You don't need to spend all that money on expensive sparkling water when you can make your own over and over again with just two ingredients. Best of all, you can control exactly how much flavor goes into it! This Apple Soda only needs sparkling water and my homemade Apple Brown Sugar Syrup, plus some ice, to give you the perfect fall vibes. Make it a little sweeter, keep it light, or add a little extra syrup when you're really feeling the apple flavor. It takes about one minute to make, and suddenly you've turned plain sparkling water into a fun, fall-flavored Italian soda.
The real star of this drink is my Apple Brown Sugar Syrup, so make a batch and keep it in the fridge when the fall drink cravings hit. If you're looking for more easy drinks, my Dirty Soda and Creamy Lemonade are two more fun ones to try.
Stephanie's Tips
• Give the sparkling water and syrup a gentle stir, so you don't lose all that carbonation before you even take the first sip.
• Want more apple flavor? Add a little extra Apple Brown Sugar Syrup to taste.
• For that tart, puckery apple flavor, start with 1/8 teaspoon citric acid and add a little more if needed.
• Make this right before you're ready to drink it. Once the carbonation is gone, the fun is pretty much over.
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Drinking glass
- Spoon
- Optional soda stream
The equipment section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.
Apple Soda ingredients
- Plain sparkling water: This gives the Apple Soda all those bubbles without adding another flavor or extra sweetness.
- Apple Brown Sugar Syrup: My homemade Apple Brown Sugar Syrup gives this drink its sweet apple flavor with that little hint of brown sugar that makes it perfect for fall.
- Ice: Because this one is definitely best served nice and cold.
For full ingredients and directions, scroll down to the recipe card below.
How to make Apple Soda
In your glass, stir the sparkling water and apple brown sugar syrup together.
Top with ice and enjoy.
How do I serve Apple Soda?
Apple Soda is one of those drinks that works whenever you want something fun without doing a whole lot of work. Make one for an after-school treat, fall movie night, Halloween party, or alongside all those Thanksgiving appetizers. It's cold and bubbly with plenty of apple flavor, but takes literally one minute to throw together.
FAQs (Because Life’s Too Busy for Guesswork)
Yes. You can use club soda, but the flavor may be slightly different because club soda contains added minerals. I prefer plain sparkling water so the apple brown sugar flavor is the star of the drink.
I don't recommend making Apple Soda ahead of time because the sparkling water will lose its carbonation as it sits. Since the drink only takes about one minute to make, it's best to mix it right before serving.
Absolutely. If you don't like carbonated drinks, replace the sparkling water with regular cold water. You won't get the fizzy soda texture, but you'll still have the apple brown sugar flavor.
For more of that tart, puckery apple flavor, add 1/8 teaspoon citric acid and taste the drink. You can gradually increase it up to about 1/4 teaspoon depending on how tart you like it.
Yes. Plain sparkling water lets the apple flavor stand out the most, but you can experiment with lightly flavored sparkling water. Apple or a mild citrus flavor would pair especially well with the apple brown sugar syrup.
Substitutions and variations
- Sparkling water: Club soda can be used, although the added minerals may give it a slightly different flavor. Regular cold water also works if you don't want carbonation.
- Apple Brown Sugar Syrup: I highly recommend using my homemade Apple Brown Sugar Syrup because it's easy to make and costs a fraction of many premade syrups. If you're short on time, you can use a premade apple-flavored syrup instead.
- Make it tart: Add 1/8 teaspoon citric acid, taste, and add a little more if needed for a sour apple twist.
How should I store Apple Soda?
Apple Soda is best enjoyed immediately while the sparkling water is still nice and fizzy. I don't recommend storing leftovers because the carbonation will disappear as the drink sits and you'll end up with flat Apple Soda. Thankfully, it takes about one minute to make another one!
Apple Soda
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Drinking glass
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 8 ounces plain sparkling water
- 2 tablespoons apple brown sugar syrup
- Ice
Instructions
- In your glass, stir the sparkling water and apple brown sugar syrup together.
- Top with ice and enjoy.
Notes
- Apple Soda is best served immediately while the sparkling water is still carbonated.
- Club soda can be used instead of sparkling water, although the flavor may be slightly different.
- For a non-carbonated version, replace the sparkling water with regular cold water.
- For a tart apple flavor, start with 1/8 teaspoon citric acid and increase to taste, up to about 1/4 teaspoon.
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