Comments on: Homemade fizzy water: viva la carbonation!

By: Guppy

Guppy — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:18:07 +0000

I have a Soda Club and I love it. I don’t really flavour my water although I got two free bottles of flavouring when I ordered my Soda Club. I ordered mine with 3 canisters of CO2 and I just put my 3rd canister in recently (bought it early July). I love having as much sparkling water as I want and not using so many bottles/cans. And of course, the kids love it too. I make sodas for them with far less sugar than store bought. So, all around it’s a great deal.

Only down side is that I have to ship my canisters back to the dealer. But, since I have 3, that’s a once to twice a year issue. That’s still far easier than toting a bunch of bottles/cans to and fro.

You know, I’m really thinking about flavouring with cukes now. Thanks for the great idea. <

By: Michelle

Michelle — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:51:43 +0000

All sounds so interesting and fun. Makes me want to get started right away! I am checking out soda siphons also. Was wondering though…how long does a CO2 cartrige last? Where is a good place to buy them? Thanks so much.

The cartridges store indefinitely. The soda water we make doesn’t go flat, but then again we consume the bottles worth in usually less than 4 days.

I bought my cartridges from the manufacturer (ISI). They are available on amazon.com too.

Best of luck
–McAuliflower

By: Jessica

Jessica — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 23:05:42 +0000

I love carbonated water, but it does get expensive. Great tip!

By: cookiecrumb

cookiecrumb — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:31:50 +0000

I can tell you from experience that cucumber slices in water are awesome. No macerating needed.
Mint leaves work well, too.
I didn’t have any luck with rose petals; still tinkering.
Good, Mac!!!

Wow- the cucumbers flavor the water so easily. Thanks for the motivation. We’ve been finding that about 6 thin slices is enough for flavoring a half gallon of water.

Hmmm- rose petals…

–McAuliflower

By: Hillary

Hillary — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:02:25 +0000

We bought my brother a soda machine for his birthday, and he can’t get enough of that thing!

By: Fiona

Fiona — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:03:12 +0000

This sounds excellent. I was thinking of making my own simple syrups to add to club soda, but now I want a siphon! I think fresh raspberries would be wonderful, or maybe carrot and rosemary?
Also, where do you get a CO2 canister?

By: Dave

Dave — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 02:39:05 +0000

I've done this before, lavender is excellent, as is lemongrass. My favorite is probably rhubarb.

Ahh- sounds like a fan of the Dry Soda line (me too). --McAuliflower

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 21:15:48 +0000

What kind did you get? I read an article in the NYT that reviewed the different brands and none were very favorable. I’d be interested to know if you’re happy with the one you bought.
Try cucumber, lemongrass, blueberries or other berries, maybe?

I bought an ISI soda siphon. It works well- nice high level of carbonation with one canister of CO2.

–McAuliflower

By: newyorkdude

newyorkdude — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 14:47:09 +0000

1) wherever people suggest lemon or other citrus, use the zest. The zest is the skin without the white stuff. Some people, like the Chinese, like the white stuff, some like a fraction of the white stuff. I like 0%. Let the zest sit in the liquid for a while so it can impart its taste. I also put a little citrus zest in vodka and let it freeze in the fridge (because vodka is alcohol it doesn’t actually freeze, it just gets syrupy).

2) Lots of bits of ginger from fresh ginger is great. It’s the best homemade ginger ale. Or ginger beer (lots of ginger beer recipes on the net). I have never used pepper, as a writer above suggested. Sounds interesting. I’ll try it soon.

By: Sylvia

Sylvia — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 21:42:01 +0000

Lemon and thyme! Just let it sit in room temperature water and then remove and fizz up. I’m sure this would work with slices of orange just as well, stick in a clove or two?

And I think Erin is right, something with ginger and lime sounds like it has to be tried.

these are great flavor projects!
fizzy herbals- interesting!

–McAuliflower