Make Refreshing Drinks for Pennies
I recently discovered a machine to make sparkling water that has been a game changer for me in terms of convenience and saving money. I discovered this while visiting friends in Chicago. They offered me sparkling water and my kids a French soda. I watched with amazement as they walked to a machine, hit a button, and served me the best sparkling water in under 5 seconds. I was impressed.
The first thing I thought of was the money savings and then the convenience. I bought one later that week. These machines cost around $100 upfront, but they're worth the investment if you're a fan of sparkling water. Using a sparkling water maker can save you a lot of money in the long run. A bottle of sparkling water costs about $2, but making it yourself costs only around $0.28 per bottle.
Plus, they're better for the environment since they eliminate the need for plastic bottles and other disposable containers. It's a convenient way to enjoy a refreshing drink whenever you want without having to haul cases of water from the store. In addition, since it doesn't require a cord, it's easy to place anywhere in your kitchen.
I purchased the My Soda because I loved the design and color choices. It is about half the cost of other machines, but with the shipping cost from Europe, it is about the same price in the end. Regardless of the brand you choose, a sparkling water maker is a must-have if you like sparkling water.
If you aren’t in the routine of buying sparking water, give it a try. It is a lovely drink with a wedge of lemon or lime, and you can use it to make healthy and economical drinks the whole family will love. Another reason why my friends in Chicago, who are French, have a soda maker is that they use it to make French sodas. Everyone loves French sodas.
In France, children and adults enjoy drinks we call French sodas. They are made with flavored syrups and still water or sparkling water. These syrups are a staple in French homes and cafés. The syrups come in hundreds of flavors and are used instead of purchasing commercially made sodas or other beverages. I’m not a fan of soda pop, but French syrups get an A+. They have been a staple in my house for years because they are economical and environmentally friendly. I can also control the calories in each drink, and with dozens of flavors, they are exciting! And often better quality than many other beverage choices.
To make a French syrup drink, mix one part syrup to ten parts mixer- flat or sparkling water. Et voila! You will have a French soda in seconds and for pennies. My favored brand of French syrup is Maison 1883, made in the traditional French style using water from the Alps and at least 10% real fruit juice and pure cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup. Flavors include rose, lavender, cassis, lemon, raspberry, cucumber, and mixed berry- there is something for every palate. They can also be used in making desserts, cocktails, and mocktails.
A bottle of 1883 syrup costs about $10, and you’ll get about 80 servings. Combine this with a sparkling water maker, and you’ll make fabulous drinks for pennies. You can use them in cooking, and they also make unique and practical gifts. Learn more about French syrups here, and find your sparkling water maker on Amazon or at My Soda.
