Soft Drinks Recipe

Make simple syrup (if not using pre-made)

Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring, until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. (Yields about 2 cups.)

In a large pitcher, combine 4 cups chilled carbonated water with 1 cup simple syrup. Stir gently to avoid losing carbonation.

Add 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup cola flavoring (syrup or concentrate). Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or flavor concentrate as needed.

Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the drink, and garnish each glass with a lemon slice. Serve immediately chilled.

If using granulated sugar instead of simple syrup, dissolve 1/2 cup sugar in 1/4 cup warm water and cool. Alternatively use 1/2 cup simple syrup.

In a pitcher, mix 4 cups chilled carbonated water with 1 cup fresh orange juice, 1/2 cup simple syrup (or dissolved sugar) and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Stir gently to combine.

Fill glasses with ice, pour the orange soda over the ice, garnish with an orange slice, and serve immediately.

In a pitcher, combine 4 cups chilled carbonated water with 3/4 cup ginger syrup or non-alcoholic ginger concentrate. Stir gently to mix without flattening the soda.

Add 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, taste and adjust sweetness or ginger intensity if needed.

Serve over ice in glasses and garnish each with a lime wedge.

In a large bowl or pitcher, combine 2 cups chilled apple juice, 2 cups chilled orange juice and 1 cup pineapple juice. Stir to mix.

Add 2 tablespoons grenadine for color and flavor. Stir again. If you want a fizzy punch, gently stir in 1 cup soda water just before serving.

Add ice cubes and mixed fruit slices to the punch bowl or individual glasses. Serve immediately chilled.