Sprite Recipe

Make simple citrus syrup

Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar fully dissolves. Once dissolved, add the lemon and lime zest, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 2 minutes to infuse the citrus oils. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to warm. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove the zest and transfer the clear citrus syrup to a heatproof container. Cool completely in the refrigerator (about 20–30 minutes) before mixing.

Prepare fresh citrus

While the syrup cools, juice the lemons and limes until you have about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Strain the juices through a small sieve to remove pulp and seeds for a cleaner soda.

When the syrup is cool, stir in the strained lemon and lime juices and, if using, 1 teaspoon neutral citrus or lemon extract. Taste the concentrated syrup — it should be bright, sweet, and noticeably citrus-forward (this is your flavor base for the soda). Adjust by adding up to 1 additional tablespoon total of fresh juice if you prefer more acidity, or a pinch more extract for aroma.

Assemble the Sprite-style soda

Fill four tall glasses with ice (or leave ice out if you prefer). For each 1 cup (8 fl oz) serving, add 2 tablespoons of the prepared citrus syrup to a glass. Gently pour 1 cup (8 fl oz) chilled club soda or sparkling water over the syrup. Stir once gently to combine, taking care not to flatten the carbonation. Taste and adjust: add up to 1 more teaspoon syrup per glass if you want sweeter, or a few drops of fresh citrus for more brightness.

Garnish and serve

Garnish each glass with a lemon or lime slice on the rim or floated in the drink. Serve immediately while fizzy.