Soft Drinks Recipe

Make simple syrup (if you don't have ready-made)

Combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and liquid is clear, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. (Yields more than needed; store extra in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.)

Fill two tall glasses evenly with ice cubes (about 1 cup ice per glass).

To each glass, add 1 tablespoon simple syrup, 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tablespoon fresh lime juice, and a pinch (about 1/8 tsp) of vanilla extract if using. Stir gently to combine the sweetener and citrus with the melted ice at the top of the glass.

Top each glass with 1 cup club soda (or seltzer) and 1/2 cup cola or flavored sparkling water. Pour slowly down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation. Taste and adjust sweetness or citrus: add more simple syrup (1/2 tsp increments) to sweeten or an extra 1/4 tsp lemon/lime juice to brighten.

Garnish each glass with a lemon wheel and a lime wheel placed on the rim or dropped into the drink. Clap a mint sprig between your palms to release aroma and tuck it into the glass if using.

Serve immediately with a straw or stirring spoon so carbonation remains lively.