Carbonated beverages are a great way to quench your thirst. They're also a good choice for people looking to reduce their sugar intake.
But, as with any beverage, it's important to know how to make it taste delicious. We've put together this list of tips and tricks to help you get the best results possible.
1. Always use Cold Water
The reason for this is quite simple: Water molecules have a lot of impurities, and hot water absorbs more of these particles. This is why you tend to notice more of the taste of cold water than warm.
When you use cold water to make soda, the carbon dioxide gas dissolved into it fully diffuses into the liquid and leaves behind no impurities. This is because the temperature of the water is much cooler than that of the CO2.
This process makes it easier for the CO2 to dissolve into the water, and also helps create larger bubbles that give the final product a fizzier feel. It also gives the soda a slightly tangy, acidic flavor.
2. Don’t Overdo it
While carbonation is a wonderful addition to any drink, it is possible to overdo the process. This can lead to a bloated, gassy feeling and gastrointestinal issues.
When you’re ready to start carbonating your water, it is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This is because the amount of CO2 that can be dissolved in a given bottle of chilled water varies by brand and container type.
The key is to keep the head space in the bottle as low as possible so that more of the CO2 makes it into the liquid and dissolves. If there is too much room, naturally occurring gases in the air will try to compete for it and the CO2 won’t get to dissolve in the liquid.
Once a certain amount of carbonation has been reached, the bottle is oversaturated with CO2 and cannot accept any more of it. This excess gas pools at the top of the bottle and eventually escapes, causing a telltale hiss when the beverage is opened.
3. Make Sure you Don’t Overfill the Cylinder
When carbonating soda water, it’s important to not overfill the cylinder. The reason for this is that if you overfill the cylinder, the gas will escape and will not be able to reach the liquid in the bottle.
It is best to fill the cylinder to the line that is on the neck of the Soda Stream bottle, which indicates the maximum amount of water the machine can handle. This will prevent the gas from escaping before it reaches the liquid and will ensure you get a well-carbonated beverage.
However, it is also important to not overfill the cylinder, as this can cause your Soda Stream to overflow when you press the carbonating button. If you are unsure how much liquid the machine can handle, check its manual or online support for more details on how to fill it correctly.
4. Keep it clean
If you’re a fan of tingly, effervescent bubbles in your drinks (think beer, Champagne, and G&T), a soda maker can help you turn water into sparkling beverages. This machine work by pressurizing liquid with carbon dioxide gas, which produces the bubbles you see in soda.
The gas combines with water molecules to form a solution, which is then released as the pressure drops or warms up. This process is similar to that of a natural spring: The water naturally comes out of the ground with a certain amount of carbon dioxide in it, and this excess is released as the pressure is relieved.
If you own a soda maker, make sure to clean it and the bottles regularly so that they continue to work properly. This can extend the life of the bottles and keep your fizzy drinks smelling fresh and free from bacteria.