There’s a lot of talk these days about the health benefits of sparkling water. And for good reason – it’s a great alternative to sugary sodas and other unhealthy drinks.
But did you know that it’s also easy to make your own sparkling water at home?
With just a few simple ingredients and some equipment, you can have sparkling water with all the flavor and fizz of your favorite store-bought drinks.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
The easiest way to make sparkling water is with a soda maker. It uses small CO2 cylinders to carbonate tap or filtered water in just before first use.
HOW TO MAKE SPARKLING WATER WITH A HOME SODA MAKER
1. Start by filling your bottle with cold tap or filtered water.
2. Place the bottle in the soda maker and attach the CO2 cylinder to the machine.
3. Securely screw on the top of the bottle, then press down on the carbonation button and wait for it to finish carbonating (this will take about 30 seconds).
4. Place the bottle onto the dispenser head and press down until you hear a hissing sound – this means that CO2 gas is flowing into your bottle, carbonating it!
5. When ready, release pressure from the dispenser head and remove bottle from machine.
6. To adjust for more or less carbonation, repeat steps 4 and 5.
7. Add any optional flavorings and enjoy your homemade sparkling water!
Please remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use of any equipment or ingredients you may be using.
HOW TO EXPERIMENT WITH FLAVORS
If you want to take your homemade sparkling water up a notch, try experimenting with flavors! Adding fresh fruits, herbs and spices can give your sparkling water some added zest. Some combinations to try include lemon and mint, strawberry and basil, or orange and cinnamon.
The possibilities are endless – the key is to start small and find what flavor combos work best for you. You can also experiment with syrups or freshly-squeezed juices if you’re feeling adventurous.
EASY SPARKLING WATER RECIPES TO START WITH
If you’re looking for a few recipes to get started, here are some simple ideas:
Lemon-Lime Sparkler – Add the juice of half a lemon and half a lime to one liter of sparkling water.
Mojito Fizz – Mix one part lime juice and two parts mint syrup with one liter of sparkling water.
Strawberry-Basil Cooler – Muddle four fresh strawberries with four basil leaves into one liter of sparkling water.
Ginger Peach Refresher – Combine two tablespoons of freshly grated ginger and two tablespoons of peach syrup with one liter of sparkling water.
Cucumber-Mint Fizz – Muddle four fresh cucumber slices with four mint leaves into one liter of sparkling water. This light and refreshing combination makes for a great drink on a hot summer day.
Grapefruit Basil Splash – Mix one part freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, two parts basil syrup, and one liter of sparkling water.
Making your own sparkling water at home is a great way to get the flavor and fizz you love without all the added sugar. Plus, it’s fun to experiment with different flavors and create customized sparkling-water recipes! So next time you are looking for something new to quench your thirst, give the simple recipes above a try!
WHY MAKE YOUR OWN SPARKLING WATER AT HOME
There are several reasons why making your own sparkling water at home is a good idea:
IT'S CHEAPER THAN BUYING STORE-BOUGHT SPARKLING WATER.
Making your own sparkling water at home is an economical way to get all the effervescence and flavor you love without breaking your budget. Store-bought sparkling water can be expensive, especially when compared to other types of drinks and beverages. With a soda maker, you can make your own carbonated concoctions that are much more affordable.
Getting a soda maker is a small investment at first. However, in the long-run, making your own sparkling water at home can save you money.
YOU CAN CUSTOMIZE THE LEVEL OF CARBONATION AND FLAVORS FOR YOUR OWN TASTE.
With homemade sparkling water, you can choose the level of carbonation that works best for you as well as any optional flavors! Plus, having a soda maker at home allows you to experiment with different combinations until you find your perfect blend.
You also won't have to worry about unhealthy added ingredients. Store-bought sparkling waters often contain added artificial sweeteners and preservatives, whereas homemade versions don’t. When you make your own carbonated drinks at home, you can rest assured that only natural ingredients are going into your beverage.
IT'S ECO-FRIENDLY
Not only is making your own sparkling water far more cost-effective than buying it in stores, but it’s also way better for the environment too! By not purchasing bottles or cans of store-bought sparkling water, you are minimizing your contribution to plastic waste and helping reduce emissions caused by transportation and production of these products.
WHAT ARE THE BEST SODA MAKERS
When it comes to soda makers, there are many different models to choose from. Each one will vary in terms of features, size, price, and level of convenience.
The most popular and well-known brands include SodaStream, Aarke, and Primo.
SodaStream is the most popular home carbonation system out there. They offer a wide range of models from standard manual machines to high-tech automated systems that can carbonate up to five liters at once. The basic model has a simple design that makes it easy to use and requires little maintenance.
Aarke is another great choice for those looking for a stylish machine that will fit into any kitchen décor. Their sleek stainless steel design ensures durability and longevity while the manual operation makes it easy to use on the go or at home. They also have an automated version with more features and settings than the manual model. Plus, they’re compatible with various CO2 cylinders so you can get the right amount of carbonation for every drink you make.
Primo offers a wide selection of manual as well as electric soda makers. The manual ones are very easy to use but require manual effort when loading and unloading CO2 cylinders whereas the electric ones come with all the bells and whistles like pressure regulation technology so you can precisely control the amount of carbonation in each drink—all with just the push of a button!
No matter which brand you go for, all these soda makers will provide you with delicious sparkling water in no time!
We also have a more in-depth insights on The Best Soda Makers in 2022.
TIPS FOR MAKING SPARKLING WATER AT HOME
- Always make sure to use cold, filtered/tap water for optimal carbonation.
- Start small with flavorings – a little goes a long way!
- Store unused sparkling water in glass bottles or airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Experiment and have fun! There are no wrong answers when it comes to making your own sparkling water at home.
HOW LONG DOES HOMEMADE SPARKLING WATER LAST?
Homemade sparkling water should be stored in airtight containers or glass bottles and kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. After that, it’s best to discard it and start fresh with a new batch.
ARE THERE ANY HEALTH BENEFITS IN DRINKING SPARKLING WATER?
Yes! In fact, there are a lot of health benefits to drinking sparkling water.
SPARKLING WATER AIDS IN DIGESTION
Sparkling water can be an excellent way to aid in digestion and support overall health. The carbonation of sparkling water stimulates the digestive system, speeding up the process of breaking down food and helping to relieve digestive discomfort. Carbonated drinks can also help to reduce acidity in the stomach, which can help with issues such as acid reflux and heartburn.
The combination of minerals found in sparkling water can also be beneficial for digestion. For example, sodium helps to maintain the balance of fluids in the body and can help with muscle contraction during digestion. The calcium found in sparkling water has been linked to improved nutrient absorption. In addition, magnesium has been shown to improve gut motility and reduce constipation.
Research has also suggested that drinking sparkling water may reduce bloating and help keep your gut bacteria balanced. It also helps keep your gastrointestinal tract running smoothly by flushing out waste products more quickly than still water does.
Overall, sparkling water is a great way to aid digestion while still providing all the hydration benefits of regular water without any added sugar or artificial sweeteners. With its high mineral content and stimulating effects on the digestive system, it’s an easy way to add variety to your daily routine while improving your overall health at the same time.
SPARKLING WATER HYDRATES YOU JUST AS GOOD AS REGULAR WATER
Sparkling water is naturally hydrating , just like regular water. It’s important to note that it does not contain as many minerals and electrolytes as some sports drinks or electrolyte-filled beverages, but that doesn’t mean it is any less hydrating.
In fact, sparkling water can be just as hydrating as regular still water. A study conducted by the Institute of Food Science & Technology in Switzerland found that sparkling and still water had a similar hydration effect on participators after consuming them both. The carbon dioxide gas in sparkling water also helps to increase stomach acidity and break down food more quickly, which leads to faster nutrient absorption and increased hydration effects.
SPARKLING WATER HELPS YOU LOSE OR MAINTAIN WEIGHT
Sparkling water is a great alternative to sugary drinks, not only because it's hydrating but also because it helps you lose or maintain weight. Studies have found that people who replace sugary drinks such as soda, juice and other high-sugar beverages with sparkling water tend to consume fewer calories and lose more weight over time.
One study published in the International Journal of Obesity looked at the effects of replacing sugar-sweetened beverages with either still or sparkling water for six months. The researchers found that those who consumed sparkling water lost significantly more weight than those who consumed still water. They concluded that replacing sugary drinks with sparkling water could be an effective strategy for weight management.
In addition to helping you lose or maintain weight, sparkling water can also help reduce cravings for unhealthy snacks by keeping you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods of time. This is due to its higher carbon dioxide content which stimulates nerve endings in the stomach, providing feelings of satiety. In addition, its slightly effervescent nature can make it taste like a treat while still being low in calories and free of added sugars.
START MAKING YOUR SPARKLING WATER AT HOME TODAY!
Making delicious sparkling water at home has never been easier. With a soda maker, you can enjoy all the refreshing fizz of store-bought drinks in seconds – without any of the unhealthy additives or preservatives. Plus, it’s a cost-effective way to save money while doing something good for the environment. So why not give it a try? You won’t regret it!
Happy sipping!