Bottled Drinks Recipe

Make simple syrup (if not using store-bought)

Combine 100 g granulated sugar and 100 ml water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Cool to room temperature. Strain into a clean container if any impurities are present. Yields about 180–200 ml syrup; use 100 ml for this recipe and refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 weeks.

Make optional ginger or botanical concentrate

Combine 30 g sliced fresh ginger (or chosen dried botanical) with 120 ml water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes to extract flavor. Remove from heat, cool 5 minutes, then strain through a fine sieve. Measure and reserve 25 ml of this concentrate to use as the 'flavor concentrate' called for above (reduce syrup by a few ml if using a strong concentrate to maintain balance). Refrigerate remainder up to 3 days.

Measure 1 L of cold carbonated water and chill in the refrigerator or over ice until very cold. Cold water retains carbonation better when combined.

Combine sweetener and flavor

In a clean measuring cup or bowl, combine 100 ml simple syrup, 25 ml flavor concentrate or cordial, 30 ml fresh citrus juice, 5 ml acid adjustment (if using citric acid solution, dilute to taste), 1 pinch salt and 2 tsp optional bitters. Stir thoroughly to integrate. Taste a small sample (diluted with 2 parts still water if desired) and adjust: add up to 10–15 ml more simple syrup if you prefer sweeter, or up to 5–10 ml more citrus/acid if brighter acidity is needed. If flavor concentrate is very strong, reduce its amount accordingly.

Transfer to bottle

Pour the combined syrup-flavor mixture into a 1 L PET or glass bottle that can handle carbonation (if you will re-carbonate) or a clean 1 L bottle for serving. Use a funnel to avoid spillage.

Add carbonated water

Slowly add 1 L cold carbonated water to the bottle containing the flavor mixture. If using a large bottle sized exactly 1 L, leave a 2–3 cm headspace. Gently invert the bottle 2–3 times to mix — do not shake vigorously to avoid losing carbonation. Taste through a straw; adjust sweetness or acidity by removing a small portion of the drink, amending it with additional syrup or lemon, and returning the adjusted mix to the bottle if needed.

Recarbonation (optional)

If you mixed with still water and want carbonation, use a home carbonator (follow manufacturer's instructions) to carbonate the filled bottle. Alternatively, use a siphon charger system rated for your bottle type. Do not attempt to carbonate sealed glass bottles not rated for pressure.

Serve over ice if desired and garnish with a citrus wheel or fresh herb. Pour gently to preserve bubbles.

Store the bottled drink refrigerated and consume within 3–5 days for best flavor and carbonation. If the bottle is sealed, open carefully to release pressure slowly.