If you’re the type of person who loves experimenting with your morning brew, you may have wondered: What happens if I brew coffee with sparkling water instead of regular water?
It sounds wild—and maybe even a little wrong—but coffee lovers and baristas around the world have been toying with this fizzy trend for a while now.
So, what does carbonated coffee taste like? Is it actually good? And should you try it? Let’s dive in.
First: Can You Even Brew Coffee with Sparkling Water?
Technically, yes, but it depends on how you do it.
If you try pouring sparkling water directly into a coffee maker or pour-over, you’re likely to run into some issues. The carbonation can interfere with the brewing process, making it inconsistent or under-extracted. But that hasn’t stopped people from trying a few different methods, such as:
- Cold brewing with sparkling water
- Mixing espresso with sparkling water
- Making a sparkling americano or tonic espresso
The results? Surprisingly refreshing if you do it right.
What It Tastes Like
Brewing or mixing coffee with sparkling water gives you a drink that’s:
- Lighter and more refreshing than your typical hot coffee
- Crisp and slightly tart, depending on the water’s mineral content
- Bright and bubbly, often with a cleaner finish
Think of it as somewhere between coffee and soda: not sweet, but definitely sparkly, punchy, and refreshing. It’s a popular choice in the summer or when you want an afternoon pick-me-up that isn’t heavy.
Popular Sparkling Coffee Drinks to Try
If brewing coffee with sparkling water seems like a stretch, start with drinks that combine the two after brewing.
Here are a few fan favourites:
1. Espresso Tonic
One of the most well-known sparkling coffee drinks. It’s made by pouring a shot of espresso over ice and tonic water. The quinine from the tonic gives it a zesty, slightly bitter kick that is perfect with citrusy beans.
2. Sparkling Cold Brew
Just mix your cold brew concentrate with sparkling water, a few ice cubes, and maybe a slice of lemon or orange. It’s fizzy, flavourful, and super refreshing.
3. Carbonated Cold Brew
For the adventurous, you can actually infuse cold brew with CO₂ using a soda siphon. This gives the coffee a uniform fizz from start to finish.
Pros of Using Sparkling Water in Coffee
- Adds texture and fizz without needing sugar or milk
- Enhances light, fruity flavour notes in certain beans
- Caffeine boost with a refreshing twist
- Great for hot days or when you want something different
Cons (Because, Let’s Be Real)
- Not all coffees pair well. Unfortunately, dark roasts can taste muddy with carbonation
- Brewing with carbonated water directly isn’t very reliable
- Some people find the flavour combo a bit odd
- Sparkling water can flatten quickly, especially if you’re mixing hot espresso into it
Should You Try Brewing Coffee with Sparkling Water?
If you’re curious and love coffee experiments, yes, go for it!
Start with a sparkling cold brew or an espresso tonic before diving into full-on carbonated brews. It’s a fun way to explore new textures and flavours without straying too far from your coffee comfort zone.
