Turn your SodaStream into a home bar shortcut. These three sparkling cocktails—a citrusy Italian-style spritz, a crisp cucumber-mint cooler, and a boozy berry fizz—use homemade syrups and fresh ingredients to build drinks that taste far more complex than the effort required. Each recipe scales to a single glass, so you can craft one perfect drink without committing to a pitcher.
Ingredients
For the Citrus Spritz:
- 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) Aperol or Campari
- 3 oz (90 ml) dry prosecco or sparkling wine
- 2 oz (60 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice, strained
- 2 oz (60 ml) SodaStream sparkling water (plain or citrus)
- Orange wheel and a sprig of rosemary, for garnish
For the Cucumber-Mint Cooler:
- 2 oz (60 ml) gin or vodka
- 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz (22 ml) simple syrup (see Tips)
- 4 thin cucumber slices, plus more for garnish
- 6 fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
- 3 oz (90 ml) SodaStream sparkling water (plain or lime)
For the Berry Fizz:
- 2 oz (60 ml) silver tequila or mezcal
- 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz (22 ml) agave syrup or simple syrup
- 4 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced, plus 1 for garnish
- 2 oz (60 ml) SodaStream sparkling water (berry or plain)
Instructions
- Make the simple syrup (if using): In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar and 1/2 cup (120 ml) water. Heat over medium, stirring, until the sugar dissolves completely, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Store leftovers in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Prepare your glasses: Fill each serving glass with ice cubes. For the cucumber-mint cooler, gently muddle the cucumber slices and mint leaves in the bottom of the glass with the lime juice and simple syrup—press just enough to release the oils, about 10 seconds. Do not shred the mint.
- Build the drinks: For the citrus spritz, add the Aperol, prosecco, orange juice, and sparkling water directly to the ice-filled glass and stir gently. For the cooler, add the gin and sparkling water to the muddled mixture and stir. For the berry fizz, muddle the strawberry slices with the lime juice and agave in the glass, then add the tequila and sparkling water and stir.
- Garnish and serve: Add the suggested garnish to each drink. Serve immediately while the bubbles are lively.
Tips
- Substitutions: No Aperol? Use Campari or any bitter orange liqueur. No prosecco? Any dry sparkling wine works. For a non-alcoholic version, replace the spirit with extra sparkling water or a splash of non-alcoholic wine.
- Simple syrup shortcut: If you don’t want to make syrup, use 1 teaspoon of honey or agave dissolved in the lime juice before adding the other ingredients. The flavor will shift slightly but still be balanced.
- Common mistake: Over-muddling the mint makes it bitter. Press gently, just to release the aroma. Also, always use fresh citrus juice—bottled juice makes the drink taste flat.
- Carbonation tip: Add the sparkling water last and stir gently to keep the fizz. If you like a stronger fizz, chill all ingredients before mixing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cocktails as an aperitif before dinner, at a brunch, or as a light dessert drink. They pair well with salty snacks like olives, marcona almonds, or a cheese board. For a festive touch, rim the glass with sugar or salt before filling.
Variations
Citrus Spritz: Swap the orange juice for blood orange or grapefruit juice. Add a dash of orange bitters for extra depth. Cucumber-Mint Cooler: Replace the gin with rum or omit the spirit for a refreshing mocktail. Add a few slices of jalapeño for a spicy kick. Berry Fizz: Use raspberries or blackberries instead of strawberries. For a smoky twist, use mezcal and a pinch of smoked salt on the rim.
Storage and Reheating
These cocktails are best made fresh and consumed immediately—the carbonation dissipates quickly. If you need to prep ahead, mix the non-carbonated ingredients (spirit, juice, syrup, muddled fruit) and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. Add the sparkling water and ice only when ready to serve. Simple syrup keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use flavored SodaStream syrups? Yes, but they are sweet and often contain artificial flavors. Use them in place of the simple syrup and reduce the amount to 1/2 oz (15 ml) to avoid an overly sweet drink.
Do I need to use a specific SodaStream model? No, any carbonator works. Just make sure your water is very cold before carbonating—it absorbs more CO2 and gives a better fizz.
Can I make a pitcher for a party? Absolutely. Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and mix everything except the sparkling water in a pitcher. Chill well, then add the sparkling water just before serving over ice.
What if I don’t have a muddler? Use the back of a wooden spoon or a rolling pin. Just be gentle, especially with herbs.
Is there a non-alcoholic version? Yes, simply omit the alcohol and increase the sparkling water to 5 oz (150 ml). For the spritz, use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine or extra sparkling water with a splash of orange juice.
Can I use frozen fruit? Frozen berries work well in the berry fizz—they also help chill the drink. Thaw them slightly before muddling to release their juices.
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