Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) star anise pods (crushed)
  • 4 cups (960 ml) Coca-Cola (or any cola of choice)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) fresh lemon or lime juice
  • Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, and crushed star anise pods.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and let it steep for 10 minutes.
  5. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl.
  6. In a pitcher, combine the chilled Coca-Cola and fresh lemon or lime juice.
  7. Add the prepared anise syrup to the cola mixture, adjusting sweetness to taste.
  8. Stir gently to mix.
  9. Fill glasses with ice cubes.
  10. Pour the anise cola mixture over the ice.
  11. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
  12. Serve immediately and enjoy!