2 Liters Recipe
Make 2 Liters Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Syrup
Base Drink
Finish & Garnish
Method
Syrup
Make citrus-ginger simple syrup
Combine 1.5 cups granulated sugar and 0.75 cups water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches a gentle simmer.
Add the lemon zest, lime zest and sliced ginger to the saucepan. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 4–5 minutes to infuse the flavors. Do not boil vigorously.
Remove from heat, stir in the mint leaves, and let the syrup steep for 10 minutes to further extract aroma and flavor from the mint and zests.
Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl or measuring cup, pressing gently on solids to release liquid. Discard solids. Let the syrup cool to room temperature (about 15–20 minutes) or refrigerate to speed cooling.
Base Drink
In a large pitcher (2 liters capacity), combine the cooled syrup and the fresh lemon juice (0.25 cup) and lime juice (0.25 cup). Stir to mix well. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity: add up to 2 tablespoons extra lemon or lime juice if too sweet, or add up to 2 tablespoons water if too strong.
Pour in 1.5 liters cold sparkling water and 0.5 liters cold still water. Stir gently once or twice to combine, taking care not to flatten the carbonation.
Add 3 cups of ice to the pitcher to chill the drink. If you prefer to serve without diluting the full batch, instead add ice to individual glasses at serving time and keep the pitcher chilled in the refrigerator until ready.
Finish & Garnish
If making an adult version, stir in optional vodka or rum (6 tablespoons total) evenly into the pitcher after combining the waters. Taste and adjust; add more spirit in 1 tablespoon increments if desired.
Add lemon and lime slices to the pitcher and gently bruise a few of the mint sprigs between your palms to release aroma, then tuck them into the pitcher for garnish and extra flavor.
Serve immediately over ice in tall glasses, making sure each glass gets a slice of lemon or lime and a mint sprig. Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; if stored, stir gently before serving and add fresh ice and garnishes.