bostonzest

Flavor Your Home-Made Seltzer

Written by

Ed

in

, ,

Seltzer is my drink of choice and I'm a fussy drinker. Ed told you a while ago how much he loves our Soda Stream Soda Maker.  He used to lug those cases of selzer for me, now I just make it with my SodaStream.

DSC_1767 - Version 32012-02-26-seltzer-lime-bitters-flavor-charger-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

I like my seltzer very fizzy and with a touch of tart flavor. My favorite water flavor profile has always been a few dashes of Angostura Bitters and a squeeze of fresh lime. In summer I may switch to cucumber.

Lately, I've been experimenting with the ever growing selection of bitters that the cocktail culture has brought to the market. I like some of the Fee Brothers Bitters flavors, lime is my current favorite.

Update October 2015: My new favorite bitters addition is Bittermens Boston Bittahs. I'll do a new post about this bitters and the company who makes it soon, but for now, give it a try if you see it on local shelves or do as I do when I can't find it and buy it from Amazon.

Over the weekend a friend and I discussed alternative ways to add flavor without sweetness to seltzer. She put me onto a bit of pomegranate molasses or flavored tea to the glass. (Thanks Liz!)

DSC_1788 - Version 22012-02-26-lime-bitters-seltzer-cut-crystal-ice-cubes-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

Our conversation sent me searching for new ideas. And, I found a great blog, Former Chef with some wonderful ideas for flavored seltzers. I can't wait to try this ginger mix. Thank you, Chef Kristina! Keep those great flavors coming our way!

Tummy Tamer Soda Syrup; Orange, Mint, Ginger and Anise

Homemade Ginger Syrup and the SodaStream Soda Maker

Home Made Key Lime Syrup

(Be sure to explore the archives when you visit Former Chef, there's lots of great food information on those pages!)

DSC_1764 - Version 22012-02-26-seltzer-lime-bitters-flavor-charger-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

Ed is a straight water guy. No flavor or bubbles needed. But, he was always willing to indulge my love of sparkle. And, I'm sure he's happy now that he only has to carry tiny bottles of bitters to keep me supplied with my favorite flavors. 

Related Posts:

Cool as a Cucumber Summer Sips

How Sodastream Set Me Free!

What's on your food lover's shopping list?

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

Comments

  1. rhea Avatar
    rhea

    I’ve been making my own seltzer for a few years. I add vanilla extract to make it taste like cream soda — without the sugar! I also use almond extract, and a few other flavors found in the baking aisle.

    Reply
  2. Penny Avatar
    Penny

    Thanks for that great idea. I never thought of going to my extract shelf.

    Reply
  3. Peter Avatar
    Peter

    David made a blood orange shrub last week and is committed to making a shrub from whatever fruit is in season from here on out. And, I FINALLY got him to agree to getting a Soda Stream. I’ll get the shrub recipe from him and post it.

    Reply
  4. Penny Avatar
    Penny

    Didn’t you show him the Penguin one? That would have made the sale. I can make your recipe a guest post if you take a photo of it.

    Reply
  5. Kristina Avatar
    Kristina

    Thanks for featuring some of my syrup recipes! I’ve had my soda stream for over 2 years now and still love it!

    Reply
  6. Penny Avatar
    Penny

    Welcome Chef Kristina! Have you tried making a shrub? Peter has put that next on my list. I’m not a fan of sweet drinks so I’ll lean more towards the tart side when I adapt a recipe.

    Reply
  7. Francine Crawford Avatar
    Francine Crawford

    Monin flavored bar syrups, used in moderation, can be delicious with home made selzer. I’m especially fond of Rose, but the Lavender and Elderflower are also fragrant and tint the soda lightly. While many stores carry a variety of Monin syrups (Formaggio’s, Whole Foods), for the largest flavor selection go to Amazon.

    Reply

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