Coca – Cola Recipe

Make simple cola syrup

Combine 2 cups granulated sugar and 1 cup hot water in a medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves completely. Add 1/4 cup dark corn syrup and continue to simmer 2–3 minutes to integrate and slightly thicken. Remove from heat.

Stir in 1 tablespoon caramel color (or 1 tablespoon pre-made caramel syrup) and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until uniform. If using powdered caffeine, dissolve the measured 50 mg into 1–2 teaspoons warm water first and stir into the syrup. Keep the syrup warm but off direct heat while you prepare the flavoring.

Prepare flavor concentrate

In a small heatproof bowl combine the citrus juices: 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Add 1/4 teaspoon orange oil (or finely grated orange zest) and stir.

To the citrus mixture add 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/16 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/16 teaspoon ground coriander. Add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or extra vanilla extract). If using a tiny amount of lime oil or tincture, add it now (a drop or two is enough). Stir thoroughly to combine.

Add 1/2 teaspoon citric acid and 1/2 teaspoon food-grade phosphoric acid (optional for sharper acid tang). Whisk the flavoring into the warm syrup base. Taste carefully and adjust: more citric acid for brighter citrus, more vanilla for sweetness, or a touch more caramel for color/depth. Let the combined syrup cool to room temperature.

Dilute and serve

Chill the flavored cola syrup thoroughly. For each serving (approx. 1 cup drink) mix about 1/4 cup cola syrup with 1 cup cold carbonated water (adjust 1:4 syrup to soda to taste). Stir gently to preserve carbonation.

Pour over ice if desired and garnish with a lemon or lime wedge. Keep unused syrup refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.