Club Soda Recipe

Chill and prepare glassware

Place a highball or Collins glass in the refrigerator or freezer for 5–10 minutes to chill, or fill it with ice and let it stand while you prepare other elements. Chilled glass helps preserve carbonation and keeps the drink crisp.

Add ice

If you didn’t chill the glass in the fridge, fill the glass with 4–6 fresh ice cubes until about three-quarters full. Use larger cubes if available to slow dilution.

Measure and pour club soda

Hold the bottle or can of chilled carbonated water at a slight angle and slowly pour 8 fl oz (about 240 ml) into the glass over the ice to minimize foaming and retain as much carbonation as possible.

Optional seasoning and sweetness

If you prefer a touch of sweetness, add 1/2 tsp simple syrup. For a brighter minerality, add a tiny pinch of sea salt and gently stir once with a bar spoon to incorporate. Stirring gently prevents excessive loss of carbonation.

Garnish and serve

Run a lemon or lime wedge around the rim and drop it into the glass, or squeeze a half-wedge for a hint of citrus before discarding the pulp if you prefer just the aroma. Serve immediately with a straw or stirring spoon.