Red Bull Recipe

Make concentrated syrup

In a small saucepan, combine the sucrose (or combined sugars for regular version), glucose syrup (or extra sucrose) and 2 tablespoons (about 30 ml) of water. Warm gently over low heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves and you have a clear syrup. Do not boil. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Dissolve active powders

In a separate small cup, dissolve the taurine powder, caffeine powder (measure carefully using a precision scale — 32 mg target), citric acid, sodium citrate, and the vitamins (niacin, pantothenic acid, B6, B12) into 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of warm water. Stir until fully dissolved. If using a powdered preservative (potassium sorbate), add it here and stir to dissolve.

Combine flavor and sweetener

Add the natural/artificial flavoring concentrate and caramel color (if using) to the dissolved powders. For the sugar-free version: omit sucrose/glucose syrup and instead add the high-intensity sweetener (sucralose/acesulfame K mix) in the small dissolved-powder mixture so it will distribute evenly.

Finish syrup

Pour the dissolved powder/flavor mixture into the cooled sugar syrup and stir thoroughly to create a homogenous energy syrup. Allow the combined syrup to cool to room temperature.

Carbonate and assemble

In a chilled 8.4 fl oz (250 ml) glass or a soda siphon bottle, add about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons (15–22 ml) of the prepared energy syrup. Carefully add the 8.4 fl oz (250 ml) of well-chilled carbonated water. Gently stir once to combine — avoid vigorous stirring to retain carbonation. Taste and adjust: add a few drops more syrup for sweetness or a pinch more citric acid for tartness.

Serve

Serve immediately over ice if desired. For best flavor and carbonation, consume shortly after mixing.