Sparkling water usually brings to mind scorching hot days when you dream of an ice- cold refreshing drink with ice cubes, or summer evenings spent with friends enjoying an alcoholic drink. It is the drink of childhood for many of us, and a delicious cocktail, a bubbly mint lemonade, or the classic sparkling water with fruit syrup is always welcomed.

In the kitchen, it has traditionally been used in recipes for pancakes or fasting doughnuts, but there are many more ways to use sparkling water to enhance the flavor and texture of food.

In this article, we have gathered the best-known tips for cooking with sparkling water, along with several interesting recipes, including delicious beverages - especially now that summer is approaching and the season of refreshing treats is about to begin.

The most important properties of sparkling water

One of the most widespread myths surrounding sparkling water or carbonated water is that it causes weight gain. Not at all true!

Many of these myths probably originated from a study conducted on laboratory mice, which found that those consuming carbonated water gained more weight than the others. However, the real reason was that they ate more food, leading researchers to conclude that carbonated water might contribute to increased hunger.

There are many myths about foods that supposedly make you gain weight, but in reality, nothing does - not even cake or pizza. What leads to extra pounds is a calorie surplus at the end of the day. We recently wrote an entire article about how you can reduce your calorie intake and eat healthier.

Returning to our myth, sparkling water is simply water infused with carbon dioxide, it contains zero calories, so it does not cause weight gain, nor does it harm the body in any way. In fact, it is even recommended during recovery after physical exercise, helps reduce feelings of nausea or indigestion, keeps you hydrated, relieves headaches, and can even curb sugar cravings. Only when consumed in excess can it cause bloating or irritate the esophagus.

So you have every reason to enjoy sparkling water, and when it comes to cooking with it, there are only benefits. 😊

What dishes can you prepare with sparkling water

Thanks to its carbon dioxide content, sparkling water helps dough rise in desserts and gives it a light, fluffy texture.

The simplest pancake recipe contains flour, sparkling water, a pinch of salt, sugar or flavorings, and either eggs or oil if you want to make a vegan version. In just a few minutes, you can enjoy fluffy and delicious pancakes.

Add sparkling water to pound cakes, sponge cakes, and desserts

If you bake with sparkling water and whipped egg whites, you do not even need baking powder. The only thing to keep in mind is to fold everything together gently with a spatula so the air trapped in the egg whites does not escape.

Sparkling water gives cake layers an airy, soft, and fresh texture. You will also notice that they stay moist longer... assuming there is any left by the next day. 😊

Add about 100 ml of sparkling water to your favorite recipes, depending on the quantity you are making and the consistency you want. Another option is to replace still water in recipes with sparkling water, or substitute half of the milk with sparkling water.

Serve your favorite pound cake or dessert (hint: sour cherries will soon be in season) with a large glass of sparkling water and fruit syrup, and enjoy another beautiful day of life.

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Crispy Asian dishes

In Japanese cuisine, and beyond, carbonated water is used to make the famous tempura batter, which is used for frying vegetables, fish, or seafood.

Mix flour with sparkling water and your favorite seasonings, and you will get the perfect batter for anything you want to coat and fry, including schnitzels.

Most tempura recipes contain only flour and sparkling water in a 1:1 ratio, but you can also add an egg, seasonings, or cornstarch if you prefer more texture. The thicker the batter, the better it will cling to the vegetables. A whole wheat flour and sparkling water tempura is also excellent and offers a simpler, healthier alternative.

Cut the vegetables into slices or sticks, as thick as you like, coat them in the batter, then fry them in deep oil or an air fryer for 3–4 minutes. If you prefer using less oil, you can also cook them in a non-stick pan for about 2 minutes on each side.

Thinking about summer has made us crave some zucchini tempura with a yogurt dressing flavored with fresh herbs and cucumber.

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Colorful and nutritious vegetables with sparkling water

Another benefit of sparkling water is that it reduces oxidation and the loss of chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments. If you want the greenest broccoli and the brightest orange carrots, boil your vegetables in carbonated water.

In addition, sparkling water shortens cooking time and helps preserve nutrients. It has a similar effect to plunging vegetables into cold water to preserve their natural color and texture. That is why some chefs even cook pasta in carbonated water, claiming that it gives it a lighter texture.

Marinate meat with sparkling water

Meat that is marinated before cooking becomes much more tender, flavorful, and delicious. A quicker yet highly effective option is to marinate the meat in sparkling water for 30 minutes before cooking. This eliminates the need for overnight marinating and allows you to enjoy tender meat much sooner.

Mix sparkling water with salt, pepper, paprika, or any other seasonings you like in a bowl, then leave the meat covered in the mixture at room temperature. You can also add honey, oil, or any other ingredients you enjoy using in marinades.

Prepare delicious beverages

We have also written an article about how to prepare colorful, vitamin-packed cocktails with sparkling water, aromatic herbs, and fruits or vegetables (see the recommended articles).

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Combine sparkling water with any fruit or vegetable, along with mint, lavender, basil, or rosemary, and enjoy all the flavors and vitamins in every glass.

What interesting combinations you can try:

  • celery, cucumber, and a sprig of rosemary
  • shades of purple with sliced plums and lavender
  • mint and lime for a fresh flavor
  • watermelon for summer flavors

You can also prepare refreshing drinks with tea, sweetened or unsweetened according to your taste, or make cold brew beverages for coffee lovers.

Other uses of sparkling water in the household

Sparkling water is also a quick solution for removing stains, including those on clothes. If you are at a restaurant and spill food or a drink on yourself, ask for a glass of sparkling water and gently rub the stained area. It is one of the most practical and accessible solutions when you are away from home.

What else could sparkling water be used for:

  • If you have dyed hair, sparkling water can help refresh the color, especially after slight fading caused by chlorine in tap water or swimming pools. During the summer season in particular, rinsing your hair with sparkling water from time to time can be beneficial.
  • We enjoy pigeons and birdsong - just not when they end up... all over the car. Clean your car windshield with sparkling water to make stubborn dirt easier to remove.
  • Clean jewelry with carbonated water. Warm it slightly, then soak the jewelry you want to clean for a few seconds. Gently scrub it with an old toothbrush, and it will look like new.
  • The carbon dioxide in sparkling water also helps remove rust, especially from cramped nuts or bolts. Pour soda over the rust and leave it on for a few minutes.

As you can see, sparkling water does much more than quench your thirst - it is also incredibly useful in cooking and around the house in general.

With the SodaStream carbonation machine, you can make your sparkling water as fizzy as you like at the press of a single button. Experiment with different flavors and enjoy all its benefits.

Learn more about the SodaStream machine and choose your favorite here