Pitcher-Perfect Sonic Ocean Water (Copycat)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Pitcher-friendly and party-ready: mix once, serve many.
• Bright coconut-lime flavor with that signature ocean-blue look.
• Cool, crunchy pebble ice turns fizzy soda into a loose, refreshing slush.
• Make the syrup ahead so drinks come together in minutes.

Grocery List

• Produce: 2–3 limes (for zest, juice, and garnish)
• Dairy: None
• Pantry: Granulated sugar, coconut extract, blue food coloring (optional), lemon-lime soda (2 liters), pebble ice (bag), maraschino cherries (optional)

Full Ingredients

Coconut-Lime Syrup

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons coconut extract (start with 1 teaspoon; add more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• Pinch of fine salt
• 4–6 drops blue food coloring (optional; adjust for desired shade)

Pitcher Ocean Water

• 2 liters very cold lemon-lime soda
• 3/4 to 1 cup Coconut-Lime Syrup (to taste)
• 8 cups pebble ice, plus more for glasses

Garnishes (Optional)

• Lime wheels or wedges
• Maraschino cherries
• Paper or reusable straws

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make a quick simple syrup

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Infuse with coconut and lime

Stir in the lime zest, then let the syrup stand for 5 minutes to infuse. Add the lime juice, coconut extract (start with 1 teaspoon), and a tiny pinch of salt. Taste and add up to 1/2 teaspoon more coconut extract if you want a stronger coconut note.

Step 3: Strain, cool, and tint ocean-blue

Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the zest. For that signature Ocean Water look, add 4–6 drops blue food coloring (start with 4). Chill the syrup until cold, about 15 minutes in the fridge or 5–8 minutes in an ice-water bath. You’ll have about 1 1/2 cups syrup; you won’t need all of it for one pitcher.

Step 4: Prep the pitcher with pebble ice

Fill a large, sturdy pitcher halfway with pebble ice (about 8 cups total for the whole recipe). If possible, pop your serving glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes so the slush stays frosty.

Step 5: Build the drink gently

Add 3/4 cup chilled Coconut-Lime Syrup to the pitcher. Slowly pour in 2 liters very cold lemon-lime soda along the inside wall of the pitcher to preserve fizz and prevent foaming.

Step 6: Stir into a loose slush and serve

Stir with a long spoon for 15–20 seconds to combine and chill; the pebble ice will create a loose, sippable slush. Taste and add up to 1/4 cup more syrup if you prefer it sweeter or more coconut-forward. Top the pitcher with a little extra ice. Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish with lime wheels and cherries.

Pro Tips

• Use true pebble or nugget ice for the best slushy texture; many grocery stores (and some drive-ins) sell it by the bag.
• For a vibrant ocean hue, 4 drops blue plus 1 tiny drop green food coloring gives a tropical turquoise.
• Keep everything very cold. Chilled soda reduces foam and dilution and makes the slush form faster.
• Flavor balance: start with 3/4 cup syrup; brands of soda vary in sweetness. Add more syrup gradually to taste.
• Want extra tart pop? Stir in a pinch (1/8 teaspoon) of citric acid to the syrup after cooling.

Variations

• Frozen Blender Slush: Blend 6 cups ice, 4 cups very cold lemon-lime soda, and 2/3 cup syrup for 15–20 seconds until just slushy.
• Lighter Version: Use diet or zero-sugar lemon-lime soda and make the syrup with a 1:1 allulose simple syrup (simmer 4–5 minutes to thicken slightly).
• Adults-Only: Add 1 cup chilled coconut rum to the pitcher, or swap 1/4 cup syrup for 1/4 cup blue curaçao. Serve responsibly to 21+ only.

Storage & Make-Ahead

The Coconut-Lime Syrup keeps in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can tint it blue ahead of time. The drink itself should be mixed right before serving for best fizz and slush. If you have leftovers, pour into ice cube trays and freeze; use the cubes for your next batch to chill without diluting.

Nutrition (per serving)

Approximate for one 8 oz serving (made with 1 cup syrup divided among 10 servings): 155 calories; 0 g fat; 38 g carbs; 38–39 g sugar; 0 g protein; 10–20 mg sodium.