Questions · A little reassurance
Before the First Pour
A few useful answers, whether you are making one glass or getting the table ready for friends.
Can I put fruit juice in my carbonator?
Only if your exact machine and bottle are explicitly approved for that liquid. With a water-only carbonator, carbonate plain water first, then add juice in the serving glass. Never assume that another model’s permissions apply to yours. See our equipment safety notes.
Why does my drink go flat so quickly?
Warm ingredients, vigorous stirring, long waits and a large amount of still base can all reduce sparkle. Chill everything, add sparkling water last and serve promptly. Heavy fruit pulp can also encourage rapid bubbling.
Can I make the drinks ahead?
Prepare the still fruit or herbal base earlier the same day and refrigerate it in a clean covered container. Add ice and sparkling water just before serving. Keep fresh bases cold; do not leave them out on a warm table for hours.
Do I have to add sugar?
No. Start with ripe fruit and taste before sweetening. Fruit juice already contains sugars; omitting syrup does not make a drink sugar-free. If you use syrup, offer it separately so guests can adjust their own glass.
Why is my fruit drink cloudy or foamy?
Fruit pulp makes drinks cloudy and can encourage rapid bubbling. Strain the base and pour sparkling water slowly for a smoother result. Some natural cloudiness is expected, but unexpected changes during storage are a reason to discard a fresh mixture.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes. Choose unsweetened fruit, follow the package instructions and thaw safely in the refrigerator when appropriate. Use the released juice and chill the base before mixing. Some frozen produce has specific preparation requirements, so read the label.
Are tonic water and sparkling water interchangeable?
Not directly. Tonic contains quinine and usually sugar or sweeteners. It changes the bitterness and sweetness of a recipe written for plain sparkling water. For the most predictable result, use the water specified in the recipe.
Are these drinks completely alcohol-free?
The recipes use no alcoholic ingredients and do not rely on fermentation. Check purchased flavourings, extracts and bitters, which may contain alcohol. If you require a particular certified alcohol-free standard, verify each packaged ingredient rather than relying on the name of a drink.
How do I scale a recipe for guests?
Multiply the still ingredients by the number of servings, keep the base chilled and add sparkling water near serving time. Offer syrup separately for individual adjustment. Our fruit-drink hosting notes explain the workflow.
Can I use still water instead?
Yes. Replace the sparkling water with cold still drinking water, then taste again. You may prefer a small adjustment to citrus or sweetness. A still-water option is a thoughtful addition to a shared table.