For years, sparkling water was a drink mainly associated with restaurants or with people looking for an alternative to regular still water. I remember being very surprised almost 20 years ago when I saw how my German friends would make sparkling water at home as a completely normal part of everyday life. In Germany, it is something entirely commonplace — almost as common as having a coffee machine. In Spain, on the other hand, it was something rarely seen in households.
Today, however, things are changing. Sparkling water is becoming increasingly popular in our country, and more and more people are making it part of their daily routine. Many have even taken the step of making sparkling water at home, avoiding the need for plastic bottles and ensuring they always have fresh carbonated water available.
But what is it about sparkling water that has won over so many kitchens? Is it really a good alternative to still water? And is it worth making it at home?
Today I’ll tell you everything you need to know about sparkling water and how to make it at home using a soda maker.
1. What exactly is sparkling or carbonated water?
Sparkling water — also known as carbonated water or naturally sparkling water — is simply water to which carbon dioxide (CO₂) has been added, creating the tiny bubbles that give it its characteristic fizz.
Unlike soft drinks, natural carbonated water contains no sugar, colourings or other added ingredients. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone who wants something different to drink without turning to sugary beverages.
2. Benefits of sparkling water
- It hydrates just as effectively as still water — many people find they drink more fluids when bubbles are involved. And yes, especially for those of us who love a bit of fizz.
- It helps reduce the consumption of soft drinks — the same refreshing fizz, without the sugar or calories. Add a squeeze of lemon or a few mint leaves and you have a delicious, completely natural drink.
- It can increase feelings of fullness — helping to reduce snacking between meals, although it is no substitute for a balanced diet.
- It can make digestion feel more comfortable — many people enjoy it during or after meals because they find it refreshing and light. Tolerance varies from person to person, but for many it has become a regular part of mealtimes.
- It may help relieve mild nausea. Some studies suggest that sparkling water can help reduce feelings of nausea and mild stomach discomfort, similarly to the traditional effects often associated with fizzy drinks.
- It can improve swallowing, particularly in older adults. Studies have shown that carbonation stimulates receptors in the throat, helping to improve the swallowing reflex. This may be particularly beneficial for older people or those who experience difficulty swallowing.
- It is elegant and versatile — equally at home during a family meal or a dinner party. It also makes the perfect base for alcohol-free cocktails and refreshing homemade drinks.
3. How should you drink sparkling water?
One of the greatest advantages of sparkling water is its versatility.
On its own and well chilled
The simplest option and also a favourite for many people. Served ice-cold, it is especially refreshing during the warmer months. And here’s the first tip: the colder the water is before carbonation, the better it absorbs CO₂ and the fizzier it will become.
With fresh fruit
Try combinations such as lemon and mint, orange and rosemary, cucumber and lime, strawberries and basil, or grapefruit and thyme. As well as adding flavour, they turn sparkling water into something much more appealing and visually attractive.
As a base for alcohol-free drinks
Sparkling water is perfect for preparing healthy homemade soft drinks: with lemon and a few drops of honey, with freshly squeezed orange juice, with blended fruit, or as the base for iced tea. The possibilities are endless.
In cocktails and aperitifs
Carbonated water is ideal for adding freshness and lightness to cocktails and aperitifs. It is also the perfect base for making mocktails — the alcohol-free versions of many fashionable drinks.
4. Is it better to buy sparkling water or make it at home?
More and more households are choosing to make sparkling water at home for several reasons. On the one hand, there is no need to carry heavy bottles home from the supermarket. On the other, it significantly reduces the use of plastic and disposable packaging — a single soda maker can replace hundreds of bottles each year. It also allows you to prepare exactly the amount you need and adjust the level of carbonation according to personal preference. And finally, if you drink sparkling water regularly, the cost of the soda maker eventually pays for itself, saving money compared with buying bottled sparkling water — which certainly isn’t cheap!
How to make sparkling water at home: the WMF Soda Maker
If you enjoy sparkling water regularly, a soda maker can completely transform your routine. In a matter of seconds, you can turn ordinary water into fresh sparkling water, ready to drink and without the need to store bottles.
We’ve been making sparkling water at home with the WMF Soda Maker for months now, and we can no longer imagine our kitchen without it. It has been designed to fit perfectly into any modern kitchen, takes up very little space and helps avoid the constant use of single-use bottles.
How does the WMF Soda Maker work?
1. Fill the bottle with ordinary water (preferably chilled) — but not right to the top. Always leave the space indicated on the bottle to ensure proper carbonation.
2. Attach the bottle to the soda maker by screwing it in at the neck.
3. Choose your preferred level of fizz — turn the dial for finer bubbles or a more intense sparkle.
4. Press the button — once for light carbonation, twice for a medium level and three times for extra fizz. Adjust it to suit your taste.
5. Remove the bottle — and that’s it! Your sparkling water is ready immediately.
6. Serve and enjoy, or keep it sealed in the fridge using the supplied cap, so you can enjoy it perfectly chilled whenever you like.
You can add lemon, fruit or herbs if you would like to give it an extra touch of flavour.
Among the advantages of the WMF Soda Maker, I would highlight:
- Sparkling water prepared in seconds
- Elegant and compact design
- Reduced plastic consumption and waste
- Always available at home
- Adjustable carbonation intensity — light, medium or extra fizzy
- Space-saving compared to storing bottles
I usually drink it just as it is or with a slice of lemon — I love that refreshing tang.
What about you? Do you already have a soda maker at home? As you can see, it’s simply a matter of pressing a button! What’s your favourite sparkling water combination? Tell us in the comments — we always love discovering new ideas.
