Sprite Recipe

Make citrus simple syrup

In a small saucepan combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water. Add the lemon and lime zest. Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar is fully dissolved and the liquid is just simmering (do not boil vigorously) — about 3–5 minutes.

Once the sugar is dissolved and the liquid is fragrant with citrus, remove the pan from the heat. Let the mixture steep for 10 minutes to extract more citrus flavor from the zest.

After steeping, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a heatproof container to remove the zest. Press the solids gently with the back of a spoon to extract any remaining syrup, then discard the solids.

Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice into the warm, strained syrup. Allow the citrus syrup to cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator until cold (about 30–60 minutes).

Prepare glasses by adding ice cubes to each. For a 4-cup soda yield, divide the chilled citrus syrup among 4 serving glasses (about 2 tablespoons per 8-oz serving) or adjust to taste. Alternatively, combine syrup and soda in a pitcher: add 1/2 cup chilled citrus syrup to a pitcher.

Slowly add 4 cups cold soda water to the pitcher or pour 1 cup soda into each glass over the syrup (taking care to pour gently to preserve carbonation). Stir gently once to combine. Taste and adjust: add more syrup for sweeter, more citrus-forward soda, or add more soda for a lighter flavor.

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

If you prefer a slightly more Sprite-like clarity and brightness, you can clarify the syrup by refrigerating it overnight and skimming any residual oil that rises to the top before using.