Red Bull Recipe

Prepare sweet base

In a small saucepan or heatproof measuring cup, combine the sucrose and glucose syrup with 2 fl oz (60 ml) of the chilled carbonated water. Warm gently over low heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved (about 1–2 minutes). Do not boil. This creates a concentrated simple syrup to help evenly dissolve powdered ingredients.

Dissolve powdered ingredients

Remove the syrup from heat and let it cool for 1 minute. Stir in the citric acid, taurine (1000 mg), sodium bicarbonate (a pinch, 0.125 tsp), niacin (8 mg), pantothenic acid (2 mg), vitamin B6 (2 mg), vitamin B12 (2 µg), and the optional amino acid (250 mg). Stir until fully dissolved. If any ingredient is slow to dissolve, use a small whisk or spoon and continue stirring for 30–60 seconds.

Add caffeine and flavor

Add the caffeine (80 mg) powder and the natural/artificial flavoring (0.25 tsp) to the syrup mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution. If using food-grade color, add 1 drop and mix to achieve a light yellow/orange tint. Taste a small drop (optional) to check balance — it should be tangy, slightly sweet, and mildly bitter from caffeine.

Combine with carbonated water

Place ice cubes in a tall chilled glass. Pour the remaining chilled carbonated water (about 6 fl oz) into the glass over the ice. Slowly pour the prepared syrup mixture into the carbonated water while stirring gently with a bar spoon to combine. Stir only enough to blend; vigorous stirring will reduce carbonation.

Adjust and serve

Taste and adjust if necessary: add up to 0.25 tsp more simple syrup for sweetness, a pinch more citric acid for tartness, or a tiny additional amount of flavoring. Serve immediately while cold and fizzy. This recipe yields one 8 fl oz serving.