Sprite Recipe

Make simple syrup

Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the liquid is clear (do not boil vigorously). This should take about 3–5 minutes.

Remove the syrup from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.

Prepare citrus

While the syrup is cooling, zest one lime and one lemon to yield about 1 tablespoon each. Then juice fresh limes and lemons to collect 1/4 cup of lime juice and 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Strain the juices through a fine mesh sieve to remove pulp and seeds if desired.

Infuse syrup

Stir the fresh lime juice, lemon juice, lime zest, and lemon zest into the warm (not piping hot) simple syrup. Let the mixture steep for 10–15 minutes to allow the citrus oils and flavors to infuse.

After steeping, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove the zest and any solids, pressing gently on the solids to extract flavor. Let the finished citrus syrup cool to room temperature (about 10–15 minutes).

Assemble the drink

Fill four tall glasses with about 1/2 cup ice each (total ~2 cups ice). For each glass, add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the cooled citrus syrup. If you prefer less sweetness, use 1–1 1/2 tablespoons; for more, use up to 3 tablespoons.

Pour 1 cup (240 ml) chilled carbonated water into each glass gently to preserve carbonation. Stir once lightly with a long spoon to combine the syrup and soda.

Taste and adjust: add a bit more carbonated water if it's too sweet, or an extra 1 teaspoon fresh lime or lemon juice if you want more tartness.

Garnish each glass with a lime or lemon slice if using, and serve immediately while cold and fizzy.