Dr. Pepper Recipe

Chill the carbonated water or club soda so it is very cold. Measure out 2 cups and keep refrigerated until assembly.

In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and dark brown sugar. These will dissolve into the syrup rather than directly into the cold soda.

Make the syrup

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water and the combined sugars from the Soda Base section. Warm gently over low heat, stirring, until the sugars fully dissolve into a clear syrup (do not boil).

Remove the pan from heat. Stir in vanilla extract, almond extract, black cherry juice, prune juice, molasses, cola extract (if using), fresh lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. Taste the concentrate: it should be noticeably sweet with cherry/almond notes and a slight tang. Adjust: add up to 1/2 tsp more black cherry or a drop more almond if you want a stronger cherry/almond aroma, or up to 1 tsp extra molasses for deeper caramel notes.

Let the concentrate cool to room temperature. Transfer to a small jar or bottle and chill for at least 15 minutes; it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Fill a tall glass with ice (about 1 cup).

Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chilled flavor concentrate to the glass (start with 2 tbsp; use 3 tbsp for a sweeter, more intense flavor).

Slowly pour 2 cups of very cold carbonated water over the back of a spoon into the glass to preserve carbonation and help mixing. Stir gently once with a long spoon to incorporate the syrup without flattening the soda.

Taste and adjust: if you prefer sweeter/more flavored soda, add up to 1 tbsp more concentrate. For a slightly sharper finish, add a squeeze (~1/4 tsp) of lemon juice.

Garnish the glass with a maraschino or fresh cherry and optionally a half lemon wheel on the rim.

Serve immediately while fizzy.