Sprite Recipe

Make a simple citrus syrup

Combine the granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the liquid is clear (do not boil vigorously).

Add citrus and acid

Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the lemon juice, lime juice, citric acid, lemon zest, and lime zest until combined. If using, add the vanilla extract. Let the syrup cool to room temperature (about 20–30 minutes) so flavors meld and the mixture stops steaming.

Strain and chill

Strain the cooled syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove zest and any solids. Transfer the syrup to a clean bottle or jar, cover, and refrigerate until cold (at least 30 minutes). The syrup will keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Prepare serving glasses by filling each with ice (about 1/2 cup ice per glass for this recipe). For one serving, use roughly 2 tbs of the prepared citrus syrup; for multiple servings adjust proportionally. This recipe (1 cup syrup) yields about 16 tablespoons — enough for 8 servings at 2 tbs each.

Measure and combine: For each glass, pour 2 tbs (30 ml) chilled citrus syrup over the ice, then slowly top with 1/2 cup (120 ml) chilled carbonated water. Stir gently once to combine. Taste and adjust: add more syrup for sweeter/stronger flavor or more carbonated water for a lighter drink.

Garnish and serve: Garnish each glass with a lime slice and a lemon slice on the rim or floated in the drink. Serve immediately while fizzy. If making a pitcher, combine syrup and carbonated water in a large chilled pitcher and gently stir to combine right before serving to preserve carbonation.