Sprite Recipe

Make simple citrus syrup

In a small saucepan combine the granulated sugar and 1/4 cup cold water. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely (do not boil). Once dissolved, remove from heat.

Stir in the lemon zest and lime zest into the warm syrup so the oils are released. Let the syrup steep for 10 minutes off the heat to extract citrus aroma and flavor.

After steeping, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove zest solids. Return the syrup to a small container and let it cool to room temperature (or chill briefly in the fridge) before using.

Combine syrup and citrus juices

In a measuring jug or pitcher, combine the cooled citrus syrup with the fresh lemon juice and fresh lime juice. Add the optional 1/4 tsp citrus extract if using. Taste and adjust: you want a bright, slightly sweet-tart concentrate — it should be noticeably more intense than the finished drink.

Mix with carbonated water

Fill a 16–20 oz serving glass with about 1 cup of ice (or use a chilled pitcher with ice). Pour 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the citrus-sugar concentrate per 1 cup (240 ml) carbonated water. For this recipe (4 cups carbonated water), add the entire concentrate mixture (syrup + juices) to the carbonated water in a large pitcher. Gently stir once or twice to combine — avoid vigorous stirring to preserve fizz.

Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity by adding small amounts of syrup (1 tsp at a time) or lemon/lime juice (1/2 tsp at a time) until desired balance is reached.

Serve immediately over ice, garnished with lemon or lime slices and optional mint leaves.