Sprite Zero

Sprite Zero is a sugar-free, lemon-lime flavored soda, and its role behind the bar is as a clean, neutral-leaning sparkling mixer. Expect a bright citrus profile with a crisp, light body and sharp carbonation. Sweetness comes from non-sugar sweeteners rather than sugar, so it adds less syrupy weight to a drink than a regular lemon-lime soda. Styles like this usually have a short, clean finish with little lingering sweetness, which keeps spirits in the foreground rather than covering them. The simplest use is a highball. Pour 45 to 60 ml of vodka, white rum, gin or blanco tequila over plenty of ice, then top with 120 to 150 ml of well-chilled Sprite Zero. Gin works especially well because the lemon-lime notes echo the botanicals and citrus peel in the spirit. White rum and lime wedges give you something close to a lighter Cuba Libre alternative. Blanco tequila with a squeeze of fresh lime produces a simple Paloma-style highball with the grapefruit left out. Because this mixer is already sweetened, you rarely need simple syrup. A dash of bitters or a squeeze of fresh citrus is usually enough to add depth. Serve it cold, ideally from a bottle or can that has been in the fridge for several hours. Carbonation holds better at low temperatures, and warm soda foams hard when poured over ice. Pour slowly down the side of a tilted glass or against a bar spoon, and add the soda last. Stir once, gently, so the bubbles stay lively. Avoid shaking it in a cocktail shaker, as the pressure will cause it to overflow. A tall highball or Collins glass is the best choice, since the narrow shape slows the loss of bubbles and leaves room for ice and a citrus garnish. A lime or lemon wheel is the natural finishing touch. For food, a zero-sugar lemon-lime soda pairs well with salty, fried or spicy dishes such as fish and chips, tacos, wings, pizza and Thai-style salads, where the citrus and carbonation cut through fat and heat. It can also be served on its own over ice for anyone who prefers a non-alcoholic drink.