Whether you want to make your own sparkling water, soda, or carbonated cocktails, adding your own bubbles is an easy and creative way to elevate your at-home beverage fare.

If you’re wondering how to carbonate a drink or how to make carbonated soda at home, you’re embarking on a journey combining culinary creativity and a touch of science. Join us as we crack the code to carbonation—uncovering everything you need to know to master the fizz for carbonated drinks.

Choosing the right tools for carbonating drinks

A critical part of learning how to make your own carbonated water and other drinks lies in the equipment you use. Here are the main items you’ll need to make carbonated drinks at home:

● Carbonator – This is the central tool that infuses drinks with carbon dioxide (CO2) to give them that bubbly effervescence. Look for user-friendly, durable models that fit your kitchen's space. Some machines offer different levels of carbonation, so consider how much control you want over the fizziness of your drinks.

● CO2 cartridges – These small gas cylinders contain compressed CO2 that gets released into the carbonated water maker. Ensure the canisters are compatible with your machine; some machines use larger canisters that last longer, while others require smaller, more frequent replacements.

● Carbonation bottles – Carbonation machines typically come with their own specific bottles. These are designed to withstand the pressure of carbonation, so using the manufacturer-provided bottles is usually the safest option. Check if the bottles are reusable and how they should be cleaned.

Beyond these essentials, there are some optional accessories that can help craft your carbonated beverages. For example, a funnel with a filter is ideal for adding freshly squeezed fruit juice, particularly those with pulp or seeds. 

Specialized cleaning tools for the carbonation bottle can also ensure no flavors carry over between batches. This can be especially helpful as you learn how to make carbonated water and experiment with different flavors and infusions.

Step-by-step guide to carbonating your favorite beverages

Once you have the proper carbonating equipment, learning how to make carbonated seltzer, soda, and other drinks is fairly simple. 

Here are seven easy steps on how to carbonate a drink: 

● Prepare your base – Start with plain water, juice, tea, wine, or any other liquid you want to carbonate. Chill it thoroughly before carbonating for best results. The colder the liquid, the better the CO2 will absorb into it.

● Add flavoring (optional) – Now is the time to mix in syrups, purees, juices, or other flavor additives to make sodas and cocktails. Get creative with combinations—like muddled berries in sparkling water or ginger syrup in homemade ginger ale.

● Adjust carbonation level – Certain models of carbonating equipment allow you to choose from preset levels, ranging from delicate light bubbles to intense effervescence. Dial in the right fizziness for your taste.

● Fill the bottle –  Pour your flavored liquid into the carbonation bottle, filling it to about three-quarters full (or the marked area) to allow space for gas expansion. If your machine uses a carbonation cap, securely screw the cap on the bottle at this point.

● Carbonate – Locking your bottle into place, press the carbonation button to inject the CO2. Follow manufacturer instructions to determine whether short bursts or long presses work best with your machine.

● Stabilize – After carbonation, let the sealed bottle rest before opening it. This helps the CO2 fully integrate into the liquid. Open slowly to release gas carefully and to avoid a fizzy mess. If your bottle uses a carbonation cap, check if there is a depressurization switch to cut the wait time and enjoy your drink sooner.

● Enjoy – If your bottle does not use a carbonation cap, open it carefully over a sink to prevent overflows. Pour your freshly carbonated creation over ice or use it however you wish.

With this simple process, you can enjoy a variety of sparkling creations made right in your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to craft sodas, spritzers, or fizzy cocktails, learning how to carbonate a drink of any kind is within reach.

Creative carbonated drink recipes to try at home

Mastering the fizzy drink is about more than just how to make carbonated soda—it paves the way for a wide range of beverages, from refreshing tonics to sophisticated mocktails.

Here are a few carbonated drink recipe ideas for inspiration:

Bubbly hibiscus citrus punch

Pink, punchy, and perfect for parties and picnics, hibiscus citrus is both fun to say and fun to drink. A single batch will easily serve around two to four people, but with this recipe’s simplicity, you can easily make several pitchers without leaving the party.

Ingredients

● 12g hibiscus tea leaves

● 555g simmering water

● 100g chilled lemon juice

● 45g agave syrup

● Ice, for serving

Instructions

1. Using a heatproof bowl, infuse the hibiscus tea leaves in simmering (but not quite boiling) water for 20 minutes.

2. Strain through a fine sieve to separate the leaves and then chill the resulting tea in the refrigerator.

3. Once cold, combine the hibiscus tea, lemon juice, and agave syrup in a large jug or pitcher. Stir well to combine.

4. Carbonate the mixture, adjusting the fizz level to your preference.

5. Serve the punch over ice.

This recipe is fantastic for adding a cosmopolitan, refreshing touch to your gatherings. Enjoy the unique pink hue and the delightful combination of citrus and floral flavors in a fizzy punch that will refresh and impress.

Fizzy lemonade

Nothing beats the taste of a classic lemonade—except enhancing it with a fizzy twist. With the ideal combination of zest, sweetness, and sparkle, the fizzy lemonade is an excellent companion for cooling down on a breezy summer afternoon.

Ingredients

● 225g chilled lemon juice

● 430g chilled water

● 45g agave syrup

● Ice, for serving

● Lemon slices, for serving

Instructions

1. Mix lemon juice, water, and agave syrup in a large jug.

2. Carbonate the mixture, adjusting the fizz level as desired.

3. Carefully release excess gas from the bottle.

4. Serve the fizzy lemonade over ice and garnished with lemon slices.

A simple and versatile recipe perfect for serving guests, this sweet and citrusy beverage is the ideal base for various customized options—from sparkling hard lemonade to bubbly Arnold Palmers.

Craft Endless Bubbly Beverages with Breville

From juice to wine to cocktails and more, a carbonator is the gateway to custom sparkling drinks. As you learn how to make your own carbonated water and other carbonated beverages, it's essential to have the right equipment to bring your creations to life. 

The Breville InFizz carbonated beverage maker and its FusionCap technology offer you total control over the carbonation process. Whether crafting complex concoctions or simple seltzers, the InFizz allows you to fine-tune the fizz of your drinks, decompress without the mess, and retain the perfect carbonation level until you’re ready to serve.

Whether you’re a seasoned home bartender or just enjoy the occasional sip of seltzer, Breville has everything you need to make the perfect sparkling drink with ease.

 

Sources: 

1. Punch Drink. Drink Science With Team Lyan: The Best Way to Carbonate Your Cocktail. https://punchdrink.com/articles/drink-science-team-lyan-best-way-to-carbonate-cocktail-at-home-drink-recipe/

2. My Recipes. What Is Coffee Soda? https://www.myrecipes.com/extracrispy/what-is-coffee-soda

3. Meta Brand. How to Make Carbonate Drinks: 5 Best Practices to Make Fizzy Refreshments. https://metabrandcorp.com/how-to-make-carbonated-drinks/

4. Food Network. 50 Homemade Sodas. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/articles/50-homemade-sodas