Soda/tea/lemonade Recipe

Make simple syrup (if not using prepared)

Combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

Fill a large pitcher with 2 cups of ice.

Pour 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice and 1/2 cup cooled simple syrup into the pitcher.

Add 4 cups club soda or sparkling water. Gently stir once or twice to combine — avoid vigorous stirring to keep carbonation.

Taste and adjust sweetness or lemon by adding up to 2 tablespoons extra simple syrup or 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice as needed.

Serve over ice in individual glasses, garnish with lemon slices and mint sprigs if desired.

Bring 8 cups water to a rolling boil in a kettle or saucepan.

Remove from heat and add 6 black tea bags. Cover and steep 5–7 minutes for medium strength (longer for stronger flavor).

Remove tea bags, gently pressing them against the side with a spoon to extract liquid (do not squeeze too hard or tea becomes bitter).

While tea is still warm, stir in 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or equivalent simple syrup) until dissolved. Adjust sweetness to taste.

Let tea cool to room temperature (about 20–30 minutes), then refrigerate until cold, or pour over a large bowl of ice to cool quickly.

To serve, fill glasses with ice and pour chilled tea over ice. Garnish with lemon slices if desired.

In a small saucepan combine 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves to make simple syrup. Cool to room temperature. (Alternatively use prepared simple syrup.)

Juice fresh lemons to yield 1 cup lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons depending on size). Strain seeds and pulp if desired for smoother lemonade.

In a pitcher, combine the 1 cup lemon juice and the cooled simple syrup.

Add 4 cups cold water, stir, then taste. If too strong, add up to 1 more cup cold water to reach desired balance.

Add 4 cups of ice to the pitcher or to individual glasses when serving.

Serve in glasses with lemon slices and optional mint sprigs for garnish.