in 1.5 cups chilled carbonated water (club soda or seltzer) first to maintain effervescence.

Slowly pour 3/4 cup chilled lemon-lime soda (Sprite or 7-Up) over the back of a spoon or down the side of the glass to preserve bubbles and create a layered pour. Gently stir once with a bar spoon (about 4–5 gentle turns) to integrate the citrus mixture with the sodas without flattening too much carbonation.

Trim a lime wheel or wedge and place on the rim or float it on top. Add a lemon twist if using, and tuck a mint sprig into the ice for aroma.

Serve immediately with a straw or stirrer. Taste and adjust: add up to an extra 1/2 teaspoon simple syrup if you prefer sweeter, or a few drops more lime juice for a brighter, tarter profile.