Sprite Recipe

Make simple citrus syrup

Combine granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and mixture just comes to a bare simmer (don't boil vigorously).

Add the lemon and lime zest to the pan. Reduce heat to low and let the syrup steep with the zest for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to release the oils.

Remove the pan from heat. Cover and let the zest steep in the hot syrup for 10 minutes to deepen flavor.

Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the syrup into a heatproof bowl or jar to remove the zest solids, pressing gently on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids.

Finish flavoring

While the syrup is still warm (but not hot), stir in the fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice, citric acid, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust: add up to an additional 1/4 tsp citric acid or 1 tsp sugar if you prefer tarter or sweeter.

Cool the syrup to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. The syrup can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Fill four serving glasses with ice (about 1/2 cup ice per glass).

For each 1-cup serving, add 2 tablespoons of the chilled citrus syrup into the glass (this yields a light, Sprite-like sweetness). Adjust to taste: 1–3 tablespoons per cup depending on desired sweetness and intensity.

Top each glass with 1 cup of very cold sparkling water. Stir gently once to combine without flattening the carbonation.

Garnish with a slice of lemon and a slice of lime on each glass, if desired. Serve immediately.

Batch mixing (optional)

To make a pitcher, combine 1 cup chilled sparkling water for every 2 tablespoons syrup in a chilled pitcher, or pre-mix 4 cups sparkling water with 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) syrup, taste and adjust, then serve over ice.