Soda Fountain Recipe

Serve from can/bottle or fountain

Chill the chosen soda (Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, or Root Beer) in the refrigerator until cold, or dispense from a soda fountain. Fill a tall glass with 1 cup (about 240 ml) of ice cubes if desired. Pour 1 cup of the selected carbonated beverage over the ice, pouring gently to reduce excessive foaming. For a root beer float, add one scoop of vanilla ice cream to the glass after pouring the root beer; it will foam — allow foam to settle and then add a maraschino cherry if desired.

If serving multiple guests, keep bottles/cans chilled on ice or maintain syrup/co2 fountain lines per manufacturer instructions to ensure consistent carbonation and temperature.

Prepare and chill (if not pre-made)

If making fresh lemonade: combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup (equal parts granulated sugar and water heated until sugar dissolves then cooled), and cold water to taste. A starting ratio is 1/2 cup lemon juice + 1/2 cup simple syrup + 3 cups cold water to make about 4 cups. Chill completely. If making iced tea: brew black tea (1 tea bag per cup or 1 tbsp loose leaf per 2 cups) with boiling water, steep 3–5 minutes, remove tea, sweeten while warm if desired, then cool and refrigerate.

Assemble glass

Fill a tall glass with 1 cup of ice. Pour 1 cup of chilled lemonade or iced tea over the ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge on the rim for lemonade or iced tea if desired.

Provide straws and napkins. For diet or sugar-free requests, serve Diet Coke or unsweetened iced tea; offer simple syrup on the side for guests who want to sweeten iced tea. For a classic soda-fountain presentation, serve in a chilled glass and add a maraschino cherry.

Clean pour tips and fountain nozzles regularly and keep ice and glassware sanitary. Replenish ice and garnishes as needed.