Same Team Soda Recipe

Make fresh juices

Juice one medium orange to yield about 1 cup fresh orange juice and juice half a lemon to yield about 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Strain if you prefer a smoother soda without pulp.

Prepare ginger syrup (if using fresh)

If you don't have bottled ginger syrup, make a quick ginger infusion: thinly grate about 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger and combine with 1 tablespoon water and 1 teaspoon sugar in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat 2–3 minutes until sugar dissolves, then cool and strain. Use 1 teaspoon of this syrup.

In a large pitcher (or mixing glass) add the orange juice, lemon juice, simple syrup and ginger syrup. Stir gently to combine so the sweeteners dissolve into the citrus.

Add the club soda to the citrus mixture and stir once gently — do not over-stir or pour vigorously to preserve carbonation.

Taste and adjust: if you want sweeter, add up to 1 additional tablespoon simple syrup. If you want more ginger kick, add another 1/2 teaspoon ginger syrup. Add bitters (2 dashes) now if using, for depth.

Bruise the mint: hold the mint sprigs between your palms and slap once to release oils, or gently clap leaves with the back of a spoon.

Fill four tall glasses with about 1/2 cup ice each (total ~2 cups ice across glasses). Divide the mint leaves among the glasses and give each glass a quick stir to mingle mint with the cold ice.

Pour the Same Team Soda into the glasses, dividing evenly. Each glass will receive roughly 1/2 cup orange mixture + 1/2 cup club soda depending on glass size.

Garnish each glass with an orange wheel and a lemon twist. Optionally tuck an extra mint sprig into each glass for aroma.

Serve immediately while fizzy. Invite drinkers to stir lightly before drinking to redistribute the mint oils and any settled juices.