Soda Recipe

Chill and prepare glass

If you want an extra-cold drink, place the glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill it with ice and water while you prepare other components; discard water before adding the ice for the soda. Otherwise use a clean, chilled 12 oz glass.

Add ice

Fill the prepared glass with about 1 cup of ice cubes, leaving room at the top for the soda (roughly 1 inch from the rim).

Measure and add syrup

Pour 2 fl oz of your chosen soda syrup or concentrate over the ice. (Adjust to taste if you prefer a sweeter or lighter soda.)

Top with carbonated water

Slowly pour 12 fl oz of chilled carbonated water into the glass over the back of a spoon or down the inside of the glass to preserve carbonation, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace.

Gently mix

Use a long spoon or stirrer to gently lift and fold the syrup into the carbonated water 2–3 times until evenly combined. Avoid vigorous stirring to keep fizz.

Garnish and serve

Optional: squeeze a lemon or lime wedge over the soda and drop it in. Add a maraschino or fresh cherry and a mint sprig if desired. Serve immediately with a straw or napkin.