Sprite Recipe

Make the citrus simple syrup

Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Add the lemon and lime zest. Heat over medium heat and stir until the sugar fully dissolves and the liquid comes to a gentle simmer (about 3–5 minutes). Do not boil vigorously; just enough to dissolve sugar and infuse the zest.

Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool for 10 minutes to allow more citrus flavor to infuse.

Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a heatproof container to remove the zest. Press lightly on the zest to extract the syrup but discard solids.

Stir in the fresh lemon juice (2 tbsp), fresh lime juice (2 tbsp), and citric acid (1 tsp, optional) into the warm syrup until fully combined. Taste and adjust: if you want it sweeter, add up to 1 tbsp more sugar dissolved; for brighter tartness, add a pinch more citric acid or 1/2 tsp more lemon/lime juice.

Chill the syrup in the refrigerator until cold (at least 30 minutes). You can make the syrup ahead and store it in a sealed container for up to 1 week.

Assemble the homemade Sprite

Fill 4 tall glasses with about 1/2 cup ice each (or a large pitcher with the ice removed if preferred). For each 8 oz (about 240 ml) serving, add 2 tablespoons of the chilled citrus syrup to the glass.

Top each glass with 8 oz (about 240 ml) chilled carbonated water. Pour gently over the back of a spoon or down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation.

Stir gently once to combine syrup and carbonated water. Taste and adjust: add 1 teaspoon more syrup if you want it sweeter, or a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime for more brightness.

Garnish each glass with a lemon slice, lime slice, and a mint sprig if using. Serve immediately while fizzy.

If making in a pitcher: use 1 cup of chilled citrus syrup per 1 liter of chilled carbonated water for a similar balance. Stir gently once and serve over ice.