If you think your morning brew needs a little fizz, sparkling coffee might be your next obsession. A refreshing twist on traditional iced coffee, sparkling coffee combines espresso or cold brew with carbonated water and optional flavor enhancements like citrus or syrups. In 2025, it’s trending big as a summer favorite and a caffeine fix that’s both bold and bubbly.
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Whether you’re a home barista or simply curious, this guide will walk you through how to make sparkling coffee step by step, with tips for flavor variations and equipment recommendations.
What Is Sparkling Coffee?
Sparkling coffee is a chilled beverage that mixes carbonated water with espresso or cold brew concentrate. The result is a light, effervescent drink that balances bitterness with fizz and flavor. Unlike sodas or sugary energy drinks, it can be made with no added sugar and tailored to your taste.
It’s especially popular in Scandinavian cafés and among third-wave coffee lovers who appreciate both innovation and balance.
Benefits of Sparkling Coffee
- Low in calories if made without syrups
- Refreshing alternative to traditional iced coffee
- Energizing with a clean finish and less heaviness
- Customizable with fruits, herbs, and coffee types
Plus, it’s perfect for summer or post-workout hydration, especially when served over ice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make one 12–16 oz glass of sparkling coffee, here’s what you need:
- 1 shot (30–60 ml) espresso or 1/4 cup cold brew concentrate
- 1 cup (240 ml) chilled sparkling water or club soda
- Ice cubes
- Optional flavor boosters: Lemon, lime, orange peel, mint, vanilla, or coffee syrups
You can also use flavored sparkling waters like grapefruit or yuzu for an extra kick.
Equipment
- Espresso machine or cold brew maker (French press, AeroPress, or store-bought concentrate)
- Tall glass or tumbler
- Stirring spoon
- Optional: Soda maker (like SodaStream) if you want to carbonate your own water
How to Make Sparkling Coffee: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Brew Your Coffee
If using espresso, pull a fresh shot and let it cool for a minute. If using cold brew, ensure it’s concentrated and chilled. You can also pre-chill brewed coffee in the fridge for a few hours if you prefer.
Step 2: Prepare the Glass
Fill a tall glass with ice. Add a few citrus slices or mint leaves at this stage if you like flavor infusions.
Step 3: Add Sparkling Water
Pour your sparkling water into the glass, filling it about three-quarters full. Always add this before the coffee to avoid overflowing or fizzing over.
Step 4: Slowly Add the Coffee
Gently pour your espresso or cold brew over the back of a spoon into the glass. This helps layer the coffee and keeps the bubbles intact.
Step 5: Stir and Serve
Give your sparkling coffee a gentle stir and taste. Adjust with a touch of simple syrup, maple syrup, or a squeeze of lemon or lime for acidity.
Drink immediately while it’s cold and carbonated.
Flavor Variations to Try
- Citrus Sparkling Americano: Espresso + lemon zest + plain soda water
- Ginger Cold Brew Sparkler: Cold brew + ginger beer + lime
- Tonic Espresso: Espresso + tonic water + orange peel
- Mint Mocha Fizz: Cold brew + mint leaves + chocolate syrup + club soda
Experiment with your favorite flavors to find a version that’s uniquely yours.
Pro Tips for the Best Sparkling Coffee
- Use high-quality water: Filtered sparkling water tastes cleaner and elevates the coffee’s flavor
- Don’t over-carbonate: Too much fizz can overpower the coffee taste
- Serve immediately: Sparkling coffee loses its texture if it sits too long
- Use light-roast coffee: It has fruitier, brighter notes that pair well with bubbles
Can You Make Sparkling Coffee Ahead of Time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep parts of the drink in advance. Brew your coffee and chill it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just pour over sparkling water and ice.
Avoid pre-mixing carbonated water and coffee together hours ahead—it will go flat.
Is Sparkling Coffee Healthy?
Yes, especially if you skip sugary syrups. It’s low in calories, hydrating, and has the same caffeine kick as other cold coffee drinks without dairy or added sweeteners. Plus, it’s gentler on the stomach compared to hot acidic brews.
If you’re sensitive to caffeine, opt for a sparkling decaf version using Swiss Water Process cold brew and citrus.
Where to Buy Sparkling Coffee (If You’re Not Making It)
In 2025, many coffee brands now sell canned sparkling coffee. Look for these in specialty grocery stores or online:
- Dash Coffee Sodas
- Keepers Sparkling Coffee
- Philosophy Coffee Spritz
- Rise Nitro Oat Sparkling Coffee
These offer convenience but still taste close to the homemade experience.
Final Thoughts
Sparkling coffee is more than just a trend—it’s a new way to enjoy your daily dose of caffeine with a refreshing twist. It’s light, crisp, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re winding down in the afternoon or looking for a low-sugar energy boost, this fizzy coffee alternative deserves a spot in your summer drink rotation.
Try it once, and it might just become your favorite at-home coffee ritual.
