Red Bull Sugar Free Recipe

Prepare active ingredient solution

In a small cup, dissolve 1000 mg taurine and 80 mg caffeine anhydrous in 30–60 ml (1–2 fl oz) of warm (not hot) filtered water. Stir until fully dissolved. If using potassium sorbate as a preservative, dissolve 50 mg into this warm water as well.

Acid balance

Dissolve 0.5 tsp citric acid into the active ingredient solution. The citric acid provides tartness and helps stabilize flavor. Stir until fully dissolved.

Neutralize and carbonate

Add 1 tsp baking soda to the active solution to slightly moderate acidity and help with carbonation stability; stir briefly. Combine this mixture with 8 fl oz chilled carbonated water in a chilled 12–16 fl oz bottle or pitcher. Gently invert or stir once to mix — avoid vigorous stirring to preserve carbonation.

Dissolve sweeteners

In a separate small bowl, mix 10 g erythritol and 1 g sucralose. Add 1–2 tsp of the cold carbonated water from the bottle (or 1–2 tbsp cold still water) and stir until the erythritol is mostly dissolved. Erythritol can recrystallize in cold liquids, so dissolving first helps prevent graininess.

Combine flavors

Add the dissolved sweeteners to the bottle with the active/carbonated mixture. Add 2 tsp natural citrus/berry flavoring and 0.25 tsp optional taurine-citrus aroma. Cap the bottle and gently invert 2–3 times to mix. Taste and adjust: add a small pinch more erythritol or 0.1 g more sucralose if you prefer sweeter.

Add 2 ml food-grade glycerin if using to round mouthfeel, and 1 drop blue food coloring for the characteristic hue. Gently invert bottle 1–2 times to incorporate. Chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to improve carbonation retention and flavor melding.