SPARKLING WATER Recipe

Chill and prepare glass

If possible, chill your glass in the refrigerator for 5–10 minutes beforehand. When ready, add 4 ice cubes to a tall glass.

Add sweetener (optional)

If you want a slightly sweetened sparkling water, add 1 teaspoon of simple syrup or the sweetener of your choice to the glass over the ice. Stir briefly to dissolve.

Pour sparkling water

Slowly pour 1 cup of cold sparkling (carbonated) water into the glass to preserve fizz. Pour down the side of the glass or tilt the glass slightly.

Garnish

Squeeze the fresh lemon wedge lightly over the drink to release a few drops of juice, then drop the wedge into the glass. Optionally smack a mint sprig between your palms to release aroma and tuck it into the glass as a garnish.

Serve immediately while carbonated. Stir gently if needed to combine sweetener. For larger servings, scale quantities (e.g., 4 cups sparkling water, 16 ice cubes, 4 lemon wedges, 4 tsp sweetener).