Ways To Make Soda Water At Home
Soda water is a fantastic and more importantly healthy alternative to regular fizzy drinks. You’ve likely come across it before in supermarkets, branded with an expensive-sounding name. However, at its core, soda water is not expensive. It is just carbonated water, and because it’s just carbonated water, it’s easy to make at home in several ways. So, here is our guide to how to make soda water at home.
Soda Makers
Soda Makers are the most convenient way to make soda water at home. Brands such as SodaStream and Drinkmate are just two of the soda makers around, and they are easy-to-use, while also giving you the flexibility you need to make soda just the way you like it.
To use a soda maker, you’ll need to:
- Fill the carbonation bottle with (cold) water from the tap and fit it into place.
- Press the carbonating button three times to carbonate the water
- Test the fizziness and add more carbonation if required
- Drink it, take it with you, or keep it in the fridge for up to three days
You can add flavors to make your soda water more exciting if that’s how you prefer it. You will also need to look at the CO2 canister and determine if it is a onetime canister or one you can use for multiple carbonation sessions.
Benefits of Soda Makers
Soda Makers are a simple solution to making soda your way at home. They offer a range of benefits that you should consider when deciding which option is the best for you. Benefits include the portable and compact design, making them suitable for traveling as well as easily store them on the kitchen counter or in drawers without taking up too much space. This is especially useful in small kitchens.
Top-quality soda makers are also reliable, which ensures durability and a long shelf-life to help you make as much soda as you need every day and for as many people who want them.
The biggest benefit, however, is that they will save money on store-bought sodas. With a sufficient CO2 canister, you can make a liter of soda for around $0.25.
Cons of Soda Makers
Despite this, soda makers also come with a few cons. They are not too easy to use for kids and there is a slight learning curve when you first use the soda machine. While its brands recommend pressing the carbonation button three times, it usually takes five or six presses to achieve sufficient carbonation.
Soda Siphon
It’s not like soda has only been around since the invention of soda makers. Homes, bars, and restaurants have used soda siphons to make soda for years. If you prefer a more DIY approach and don’t want to invest in a soda maker, a soda siphon is a suitable alternative option.
To make soda using a soda siphon, you’ll need to:
- Invest in a siphon or seltzer bottle and CO2 gas canisters
- Fill the bottle with cold tap water
- Attach the CO2 canister and secure it tightly
- Press the handle down to release the CO2
- Shake the bottle
- Unscrew the canister and seal the bottle with the original cap
- Store in the refrigerator for up to five hours to ensure the best carbonation
Like a Soda Maker, you can add flavors to enhance the experience. However, unlike soda makers, which allow you to add the flavor either before or after carbonation, you should only add flavors when you are finished releasing the CO2. You should also consume the soda water within three days to prevent it from going flat.
It is also important to remember to release all the CO2 from the canister. You can recycle these canisters when finished with them.
Benefits of a Soda Siphon
The natural approach of a soda siphon is one of the key benefits, and while it does not come with the automatic operation of a soda maker, they are still relatively easy to use. They also use a classic and more authentic design, which might appeal to you if you prefer the DIY look for your kitchen rather than a sleek modern machine.
Cons of a Soda Siphon
Soda siphons can come with their share of negatives, though. Incorrect use can cause the canister to explode, which could harm you or your kids. There is also a learning curve involved with siphons as much as there are machines. It could take you a few attempts to get it right, which might mean you waste the CO2 and even damage the bottle.
Bubbling Up Success
As soda water is a sugar-free alternative to your favorite brand-name and generic supermarket sodas, there are plenty of reasons to make soda water all by yourself at home. You’ll not only be able to control the ingredients from start to finish but also save plenty of money along the way. From here, you can focus on putting this money to other places, such as making your home a place you’re proud to live.
Source:
- Sparkling Water at Home – Instructables