In my pre-clean-eating life, I was what you would call a ‘Diet Coke-aholic.’ I called it my ‘sweet nectar’ and relished how that first sip would burn its way down my throat. I classified people into two groups: the lovers and the haters, and felt an instant connection when I saw a co-worker take a sip from the white and red can. We may not know each other, I thought, but truly we are kindred spirits. Often we would share a knowing glance before turning back to our computers and our caffeine high.

As we moved into clean eating, I knew the DC would have to go. Of all of the things that I gave up for our whole foods diet, Diet Coke was by far the hardest. I am not a juice person and lemonade doesn’t do much for me. I loved the effervescent sweetness of Diet Coke. I tried sparkling waters but could only stomach one or two sips. To me, sparkling water is bitter, nasty, and has a bad aftertaste. So logically, I bought myself a Soda Stream so I could make my own nasty sparkling water at home.

Okay, so that’s not exactly how it happened, I actually got a really good deal through where I work part-time and was determined to make some kind of homemade sparkling goodness that would make me forget about Diet Coke.

Last summer I was really into making simple syrups and tried my hand at homemade soda. It went well overall, but you know me, I always want to make it easier and preferably, with less sugar. Last week Michelle at Peachy Palate tweeted about frozen raspberries mixed with sparkling water and lime juice and how she no longer needed her Diet Coke.

Two things caught my eye about this tweet: frozen raspberries and Diet Coke.

Mmmmm….Diet Coke.

Yes, in my pregnancy, Diet Coke has wormed its way back into my life. I have found myself craving the caramel color chemicals and sweet burn yet again. For the most part, I have been strong, but there have been stolen sips and secret purchases when my resolve has weakened. And I knew it had to stop.

When I saw Michelle’s tweet, I was intrigued with the idea of using frozen fruit. From my vodka infusing days, I know that frozen fruit infuses flavor much more quickly than fresh and with Manatee’s love of frozen berries, we always have a steady supply. I had to try it.

I was shocked at how much I loved it.

Me, the girl who hates sparkling water, the Diet Coke-aholic can’t get enough of this homemade sparkling fruity goodness.

Let’s review:

Canned sparkling water = nasty, bitter, try your best not to spit it out on the person next to you and then eat something (anything!) to get that taste out of your mouth.

Homemade Fruity Sparkling Water = cool, crisp, fruity, refreshing, oh my gosh did I really just drink a whole glass?

infushed sparkling water

Yes, it’s that good.

 

DIY Fruity Sparkling Water
Yields 1
Refreshing, all natural sparkling water with no added sugar

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Prep Time
5 min

Prep Time
5 min

Ingredients
1/2 cup frozen fruit
1 liter sparkling water

Instructions
Add frozen fruit to sparkling water. Seal completely.
Refrigerate for 4-8 hours, the flavors will increase the longer it sits.
Use within 2 days.

Notes
I have only made this with sparkling water made from my Soda Stream. Though I haven’t done this with store bought sparkling water, I assume that it would work the same.
So far my favorite flavors have been mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries) and a frozen fruit mix that includes pineapple, mango, strawberries, and peaches.
Don’t eat the fruit after it has infused. It’s tempting but all the fruity sweetness is in your water.

Badger Girl Learns to Cook by Kimberly Aime https://learntocookbadgergirl.com/
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Recipe Review:

This has been my go-to drink throughout the day. The fruit taste is subtle, but way more prevalent than anything I have found in a can. While it tastes nothing like a Diet Coke, it does satisfy my cravings for something sweet and carbonated.

infused berry sparkling water

I love that it takes five minutes to put together and then I just have to wait for it to infuse. I love that there is no added sugar and it comes down to two ingredients: water and fruit.

More than anything, I love that I can feel good about what I am drinking.

I can’t wait to try more flavors and I hope you give it a try. I’d love to hear about your experiences.

Soda Stream Notes:

If you are using a Soda Stream, remember that chilled water is easier to carbonate. I try to keep a bottle of tap water  and a bottle of infused water in the fridge at all times.

After you open the bottle of infused water the first time, make sure to seal it tightly to hold the carbonation.

I have found that the water is best the day of or the day after, but not two days after. By then, it’s lost a lot of fizz.

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Do you have a Soda Stream? What do you like to make with it?

 

 

 

 

 

 


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