In recent years, homemade sodas and DIY seltzer recipes are everywhere on social media and in magazines, and for good reason. Not only do they allow you to create delicious, bubbly beverages tailored to your taste, but they also come with a host of benefits that traditional soda brands simply can’t match. Let’s dive into the process of making seltzer at home, explore the benefits of using a soda maker, and highlight the delicious flavors of handcrafted drink syrups.

One of the most compelling reasons to opt for homemade sodas is the control you have over the ingredients. With a soda maker like a SodaStream (Belinda has been using the same one gifted to her by Venise since 2015), you can carbonate your water quickly and easily, eliminating the need to purchase cans or bottles at the store. To sweeten or flavor the drink, you can add your own syrups like Simple Goodness Syrups. This not only makes it more convenient but also allows you to customize flavors and sweetness levels to your preference.

It’s worth noting that making your own sodas can lead to some positive changes in your diet. By choosing to use syrups made from real, natural ingredients—like those from Simple Goodness Syrups—you’re opting for beverages that often contain fewer calories and no artificial flavors, dyes, or preservatives that you typically find on a soda ingredient label. And, because their flavor is so complex, and you’re in control of how much you add, you may find yourself using far less syrup than conventional soda makers put in the canned ready to drink sodas. If you use a whole ingredient syrup like Suimple Goodness Syrups, while enjoying your little pick me up you can also enjoy the fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from real fruit, all while reducing your intake of added sugars and chemicals typically found in traditional sodas.

Using a soda maker significantly reduces packaging waste compared to purchasing pre-packaged drinks. Each serving you create helps minimize the environmental impact of bottled and canned beverages. Plus, the economic savings over time are substantial. By cutting out the costs of packaging and shipping, (you’d be surprised how much of the cost of the drinks you consume is because of trucking heavy liquids all over the country from manufacturers to stores) you’re investing in a more sustainable way to enjoy your favorite drinks.

• Soda Maker (e.g., SodaStream)
• Cold Water (filtered if you care)
• Handcrafted Syrups (like Simple Goodness Syrups)
• Swing-Top Bottles (optional, for storage)

Fill the carbonation bottle with cold water, then attach it to your soda maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to carbonate the water to your desired level of fizziness. As a bartender, I often enjoy making a stronger seltzer that stands up nicely in cocktails, but you can adjust the bubbles to your liking!

Once your water is carbonated, it’s time to add the flavor! Pour in your favorite handcrafted syrup, starting with a small amount and adjusting to taste. Some days, I like a full ounce of syrup per 8 ounces of bubbly, for a sweet soda, but most days, I go for a lighter pour of ¼ ounce for every 8 ounces of water. This spoonful of Simple Goodness Syrup in flavors like Apple Pie or Marionberry Mint gives me a full bodied, refreshing seltzer reminiscent of the bubbly waters you find in stores—only much more delicious.

If you want to prepare larger batches, you can store your seltzer in swing-top bottles for a few days. Otherwise, I recommend storing your carbonated water in the manufacturer's bottle and adding syrup just before drinking. This keeps your drink fizzy and fresh!

Crafting your own homemade sodas and DIY seltzer is not just a fun activity—it’s a smart choice for your taste buds, your health, and the environment. With a soda maker, you can easily whip up bubbly beverages that cater to your personal preferences while ensuring you use high-quality ingredients. Plus, if you buy syrups from us at Simple Goodness Syrups, you’ll be supporting local farms and enjoying all the benefits of real food and natural flavors.

Ready to make the switch from traditional soda brands? Grab your soda maker and some Simple Goodness Syrups, and start exploring the delicious world of homemade sodas today! Cheers to healthier, handcrafted beverages!