Sparkling water has become a staple beverage around the globe. The popularity of sparkling water grew dramatically after the invention of carbonation machines. Today, the global market for sparkling beverages is worth over $23 billion annually. People love the refreshing flavor of this bubbly drink but they sometimes complain that it tastes flat or has a bitter taste. How can you create a delicious sparkling drink without using expensive ingredients? In this guide, we share some of our favorite flavor combinations to elevate your sparkling water game.
What is sparkling water?
Sparkling water is water that has been treated with carbon dioxide (CO2) gas in order to make it fizzy. You can buy sparkling water from the store but it is more eco-friendly to make it yourself at home using a soda maker.
How to make your own sparkling water at home
What is the difference between sparkling water and soda water?
While many people assume that sparkling water and soda water are the same there are differences between the two. Although the two terms are used interchangeably and they are both carbonated drinks, sparkling and soda water are not processed the same and their added compounds vary.
Sparkling water comes from natural sources such as carbonation produced naturally within a body of water such as springs. This type of water contains magnesium, calcium and sodium. On the other hand, soda water is infused with added minerals which is how it becomes carbonated. To become soda water, water is injected with carbon dioxide gas (CO2). It contains minerals such as sodium bicarbonate, disodium phosphate, potassium sulfate or sodium chloride.
Is it OK to drink sparkling water all the time?
Yes, depending on the type of sparkling water that you drink. If you enjoy the taste of sparkling water and prefer it to other kinds of seltzer water or tonic water, you can drink it all the time without it becoming a problem.
This is only true if you are drinking pure sparkling water, not the kind of fizzy water that certain sparkling water brands sell which contains additional ingredients such as artificial sweeteners. After all, drinking artificial sparkling water can often be just as bad as drinking full-fat sodas. At the end of the day, plain sparkling water is just regular water with extra bubbles in it.
What are the benefits of drinking sparkling water?
- It keeps you hydrated
- It makes you feel full
- It can relieve constipation
- It eases the transition from sugary drinks
- It helps with weight management
- It improves digestion
5 tips to make sparkling water taste better
Infuse your sparkling water with fresh fruits
If you find regular carbonated water to be too bland, adding fruit into it is the best way to make it taste better without compromising on the health benefits of sparkling water. Adding any kind of fresh fruit to your carbonated beverage will infuse it with natural flavors and healthy sweetness, allowing you to enjoy a sweet beverage without the guilt.
Here are some delicious sparkling water recipes with natural ingredients:
Dilute fruit juice in sparkling water
The best way to consume fruit juice is to dilute it with sparkling water. A 1:1 ratio of juice and sparkling water is ideal, although some people prefer to use less sparkling water and add a little more juice. If you drink juice regularly, it's important to keep track of how much you're consuming to adjust accordingly.
Try starting off with half a cup of juice and increase the amount of sparkling water you add gradually. Otherwise, you can also take your favorite juice, pour it into an ice cube tray and make juice ice cubes. This way, you get a subtle sweet juice flavor whilst also giving it a cooling edge.
Here are some juicy soda recipes to try out:
Add sweeteners
Sweeteners are used to make drinks taste better by adding a subtle sweetness that makes the beverage more enjoyable. There are several sweeteners out there, each with its own benefits. Honey is often recommended because it adds a natural sweetness to beverages without adding calories. Maple syrup is another popular choice. If you want something that tastes like candy, try using brown sugar.
Mix in some alcohol
Did you know that you can mix alcohol into your sparkling water to make delicious boozy drinks? You can mix a bit of sparkling water with tequila, lime juice, orange juice, and chili liqueur for a spicy margarita. Otherwise, you can use your imagination and come up with your very own tasty recipes. All you need to make soda cocktails are a bottle of your favorite licor, a soda maker and some fresh ingredients!
Here are sparkling water cocktail recipes for you to try:
Flavor your soda water with tea
If you’re a fan of tea and sparkling water, you can make the best of both worlds by mixing the two together. Carbonated teas and sparkling iced teas are loved by many and for good reason. They taste delicious and they are extremely easy to make. You generally only need two or three ingredients to make refreshing sparkling tea infusions.
Here are unique sparkling tea recipes:
- Peach cucumber tea
- Citrus chamomile sparkling iced tea
- Blueberry oolong tea
- Tangerine lemongrass sparkling tea
Enter a bubbly world of possibilities
Shop for Spärkel beverage systems
If you are bored of plain water and are looking for a way to elevate your beverage game, sparkling water is a brilliant way to do that. At Spärkel, we aim to make sparkling water as accessible as possible to minimize the need for single use plastic bottles. Our mission is not only to bring carbonated water into your household but also to do it in a way that reduces the effects on the environment. With this in mind, we created an environmentally-friendly at home soda maker. With no CO2 tank needed and 5 different bubble levels, you can seamlessly create the perfect drink within a matter of minutes.