For years, sparkling water was a drink mainly associated with restaurants or with people looking for a different alternative to regular water. I remember that almost 20 years ago I was very surprised to see how my German friends made carbonated water at home with complete normality. There in Germany, it is something completely standard — almost as common as having a coffee maker. In Spain, by contrast, it was something you hardly ever saw in homes.
Today, however, the situation is changing. Sparkling water is becoming more and more fashionable in our country, and more and more people are incorporating it into their daily lives. Many have even started making sparkling water at home, avoiding plastic bottles and always having fresh carbonated water on hand.
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 at home?
Today I’ll tell you everything you need to know about sparkling water and how to make it at home with a soda maker.
1. What exactly is sparkling water or carbonated water?
Sparkling water — also called carbonated water or naturally sparkling water — is simply water to which carbon dioxide has been added (CO₂), creating those small bubbles that give it its characteristic fizzy effect.
Unlike soft drinks, carbonated water contains no sugar, colorings, or other added ingredients when consumed in its natural version. For that reason, it is an excellent option for those who want to drink something different without turning to sugary drinks.
2. Benefits of sparkling water
- Hydrates just like still water — many people drink more liquid when it has bubbles. And yes, that goes for those of us who really love bubbles too.
- Helps reduce soft drink consumption — same fizz, no sugar or calories. With a splash of lemon or a few mint leaves, you have a delicious and completely natural drink.
- Provides a feeling of fullness — it may help curb snacking between meals, although it does not replace a balanced diet.
- Makes some digestion feel more pleasant — many people drink it during or after meals because they find it refreshing and light. Tolerance is individual, but for many it is already a regular habit at the table.
- May relieve mild nausea. Sparkling water has been shown in some studies to be useful for reducing the feeling of nausea and mild stomach discomfort, in a similar way to the traditional effects attributed to fizzy drinks.
- Improves swallowing, especially in older people. Studies have shown that bubbles stimulate the receptors in the throat, improving the swallowing reflex. This may be especially beneficial for older adults or people with difficulty swallowing.
- It is elegant and versatile — it works just as well at a family meal as it does at a dinner with guests. And it is the perfect base for alcohol-free cocktails and homemade refreshing drinks.
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It could help regulate glucose! Some preliminary studies suggest that sparkling water could have a positive effect on glucose regulation, although the scientific evidence is still limited and more research is needed to confirm it. In any case, it is a much healthier alternative than sugary soft drinks, which do have a proven negative impact on blood glucose levels.
3. How do you drink sparkling water?
One of the great advantages of sparkling water is its versatility.
Plain and very cold
The simplest option and also the favorite of many. Served very cold, it is especially refreshing during the warmer months. And here’s the first trick: the colder the water is before carbonating it, the better it absorbs CO₂ and the more bubbles you’ll get.
With fresh fruit
Try combinations like lemon and mint, orange and rosemary, cucumber and lime, strawberries and basil, or grapefruit and thyme. In addition to adding flavor, they turn carbonated water into something much more appealing and visually attractive.
As a base for alcohol-free drinks
Sparkling water is perfect for making healthy homemade soft drinks: with lemon and a few drops of honey, with natural orange juice, with crushed fruit, or as a base for iced tea. The combinations are endless.
In cocktails and appetizers
Carbonated water is ideal for adding freshness and lightness to cocktails and appetizers. It is also the perfect base for making mocktails — the alcohol-free versions of many drinks that are so on trend.
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, it avoids lugging bottles home from the supermarket. On the other, it significantly reduces plastic consumption and disposable packaging — a single soda maker can replace hundreds of bottles a year. It also lets you prepare exactly the amount you need at any given time and adjust the carbonation level to each person’s preference. And finally, if you drink sparkling water regularly, over time the cost of the soda maker is fully offset and you save money compared with buying bottled sparkling water -which is not cheap!
How to make sparkling water at home: the WMF soda maker
If you enjoy carbonated water often, a soda maker can completely change your routine. In a matter of seconds you can turn tap water into fresh sparkling water, ready to drink and without needing to store bottles.
At home, we have been making sparkling water with the WMF soda maker for months now, and we can no longer imagine the kitchen without it. It is designed to fit perfectly into any modern kitchen, takes up very little space, and avoids the constant use of single-use bottles.
How does the WMF Soda Maker work?
1. Fill the bottle with plain water (it can be cold) — but not all the way to the top. Always leave the space indicated on the bottle so carbonation works properly.
2. Place the bottle in the soda maker, screwing it onto the bottle neck.
3. Choose the bubble level you want -turn the dial to a finer bubble or a larger bubble.
4. Press the button — once for a light fizz, twice for a medium level, and three times for intense carbonation. Adjust it to your liking.
5. Remove the bottle — Done! Yes, your sparkling water is ready instantly.
6. Serve and enjoy, or store it covered in the fridge with the included cap, so you can serve it ice-cold whenever you want.
You can add lemon, fruit, or herbs if you want to give it an extra touch.
Among the advantages of the WMF soda maker, I would highlight:
- Sparkling water ready in seconds
- Elegant, compact design
- Less plastic consumption and waste
- Always available at home
- Ability to adjust carbonation intensity — light, medium, or very fizzy
- Space-saving compared with storing bottles
I drink it plain or with a slice of lemon -I love that tangy touch when I drink it.
And you, do you already have a soda maker at home? You see, it’s just a matter of pressing a button! What’s your favorite sparkling water combination? Tell us in the comments — we always love discovering new ideas
