How to Make Sparkling Strawberry-Flavored Water

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Infusion

1. Wash and Slice the Strawberries: Start by washing the strawberries under cold water to remove any dirt or residue. Remove the green tops and slice the strawberries into halves or quarters to help them release their flavors more effectively.

2. Cook the Strawberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. The strawberries will soften and release their juices, creating a fragrant, red infusion. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Blend the Mixture (Optional): For a smoother infusion, you can blend the cooked strawberries using a blender or food processor. This step is optional but recommended if you prefer a more intense strawberry flavor.

4. Strain the Infusion: After the strawberries have cooked down, remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl or another container, pressing down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.

5. Sweeten and Add Lemon Juice (Optional): Stir in the honey or agave syrup and lemon juice if using. This will add a slight sweetness and a touch of tanginess to the infusion, enhancing the overall flavor.

6. Cool the Infusion: Let the strawberry infusion cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a clean jar or bottle. Refrigerate until ready to use. The infusion can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Step 2: Carbonate the Water

If you have a soda maker, you can carbonate your own water at home. If not, store-bought carbonated water works just as well.

1. Using a Soda Maker: Fill the soda maker bottle with cold water up to the fill line. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to carbonate the water. Typically, this involves attaching the bottle to the machine and pressing a button or lever to inject CO2 into the water.

2. Store-Bought Carbonated Water: If you don’t have a soda maker, you can purchase plain carbonated water from the store. Ensure it’s well-chilled for the best results.

Step 3: Assemble the Sparkling Strawberry Water

1. Prepare the Glasses or Pitcher: Fill your serving glasses or a large pitcher with ice cubes. This helps keep the drink chilled and refreshing.

2. Add Strawberry Infusion: Pour the desired amount of strawberry infusion into each glass or the pitcher. A general ratio is about 1/4 cup of infusion to 1 cup of carbonated water, but you can adjust this based on how strong you want the strawberry flavor to be.

3. Add Carbonated Water: Slowly pour the carbonated water into each glass or the pitcher, filling it up to the top. Stir gently to combine the infusion and water without losing too much carbonation.

4. Garnish and Serve: For an extra touch, garnish your sparkling strawberry water with fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing, fizzy drink!