Having purchasing a mini regulator that works with soda stream cannisters, I decided to try something new in my brewery.
I find that I really enjoy sparkling water, not as a replacement to beer but more of an adjunct ;)
However, cans of the stuff can be fairly expensive but I still like having some on hand most of the time. It works as a nice way to stay hydrated while enjoying a carbonated no-alcohol beverage.
So I did some research and it turns out most of us have everything we need to whip up a quick batch of sparkling water.
Ingredients
RO water (Chlorine or Chloramine would give a sub-optimal flavor)
Mineral salts (optional) if you want it to taste like Pierrer water
CO2
Flavor extracts (optional)
My Method
Sanitize Keg
Boil Water (optional - I didn't do this and figured the bottled water from the store was safe as-is.)
Fill keg with water just below gas dip tube level (I used a 1.2 gallon ball lock keg)
Add mineral salts if desired (I did not)
Add Flavoring extract (optional - I went with 3 drops of mint extract from my kitchen)
Connect CO2 and set to 20-30PSI for a few days
Considerations
Beer kegs generally run 10-12PSI but this stuff needs 20-30PSI so you may not be able to connect directly to your kegerator or beer CO2 tank without a secondary inline regulator, splitting the system into a 30PSI line out of the tank then a secondary 12PSI line for the beer run.
I used my mini regulator connected to a soda stream cannister and I set it at 25 PSI. This worked well and didn't alter my setup for beer carbonation. Was ready to drink in about 2 days
Be sure to check keg for leaks or your gas will run out quickly at this pressure
The mint flavor was dialed in where I like it at 3 drops per gallon, so be very careful adding extracts. You can always add more as oxidation is not really a concern here.
Bubly brand sell extract concentrates for Soda Stream machines. I plan to experiment with these next.
Final Thoughts
Honestly this was about as easy of a "brew day" as I could ever imagine. No mash, lauder, sparge, boil, chill, ferment..... Just add water, close it up and carbonate :)
The mint version I made was one of the more refreshing sparkling waters I have ever had. As good or even better than the commercial ones but we control the flavors and can blend to create an unlimited number of flavors.
Not sure but it seems like it wouldn't take too much effort to try a dry hop and make some sparkling hop water. I will give this a try as well but I was thinking maybe steeping the hops at around 60F in the keg for 3-5 days then remove the hop sleeve and carbonate. I'll keep you posted.
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