Waterloo Black Cherry Sparkling Water Recipe
12oz can black cherry sparkling water, no sugar, no sodium, no calories
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Ingredients
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Sparkling Black Cherry Beverage (makes twelve 12-oz cans)
Method
Sparkling Black Cherry Beverage
Prepare flavor base
In a small saucepan or heatproof container, combine the filtered water (250 ml) and citric acid (18 g). Warm gently over low heat or stir until the citric acid fully dissolves. This creates a tart acid solution that brightens the cherry flavor. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
Dissolve preservative (optional)
If using potassium sorbate, dissolve the 4 g into the cooled citric acid solution and stir until fully incorporated. This step is optional for home use but helps shelf stability for canned product.
Blend flavors
In a large, sanitized mixing container (able to hold at least 5 liters), pour the chilled carbonated water (reserve about 250 ml of the carbonated water to adjust fizz later if needed). Add the black cherry juice concentrate (240 ml) and the natural black cherry flavoring (12 ml). Slowly stir to combine. Note: stir gently to avoid excessive loss of carbonation; use a mixing paddle at low speed or a sanitized spoon.
Incorporate acid solution
Slowly pour the cooled citric acid (and potassium sorbate, if used) solution into the flavor/carbonated water mixture while gently stirring. Taste a small sample. If you prefer a slightly sweeter profile without calories, add a very small amount of stevia extract to taste (start with a pinch or 1/32 tsp dissolved in a little water). Mix gently.
Adjust and chill
If carbonation seems reduced after blending, top up with the reserved chilled carbonated water and stir very gently. Once flavor and acidity are balanced (bright cherry with light tartness, no residual sweetness for true 'no sugar' profile), chill the beverage to refrigerator temperature (2–4°C / 35–40°F).
Fill and package (home bottling/canning guidance)
Sanitize 12 x 12-oz (355 ml) cans or bottles and a filling vessel. Under sanitary conditions, fill each 12-oz container, leaving about 0.5 in (1.2 cm) headspace to preserve carbonation. Seal immediately with appropriate seamer or caps. For home use, use tight screw-cap bottles rather than cans unless you have proper canning equipment.
Settle and carbonate (if needed)
If additional carbonation is desired, use a CO2 tank and counter-pressure filler to carbonate and fill. For basic home production without carbonation equipment, keep the beverage refrigerated and serve immediately over ice to maintain fizz.
Serving
Serve chilled in a 12-oz can or glass. Garnish optionally with a fresh black cherry or a sprig of mint. Refrigerate any opened containers and consume within 2–3 days for best fizz and flavor if not properly sealed in cans.