Fountain Drink Recipe

Select a tall glass (about 16–20 oz capacity). Rinse quickly if dusty and chill if desired by placing in the freezer for a few minutes or filling with ice briefly and discarding water.

Add the measured ice cubes to the glass, filling about half to three-quarters full depending on preference.

Pour 2 cups of cold carbonated water into a clean mixing pitcher or directly into the glass if you prefer to mix in the serving vessel.

Add 4 tablespoons of cola syrup (or the fountain syrup concentrate of your choice) to the carbonated water. If using a less concentrated syrup, adjust quantity to taste.

Gently stir with a long spoon 4–6 times to combine. Avoid vigorous stirring to retain carbonation.

Taste the mixture. If you prefer sweeter, add up to 1 teaspoon simple syrup or an appropriate sweetener and stir gently. If you want a bubblier drink, top up with up to 1/2 cup additional cold carbonated water or seltzer.

If you mixed in a pitcher, pour the prepared fountain drink over the ice in the serving glass. If you mixed directly in the glass, proceed to garnish.

Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge on the rim and/or a fresh mint sprig if desired. Serve immediately with a straw.