Coca Cola Recipe

Prepare flavored sugar syrup

In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups hot water and both sugars. Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring until all sugar dissolves and mixture is just simmering. Do not boil vigorously. Reduce heat and simmer 3–5 minutes to meld flavors.

Add zests (lime, lemon, orange), ground spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander) and the cassia bark or small cinnamon stick to the syrup. Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, tasting aroma periodically. This infuses citrus and spice oils into the syrup.

Remove saucepan from heat. Cover and let steep 15–20 minutes to deepen flavor. If using food-grade phosphoric acid, dissolve it into the hot syrup now (or add 1 tsp citric acid if preferred). If using caffeine powder, dissolve measured caffeine into a small amount of warm water then stir into the syrup—only if using food-grade caffeine and you understand dosing.

Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a heatproof container to remove zests, bark and solids. Press gently on solids to extract syrupy liquid. Discard solids.

Stir in vanilla extract and caramel color. Taste and adjust: if you want more caramel/roast, add up to 1 more tablespoon caramel color; if brighter citrus is needed, steep a bit more fresh zest in a small amount of hot water and add a teaspoon at a time. Cool the syrup to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold.

Chill: Ensure carbonated water and syrup are cold before serving. For a standard serving ratio, use 1 part cola syrup to 4 parts cold carbonated water. For a stronger cola flavor, try 1:3.

Build drink: Fill a glass with ice. Measure 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold cola syrup (concentrate) and pour into the glass, then top with 2 cups (480 ml) cold carbonated water. Stir gently once or twice to combine.

Garnish: Add a lime or lemon wedge if desired. Serve immediately.

Storage: Keep unused syrup refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks. When ready to serve, dilute with cold carbonated water at the same 1:4 ratio.