While the SodaStream company makes their own flavorings and recipes, you are by no means limited to the brand name ingredients. Many companies create different syrup flavorings that you can use with your beverage. In addition, it has become popular to “hack” your home carbonation kit by adding bubbles to things besides plain water (via CNET). Some fun ideas to try include carbonating juice, such as orange juice sans the champagne. Just note that the fizz works differently than with water, and pulp or no pulp changes things, too. You can carbonate an iced coffee or a cup of tea for a unique take. However, most fans turn to SodaStream to add bubbles to their booze. Lighter liquors work best, while sugary or heavier liquors, like rum, can fall flat. But, if you wish to carbonate your wine, be sure to proceed with caution.
As more people are finding creative ways to entertain and enjoy foods at home, we would expect even more innovations like this — if you can find the CO2 cartridge refills, that is. Users have reported that carbonation cartridge availability remains the biggest ease-of-use issue facing SodaStream owners right now (via WasteDive). As Elizabeth Balkan of ReLoop told the outlet, “There was even a point when I was on Amazon figuring out how to rig my own set-up and fill the tank myself.”
