Mr. Pibb Recipe

Chill liquids

Ensure carbonated water and cola are well chilled before mixing — this preserves carbonation and gives the best mouthfeel. Keep in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or use cold bottles.

Measure 3 cups chilled carbonated water and 1 cup chilled cola. Place them in a large pitcher. Stir gently once to combine; avoid vigorous stirring to retain carbonation.

In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the cherry syrup, vanilla extract, molasses, and sweetener. Whisk until smooth and uniform. The molasses gives the deep, slightly spicy backbone similar to Mr. Pibb; if you prefer a lighter profile, reduce molasses to 1/2 tsp.

If using ammonium bicarbonate (optional): add approximately 1/5 tsp (a light pinch) into the flavor mix and whisk. This ingredient is optional and used sparingly in commercial soda formulas to give a bright, slightly sharp top note. Omit if unavailable or if you prefer natural ingredients only.

Taste the concentrate and adjust sweetness or cherry intensity: add an extra 1/2 tbs cherry syrup for more cherry, or 1/2 tbs sweetener for sweeter soda. Keep adjustments small; concentrate is meant to be bold because it will be diluted in the soda base.

Slowly pour the flavor concentrate into the pitcher with the soda base. Stir gently with a long spoon using 6–8 slow strokes until the mixture looks homogeneous. Do not shake or vigorously stir to avoid losing carbonation.

Add 1/2 tsp fresh lime juice to the mixed soda and gently stir one more time. The lime brightens the flavors and balances sweetness.

Fill a tall serving glass with ice (about 1 cup), then strain or pour the soda mixture over the ice. Garnish with a maraschino or fresh cherry on top.

Serve immediately chilled. Stir gently in the glass if needed before drinking to reincorporate any settled concentrate.