Sodas Recipe

Chill all syrups and carbonated water if possible. Ensure glassware is clean and chilled (place in fridge or fill with ice briefly and discard before serving).

Fill the serving glass with ice cubes to about three-quarters full (roughly 1 cup).

Measure syrup

Place 1 tablespoon of the chosen syrup or concentrate into the chilled, ice-filled glass. Use 1 tbsp for a standard-strength soda. Adjust to taste for sweeter or stronger flavor.

Add carbonated water

Slowly pour 12 fl oz of cold carbonated water (club soda or seltzer) into the glass over a bar spoon to preserve carbonation. Pour gently down the spoon or down the side of the glass to minimize foaming and overflow.

Stir gently

Use a bar spoon to gently stir or roll the drink 2–3 times to evenly mix the syrup with the carbonated water. Avoid vigorous stirring which will reduce fizz.

Taste and adjust

Sample the soda. If you'd like it sweeter or more flavored, add an extra 1/2 tablespoon of syrup and stir once gently. For a lighter flavor, add a splash more carbonated water.

Add garnishes (optional)

For lemon or lime soda, squeeze the wedge into the glass and drop the wedge in. Add a maraschino cherry on top for a retro touch.

Serve immediately with a straw if desired. Offer free refills by repeating the above steps for each refill, using fresh ice if needed and adjusting syrup levels to maintain consistent flavor.

If using a commercial soda gun or dispenser, set the syrup-to-water ratio according to manufacturer guidelines (commonly 1:5 to 1:7 syrup to carbonated water). Calibrate before service to ensure consistent taste.

Keep syrups refrigerated after opening if recommended by the manufacturer, and discard according to food-safety guidelines. Clean dispenser lines and nozzles regularly to prevent off-flavors.

Offer ice and garnishes separately if customers prefer to control dilution or flavor.