Name: Plaka Greek Cafes Coca – Cola Recipe
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cups water; 0.25 cups dark brown sugar; 2 tbs caramel color (homemade or store-bought); 1 tsp fresh lime zest (finely grated); 1 tsp fresh orange zest (finely grated); 1 tbs lemon juice (fresh); 1 tbs orange juice (fresh); 0.5 tsp vanilla extract; 0.25 tsp cinnamon stick; 0.125 tsp nutmeg (freshly grated); 0.125 tsp ground coriander; 0.25 tsp dried lavender buds (optional); 0.5 tsp citric acid; 0.125 tsp caffeine powder (optional); 0.5 cups water (for steeping); 4 cups cold sparkling water (chilled); 2 cups ice cubes; 4 slices lime slices (for garnish)

Method

Syrup Base

Make simple syrup

Combine 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 cup water, and 1/4 cup dark brown sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugars fully dissolve and the mixture comes to a gentle simmer (about 5–7 minutes). Do not boil vigorously. Reduce heat to low and simmer 2 minutes to slightly thicken.

Add caramel color

Stir in 2 tablespoons caramel color (or 1–2 teaspoons homemade caramel syrup) until fully incorporated into the syrup. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the flavoring concentrate.

Flavoring (Concentrate)

Steep citrus and spices

In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water with the lime zest, orange zest, cinnamon stick, dried lavender (if using), ground coriander, and freshly grated nutmeg. Bring to a low simmer over medium-low heat, then remove from heat and let steep, covered, for 10 minutes.

Strain and combine

Strain the steeped spice-citrus water through a fine mesh sieve into a small bowl, pressing gently to extract flavor. Discard solids. While the strained liquid is still warm, whisk in 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon orange juice, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon citric acid, and 1/8 teaspoon caffeine powder (if using). Stir until the citric acid dissolves completely.

Integrate with syrup

Pour the flavored concentrate into the warm syrup base and stir thoroughly to combine. Taste carefully: you should get a bright, sweet, slightly spiced cola syrup. Adjust balance if needed—add up to 1/4 teaspoon more citric acid for more tang, a pinch more vanilla for depth, or a teaspoon more brown sugar for sweetness. Let the combined syrup cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled (about 30–45 minutes).

Finishing & Serving

To serve one standard glass (recipe yields about 4 servings): Fill a tall glass with about 1/2 cup ice. Measure 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) of the chilled cola syrup into the glass. Slowly top with 1 cup chilled sparkling water (adjust to taste for sweetness/strength). Stir gently to combine.

Garnish and serve: Add a lime slice to the rim or float in the drink. Serve immediately. For larger batches, use a ratio of 1 part syrup to 4 parts sparkling water (adjust between 1:3 and 1:5 to taste). Store any leftover syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.