Sprite Recipe

Make simple syrup

Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until sugar fully dissolves and the mixture just reaches a simmer. Do not boil vigorously. Once sugar is dissolved, reduce heat and simmer 1 minute to clarify. Remove from heat.

Infuse citrus

While the syrup is still hot, add the finely grated lemon and lime zest. Cover pan and let the zest steep in the hot syrup for 10–15 minutes to extract oils and aroma.

Finish syrup

Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a heatproof container to remove zest. While warm, whisk in 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 teaspoon citric acid, and a pinch of kosher salt until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust: add up to 1 additional teaspoon sugar if you prefer sweeter, or up to 1/4 tsp more citric acid for more bite. Let syrup cool to room temperature, then chill in refrigerator until cold (about 30–60 minutes).

Combine syrup and soda

Fill four serving glasses with ice (approximately 1/2 cup ice per glass). For a balanced house-style Sprite, add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the chilled citrus syrup to each 1-cup serving glass. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) very cold carbonated water over the syrup and ice. Stir gently once to combine, taking care not to flatten the carbonation.

Adjust sweetness and garnish

Taste one serving and adjust if desired: add an extra 1/2–1 tablespoon syrup for sweeter soda, or a splash more lemon/lime juice for brighter acidity. Garnish each glass with a lemon or lime wheel and serve immediately while fizzy.

Storage: Keep leftover citrus syrup refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks. Mix with carbonated water just before serving to maintain fizz.