Cooking Tricks with Soda Water

Soda water instantly brings to mind hot days spent sipping ice-cold fizzy drinks or summer evenings with friends over spritzers. It’s the childhood drink for many of us, and it’s always welcome in a minty lemonade or a classic soda with fruit syrup.

Traditionally used in recipes like vegan pancakes or doughnuts, soda water can elevate your dishes in many unexpected ways. Here are some well-known cooking tricks with soda water, plus a few fun refreshing recipes—just in time for summer.

Key Properties of Soda Water

One common myth about soda water is that it makes you gain weight. Not true! Soda is simply water infused with carbon dioxide—it has zero calories, so it won’t make you gain weight and can even aid recovery after exercise, reduce nausea, hydrate you, ease headaches, and curb sugar cravings. In excess, it may cause bloating or mild throat irritation, but otherwise it’s all benefit.

Dishes You Can Make with Soda Water

Puffed Batters & Desserts

Thanks to its carbonation, soda water helps batters rise and become pillowy soft. For airy pancakes, simply replace still water with soda water in your favorite recipe. For cakes or sponge bases, fold in about 100 ml of soda water (or swap half the milk for soda) and watch the crumb stay moist and fluffy—perfect alongside a slice of cake and a tall glass of fruit-flavored soda.

Crispy Asian-Style Dishes

In Japanese cuisine—think tempura—soda water is mixed 1:1 with flour (plus optional egg or cornstarch) to create an ultra-light, crisp batter. Dip vegetables, seafood, or even schnitzels, and fry for 3–4 minutes. For less oil, cook in a nonstick skillet for 2 minutes per side. Try zucchini fritters with yogurt-herb dip for a summer twist.

Vibrant Vegetables

Boiling broccoli or carrots in soda water reduces oxidation and preserves chlorophyll and carotenoids, yielding brighter colors. It also shortens cooking time and locks in nutrients—much like an ice-water plunge. Some chefs even cook pasta this way for an ethereal bite.

Quick Meat Marinade

A 30-minute soda water marinade makes meat remarkably tender and flavorful—no overnight soak required. Mix soda water with salt, pepper, paprika, or your favorite spices (and a dash of honey or oil if you like), cover, and leave at room temperature before cooking.

Refreshing Beverages

Create vibrant cocktails and mocktails by combining soda water with fruits, herbs, or teas. Try:

• Celery & cucumber with a sprig of rosemary
• Lavender-studded purple plum soda
• Mint & lime for a crisp spritz
• Watermelon cubes for a summery fizz

Or craft iced tea sodas and cold-brew coffee spritzers for coffee lovers.

Other Household Uses

• Stain remover: Blot food or drink spills at restaurants with soda water to lift stains.
• Hair refresher: Rinse lightly dyed hair with soda water to restore vibrancy after pool chlorine exposure.
• Windshield cleaner: Remove bird droppings from car glass with soda water for effortless cleaning.
• Jewelry polish: Warm soda water and soak tarnished pieces, then gently brush with a toothbrush for a sparkle.
• Rust treatment: Pour soda water over rusty bolts or screws, let sit, then scrub off corrosion.

As you can see, soda water doesn’t just quench your thirst—it’s a versatile kitchen and household ally!