What are the best ways to enjoy lemon-lime soda?

How do you drink lemon-lime soda?

Plain, over plenty of ice, with a wedge of lemon or lime. A very cold bottle keeps the carbonation longer, and pouring it down the side of a tilted glass keeps more fizz.

Alcohol-free ideas

• Orange juice and lemon-lime soda for a mimosa-style drink.
• Cranberry juice over crushed ice, topped with soda, for a sparkling mocktail.
• Iced tea with a splash for fizz and citrus.
• Lemonade with frozen berries as a pitcher drink.
• A float with vanilla ice cream or sherbet.

With alcohol

For adults of legal drinking age, lemon-lime soda is a common mixer. Writers list it with white rum and lime, vodka, gin, whiskey, tequila (a quick margarita-style drink), white wine or rose as a spritzer, and even beer for a shandy-style drink. Start with a modest measure of spirit, top with soda and adjust to taste. Drink responsibly.

Which brand?

Sprite, 7UP and store brands all work. Coca-Cola says every Sprite variant is caffeine-free, and Sprite comes in Original, Zero Sugar and other flavors. Zero-sugar versions use different sweeteners, so the taste differs.

Tips

• Add soda last and stir gently to keep fizz.
• Use fresh citrus, not bottled, for a brighter taste.
• Check sugar content; regular versions are sweet, so treat them as a treat.

This is general serving guidance.

Serving ideas for a crowd

For a party, build a pitcher with ice, citrus slices and mint, add the soda just before serving, and keep extra bottles in a cooler. A frozen fruit ice cube tray keeps drinks cold without watering them down as fast.