Seltzers Recipe

Chill and gather

Chill the sparkling water and glasses in the fridge for at least 30 minutes if possible. Gather ice, chosen flavor additions, and garnishes so assembly is quick and preserves carbonation.

If using berry purée: mash 2–3 fresh berries in a small bowl and push through a fine sieve or use a fork to make a smooth tablespoon-sized purée. If using simple syrup or ginger syrup, measure it out.

Prepare glass

Fill a highball or Collins glass about three-quarters full with fresh ice (about 1 cup). If rimming the glass, wet the rim lightly with a citrus wedge and dip into a shallow plate of salt.

Add base flavors

Add the chosen flavor additions to the glass: 1/2 oz fresh lemon, lime, or orange juice OR 1 tbsp berry purée OR 3 cucumber slices and 6 mint leaves (lightly muddled) OR 1/2 tsp ginger syrup. Add 1/2 tsp flavored simple syrup/agave if you want extra sweetness. For a subtle aromatic layer, add 2 dashes of bitters.

Muddle gently (if needed)

If using herbs (mint/basil), cucumber, or berries, gently muddle 3–4 times to release aroma and juice. Do not over-muddle mint (which can become bitter).

Top with sparkling water

Pour 12 oz chilled sparkling water or club soda slowly down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation and avoid splashing over the ice. Stir gently once with a bar spoon or straw to integrate flavors without flattening the bubbles.

Finish and garnish

Garnish with a lemon or lime wheel, a sprig of mint or basil, and/or a couple fresh berries or a cucumber ribbon. Serve immediately while fizzy.

To make a pitcher (4 servings): multiply base sparkling water to 48 oz (about 1.4 liters) and scale flavor additions: 2 oz fresh citrus (lemon/lime/orange), 4 tbsp berry purée, or 12 cucumber slices with 24 mint leaves lightly bruised. Add syrups to taste (about 2 tsp) and stir gently before chilling briefly. Add ice and individual garnishes when serving to keep carbonation intact.

Non-alcoholic cocktail note: for a more complex non-alc seltzer, combine 3/4 oz non-alcoholic aperitif or 1/4 oz verjus with the fruit addition, then top with sparkling water.