Soft Drinks Recipe
Make Soft Drinks Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Basic Soft Drink Station
Method
Basic Soft Drink Station
Make Simple Syrup
Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves completely. Bring to a gentle simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate until use. (Yields about 1 1/4 cups syrup.)
Prepare Garnishes and Mixers
Wash and slice lemons, limes, and oranges into wheels or wedges. Rinse mint leaves and pat dry. Thinly slice cucumber. Measure juices (lemon, lime, orange, cranberry) into small pitchers or bottles for easy service. If using cola syrup or ginger syrup, place in small pour containers and label.
Chill Carbonated Water
Keep carbonated water well chilled. Pour it into a clean soda siphon or carafe right before service to preserve fizz. If using store-bought club soda, open and use immediately.
Assemble Classic Lemon-Lime Soft Drink (Per Serving)
In a tall glass, add 1/2 cup ice (about 4–6 cubes). Add 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice. Add 2 tablespoons simple syrup (adjust to sweetness preference). Top with 1 cup cold carbonated water. Gently stir once to combine. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a lime wedge. Optional: add 1–2 dashes of bitters for complexity.
Sparkling Orange (Per Serving)
In a glass with 1/2 cup ice, pour 1/4 cup fresh orange juice and 2 tablespoons simple syrup (or to taste). Top with 1 cup carbonated water and stir gently. Garnish with an orange wheel.
Cranberry Fizz (Per Serving)
Fill a glass with 1/2 cup ice. Add 1/4 cup cranberry juice, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1–2 tablespoons simple syrup depending on tartness. Top with 1 cup carbonated water, stir, and garnish with a lime wedge and a few cranberries or a maraschino cherry.
Ginger Ale Style (Per Serving)
In a glass with 1/2 cup ice, add 2 tablespoons ginger syrup (or 1/4 cup ginger beer if using bottled). Add 1 tablespoon lime juice and 1 tablespoon simple syrup if extra sweetness is desired. Top with 1 cup carbonated water, stir gently, and garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint.
Cola Style (Per Serving)
In a glass with 1/2 cup ice, pour 2–3 tablespoons cola syrup or concentrate (adjust to manufacturer directions and taste). Top slowly with 1 cup cold carbonated water to preserve carbonation. Stir gently once. Garnish with an orange wheel and a maraschino cherry if desired.
Cucumber-Mint Spritz (Per Serving)
Muddle 3–4 thin cucumber slices and 6–8 mint leaves gently in the bottom of a glass to release aroma (do not over-muddle to avoid bitterness). Add 1/2 cup ice, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon simple syrup. Top with 1 cup carbonated water, stir lightly, and garnish with a cucumber ribbon and mint sprig.
Service Notes
Keep additional simple syrup, juices, and syrups chilled and labeled. Always add carbonated water last and serve immediately to retain fizz. Taste each drink and adjust sweetness or acidity with additional simple syrup or citrus juice. Provide ice and garnishes on the side for guest customization. If you rim glasses, use a little lemon juice and dip in salt or sugar as desired.