Quick answer: To use zero-sugar drink syrup like ZERUP by LUVA, add about 4 ml (a short squeeze, slightly less than a teaspoon) to 500 ml of cold still or sparkling water, adjust to taste and stir. For a 2 L jug use about 16 ml; for a 5 L dispenser about 40 ml. Always add syrup to water (not the other way round), and carbonate plain water first if you are using a sparkling water maker, then add the syrup afterwards.
Zero-sugar syrups have become a simple way to turn plain water into a flavoured drink in seconds, especially in the UAE's heat where hydration matters. Whether you are new to ZERUP by LUVA or comparing it to More Zerup from Germany, the basic method is the same: a small amount of syrup transforms a large volume of water. This guide walks you through the mixing ratio, measuring tips, common mistakes and twelve practical ideas to get the most from every 65 ml bottle.
The basic method: syrup first, water second
Always pour your syrup into the glass, bottle or jug first, then add cold water and stir or shake. Adding syrup to water (rather than water to syrup) helps it disperse evenly without clumping at the bottom. Cold water works best; zero-sugar syrups are designed for cold drinks and the flavour is clearest when chilled. Room-temperature or warm water can taste flat or overly sweet.
For still water, a quick stir with a spoon is enough. For sparkling water, add the syrup gently after carbonating to avoid excess fizz and loss of bubbles.
How much zero syrup per 500 ml: the standard ratio
ZERUP by LUVA is designed for about 4 ml per 500 ml of water—roughly a short squeeze from the bottle or a little less than a teaspoon. That works out to a ratio of about 1:125 (one part syrup to 125 parts water). One 65 ml bottle makes about 8 litres, or around sixteen 500 ml glasses.
According to More Nutrition's German website checked in October 2026, More Zerup recommends a ratio of 1:154 (about 1.6 ml per 250 ml, or roughly 3.2 ml per 500 ml). If you are used to that lighter mix, start with about 3–4 ml of ZERUP per 500 ml and adjust to your taste. ZERUP's flavours are designed for the Gulf market and many people in Dubai and Abu Dhabi prefer a slightly bolder taste than the German standard.
The golden rule: start lighter and add more if needed. It is easier to add a drop than to dilute an overly sweet drink.
Mixing ratio table: glasses, bottles and jugs
| Volume | ZERUP (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 250 ml glass | 2 ml | Half a short squeeze |
| 500 ml bottle | 4 ml | One short squeeze, < 1 tsp |
| 750 ml | 6 ml | 1–1.5 short squeezes |
| 1 litre | 8 ml | About 1.5 teaspoons |
| 1.5 litres | 12 ml | About 2.5 teaspoons |
| 2 litre jug | 16 ml | About 1 tablespoon |
| 5 litre dispenser | 40 ml | About 2.5 tablespoons |
These are starting points. Taste as you go and adjust. Some flavours (Peach Iced Tea, Lemon Iced Tea) taste lighter and you may prefer a touch more; others (Cola Orange, First Heaven) are bolder and you may want slightly less.
ZERUP Green Apple
Sugar-free syrup for water · 65 ml makes about 16 glasses · halal · AED 19
Measuring without measuring: squeezes and spoons
Most people do not measure every time. A short squeeze from a ZERUP bottle delivers about 4 ml—perfect for a 500 ml glass or bottle. A gentle press, not a long hard squeeze.
If you prefer a spoon: one level teaspoon holds about 5 ml, so slightly less than a teaspoon is the target for 500 ml. A tablespoon is about 15 ml, useful for a 2 L jug (one slightly heaped tablespoon is close to 16 ml).
After a few drinks you will know your preferred squeeze by feel. Keep the bottle upright and squeeze gently to avoid over-pouring.
Using zero syrup with a sparkling water maker
If you own a home sparkling-water maker, always carbonate plain water first, then add the syrup. Never add syrup to the bottle before carbonating—the syrup can cause excessive foaming, mess and potential damage to the machine.
Steps: fill the bottle with cold water, carbonate to your preferred level, remove the bottle, add about 4 ml of ZERUP per 500 ml, cap the bottle and gently tip it upside down two or three times to mix. Do not shake vigorously or you will lose carbonation. The result is a fresh sparkling flavoured water with almost no calories and no sugar, ready in under a minute.
For more sparkling ideas, see our guide to sparkling water flavour ideas.
Mixing two flavours: custom blends
You can combine any two ZERUP flavours in one drink. Use about 2 ml of each flavour per 500 ml of water (half the usual single-flavour dose of each). Combinations to try include Peach Iced Tea + Lemon Iced Tea for a layered tea flavour, Mango + Dragonfruit Passionfruit for a tropical mix, and Green Apple + a few fresh mint leaves for a mocktail-style cooler.
Start with equal parts of each syrup and adjust the balance next time if you prefer one flavour stronger. Mixing flavours is a simple way to explore the ZERUP flavour range without buying every bottle at once—the 3-for-49 bundle (any three flavours for AED 49) makes experimenting affordable.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Too sweet or too strong: you have added too much syrup. Next time use less—about 3 ml per 500 ml—and taste before adding more. If a drink is already too sweet, dilute it with extra plain water.
Flat or dull taste: the water may be too warm. Always use cold water from the fridge or add ice. Zero-sugar syrups taste best chilled.
Syrup clumping at the bottom: you added water to syrup instead of syrup to water, or you did not stir. Always add syrup first, then water, and give it a quick stir or shake.
Bottle left in a hot car: heat degrades flavour and consistency. An opened bottle of ZERUP should be kept closed in the fridge and will stay fresh for three months. Never leave it in a parked car in Dubai's summer heat.
Using it in hot drinks: ZERUP and similar zero-sugar syrups are designed for cold water, ice and sparkling drinks, not for hot tea, coffee or baking. Heat can alter the sweetener profile and the flavour will not taste as intended.
Twelve practical ideas for zero syrup
Here are twelve numbered ways to use ZERUP by LUVA (or any zero-sugar syrup) every day in the UAE, from the gym to the office to iftar.
1. Flavoured ice cubes
Mix about 10 ml of syrup per 500 ml of water (slightly stronger than a regular drink), pour into an ice-cube tray and freeze. Drop two or three cubes into plain water and they melt into a lightly flavoured drink. Try Peach Iced Tea, Lemon Iced Tea or Mango cubes. Kids love them in school water bottles.
2. Iced-tea jug for the family
In a 2 L jug, add about 16 ml of Peach Iced Tea or Lemon Iced Tea syrup, fill with cold water, stir and add ice and lemon slices. One jug serves six to eight glasses and costs about AED 4.80 with ZERUP (about AED 4.10 with the 3-for-49 offer). Keep the jug in the fridge and it stays fresh all day.
3. Sparkling 'soda' at home
Carbonate 500 ml of water, add 4 ml of Cola Orange, Orange or Blue Raspberry syrup, and you have a homemade zero-sugar soda. No delivery fee, no heavy bottles to carry, no sugar tax. One ZERUP bottle replaces about sixteen cans.
4. Sugar-free mocktails
ZERUP flavours like Dragonfruit Passionfruit, Blackberry and First Heaven work beautifully in mocktails. Combine syrup, sparkling water, fresh lime, mint and ice for alcohol-free drinks that look and taste special at iftar, weekend gatherings or poolside. Our full guide to sugar-free mocktails has ten recipes.
5. Fruit and herbs plus syrup
Add sliced cucumber, lime and mint to a jug of water with Green Apple syrup, or orange slices and basil with Orange syrup. The fresh ingredients add aroma and the syrup adds sweetness without sugar. It is a simple upgrade that makes plain water feel like a spa drink.
6. Ice lollies for children
Mix syrup and water at the usual ratio (4 ml per 500 ml), pour into ice-lolly moulds and freeze. Mango, Blackberry and Blue Raspberry work well for children's ice lollies. Each lolly has almost no calories and no sugar, a better choice than shop-bought lollies that can contain 15–20 g of sugar each.
7. Gym bottle ready in seconds
Before you leave for the gym, squeeze about 4 ml of any flavour into your 500 ml or 750 ml sports bottle, fill with cold water, shake and go. ZERUP is caffeine-free (even the iced-tea flavours), so it will not interfere with your workout timing, and the flavour encourages you to drink more during and after exercise. For more on gym hydration in the UAE's climate, see our guide to gym hydration in UAE heat.
8. One-litre office bottle
Many people in Dubai and Abu Dhabi keep a 1 L bottle at their desk. Add about 8 ml of syrup in the morning, fill with cold water from the office dispenser or fridge, and sip throughout the day. Air-conditioned offices are dehydrating, and a flavoured bottle is easier to finish than plain water. Swap flavours daily to avoid boredom.
9. Iftar jug during Ramadan
A 2 L jug of Peach Iced Tea, Lemon Iced Tea or Mango water (about 16 ml syrup, cold water, ice) is a refreshing start to iftar. It hydrates quickly, tastes light and has almost no calories, leaving room for dates and the main meal. For more iftar hydration tips, see our Ramadan hydration guide.
10. Two-flavour custom mixes
Try Peach Iced Tea + Lemon Iced Tea (2 ml each per 500 ml) for a balanced tea blend, or Mango + Dragonfruit Passionfruit for a tropical punch. Mixing flavours doubles your variety without buying more bottles.
11. Green Apple and fresh mint
Muddle a few fresh mint leaves in the bottom of a glass, add ice, 4 ml of Green Apple syrup and 500 ml of sparkling water. It tastes like a virgin mojito and takes thirty seconds to make.
12. Cola Orange and lime
Add 4 ml of Cola Orange syrup to 500 ml of sparkling water, squeeze in half a lime and add ice. It is a zero-sugar twist on a classic cola-lime combination, popular in the UAE and perfect for barbecues or beach coolers.
Storing an opened bottle: fridge, not the cupboard
Once you open a ZERUP bottle, keep it closed and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for three months. Do not leave it in a kitchen cupboard (especially in summer) or in a car—heat degrades the flavour and consistency. The bottle is small and fits easily on a fridge door shelf.
Unopened bottles can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
What zero syrup is not for: hot drinks and baking
ZERUP by LUVA and similar zero-sugar syrups are designed for cold drinks only: still water, sparkling water, ice cubes, ice lollies and cold mocktails. Do not add them to hot tea, coffee, porridge or use them in baking or cooking. Heat can change the taste of the sweeteners (acesulfame K and sucralose in ZERUP's case) and the result will not taste as intended. For coffee, look for barista-style syrups designed for heat.
Comparing ratios: ZERUP by LUVA and More Zerup
If you have used More Zerup (the German brand) before moving to the UAE or ordering it online, you may notice a slight difference in the recommended mix. According to More Nutrition's German website checked in October 2026, More Zerup suggests a ratio of about 1:154 (roughly 1.6 ml per 250 ml, or 3.2 ml per 500 ml). ZERUP by LUVA recommends about 4 ml per 500 ml (roughly 1:125).
Both are starting points and personal taste varies. If you prefer a lighter flavour, start with 3 ml per 500 ml; if you like a bolder taste, try 4–5 ml. The important thing is that both syrups are highly concentrated—a 65 ml bottle makes many litres of flavoured water—and both have almost no calories and no sugar when mixed as directed. For a detailed comparison of the two brands in the UAE, see our guide More Zerup vs ZERUP by LUVA.
More Nutrition and Zerup are trademarks of their respective owner in Germany and the EU. In the UAE, ZERUP is a registered trademark of LUVA Nutrition. LUVA Nutrition is not affiliated with, endorsed by or a distributor of More Nutrition.
Why the ratio matters: taste, cost and hydration
Using the right amount of syrup affects three things: taste, cost per litre and your willingness to drink more water. Too much syrup and the drink tastes cloying; too little and it tastes like slightly odd water. The recommended 4 ml per 500 ml hits the sweet spot for most people: clear flavour, pleasant sweetness, no sugar aftertaste.
Cost-wise, one AED 19 bottle of ZERUP makes about 8 litres at the standard ratio, or about AED 2.40 per litre. With the 3-for-49 bundle that drops to about AED 2.04 per litre. Compare that to AED 3–6 per litre for bottled flavoured water or sugar-free soft drinks in UAE supermarkets, and the saving is clear—especially for families or anyone drinking two or more litres a day.
Hydration-wise, research consistently shows that people drink more when water tastes good. A 2013 study in the journal Appetite found that flavour variety increased daily water intake in adults. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where summer temperatures and air conditioning both increase fluid needs, a simple flavour boost can be the difference between meeting your hydration target and falling short. For practical tips, see our guide on how to drink more water.
The bottom line
Using zero-sugar syrup is straightforward: add about 4 ml to 500 ml of cold water (syrup first, then water), stir or shake, and adjust to taste. One small bottle makes many litres, costs a fraction of pre-made drinks and gives you control over sweetness and flavour. Whether you are filling a gym bottle, a family jug or trying mocktail recipes, the method is the same—and it works just as well with still or sparkling water, ice cubes or fresh fruit. Keep your opened bottle in the fridge, start with the recommended ratio and tweak it until you find your perfect mix.
Frequently asked questions
How much zero syrup per litre of water?
About 8 ml of ZERUP per litre of water is the standard starting ratio (4 ml per 500 ml). For a 2 L jug use about 16 ml; for a 5 L dispenser about 40 ml. Adjust to taste—some people prefer slightly less for a lighter flavour, others add a touch more.
Can I use zero syrup in hot tea or coffee?
No. ZERUP and similar zero-sugar syrups are designed for cold drinks only—still or sparkling water, ice cubes, ice lollies and cold mocktails. Heat can alter the taste of the sweeteners and the flavour will not be as intended. For hot drinks, look for barista-style syrups made for coffee.
Does zero syrup go off once opened?
An opened bottle of ZERUP stays fresh for three months if you keep it closed and stored in the fridge. Do not leave it at room temperature or in a hot car. Unopened bottles can be stored in a cool, dry cupboard away from direct sunlight.
Can I freeze zero syrup or drinks made with it?
You can freeze drinks made with syrup (for example in ice-cube trays or ice-lolly moulds) without any problem. Do not freeze the syrup bottle itself—freezing may affect the texture. Always mix syrup with water first, then freeze the diluted drink.
Why does my drink taste too sweet or too strong?
You have probably added too much syrup. Next time use less—try 3 ml per 500 ml instead of 4 ml—and taste before adding more. If a drink is already too sweet, dilute it by adding more plain water. Remember, it is easier to add a drop than to fix an overly sweet glass.
Can children use zero-sugar syrup?
School-age children can use ZERUP in a lighter mix—about 2–3 ml per 500 ml—to encourage water drinking, especially in lunchboxes or after sport. Always check with your doctor if your child has any health conditions. ZERUP contains the sweeteners acesulfame K and sucralose (no aspartame), is caffeine-free and has almost no calories. Avoid giving it to toddlers or infants; plain water is best for very young children.
How do I measure syrup without a measuring spoon?
A short, gentle squeeze from the ZERUP bottle delivers about 4 ml, perfect for 500 ml of water. If you prefer a spoon, one level teaspoon is about 5 ml, so slightly less than a teaspoon works well. After a few drinks you will know your preferred squeeze by feel.
Can I mix two different syrup flavours in one drink?
Yes. Use about 2 ml of each flavour per 500 ml of water (half the usual single-flavour dose of each). Combinations to try include Peach Iced Tea + Lemon Iced Tea, Mango + Dragonfruit Passionfruit, and Green Apple with fresh mint. Start with equal parts and adjust the balance to your taste.
Pick your ZERUP flavours
Sugar-free · Halal · AED 19, any 3 for AED 49 · Delivered within 12 hours across the UAE, free over AED 200
Keep reading
- 10 sugar-free mocktails
- Sparkling water flavour ideas
- ZERUP flavour guide
- More Zerup flavours and UAE matches
- How to drink more water
Sources
- Daniels MC, Popkin BM (2010). Impact of water intake on energy intake and weight status: a systematic review. Nutrition Reviews 68(9):505–521 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Muckelbauer R, Sarganas G, Grüneis A, Müller-Nordhorn J (2013). Association between water consumption and body weight outcomes: a systematic review. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 98(2):282–299 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- European Food Safety Authority (2011). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to water and maintenance of normal physical and cognitive functions. EFSA Journal 9(4):2075 efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
This article is general information and does not replace advice from a doctor, dietitian or other qualified professional. Last reviewed: October 2026.