Bubbly waters are one of my absolute favorite treats. That hit of spicy bubbles and the cold water is too good. I would say at minimum I’m having two bubbly waters a day, but I can get up to five or six on a casual weekend day. I often pack one for lunch specifically because it’s a little moment of zen in an otherwise busy day. Lunch break feels more complete with a can of bubbly water.
I can’t remember a time when I really enjoyed sparkling water before I studied abroad in Berlin. In the US it was barely an option as far as I can remember before more recently. Now we’re getting offered water ‘mit gas,’ but 10 years ago, not in the restaurants I was frequenting. It felt cool and foreign to order abroad, so I started doing it all the time and started to really love it.
You can’t have a post about bubbly water and not mention La Croix. I know it’s not the OG, but it's the one that popped in the cultural zeitgeist recently. I was ready to tell you that La Croix was even a recent phenomenon, but this stuff has been around since 1980! I also just learned it was invented by a brewing company called G Heileman Brewing Company, which is cool because I also like brewing companies, and this one was started in 1858. Not only that, but they started making La Croix in response to Perrier’s stuck up vibe and wanted it to be a drink for the people. The name comes from La Crosse, Wisconsin, where the brewery was, and the St. Croix river. But this isn’t all about La Croix. I have many specific opinions and rankings, and I know not everyone agrees, but I’ll lay out some of the best ones here with some reasons. These aren’t necessarily in most favorite to least favorite, because sometimes the mood strikes for variety.
First, the go-to everyday ole reliable for me is Kirkland Signature Sparkling Water. This is ten bucks for a 35 rack and maybe there’s too many limes in there, but this stuff rocks. It’s one of the most carbonated options out there, which I love. Perrier falls pretty low on my list because it has a subtle bubble, which just feels like it’s going flat. Either be bubbly and commit, or just be flat. I do need to have these boys cold as the rockies though. I love an insulated koozie even just for a few minutes. It does not take me long to drink 12 ounces of bubbly water. Usually 4 to 5 sips over the course of 4 to 5 minutes, but still, ice cold. If one gets warm on me, I’ll just slam it and go grab a new one. It’s still water anyway. Pun not intended.
Next on the list is the glass 16 ounce Topo Chico bottle. You need a bottle opener or something for leverage, but this thing brings the luxury. Also very highly bubbly, this one is a bit more of a treat. I rarely have more than one of these a day. They take a bit more time with the bottle making you slow down, but it works. I think the mineral flavor in these is actually the best, but I just don’t throw them back like the Kirkland Signatures.
Of course La Croix comes back into the scene. For me this was the one that started my habit of throwing a couple of these back a day. Always had some in the fridge. La Croix has some banger flavors that my other top brands don’t approach. Kirklands and Topos go for plain or standard citrus, which is fine and all, but La Croix’s creativity brings new highs and new lows. One high is Limoncello, which slaps very hard, but key lime is kind of a miss. Limoncello’s vanilla vibe pairs well with the lemon, but the attempt at a sweetness in the key lime is its downfall.
Mineragua, which I think is by the Jarritos people, also has a great balance of mineral flavor, and although I don’t usually have it stocked at home, it is a frequent pick up at the gas station. S. Pelligrino is okay, but too low on the carbonation for me. I do get it for Ellie though if you spotted it in the fridge.
A new contender is the sparkling hop water. As a big fan of beer and hops, I’ve been into this idea for a while. Myself and others tried their hands at it for a while and it didn’t quite hit at first. A bit vegetal and bitter, the hops just weren’t working super well in just water. Now however, I still haven’t made good hop water, but several companies have got it down, and I’m sold. I don’t slam it all day, but replace a beer with that and it’s a great weeknight drink. Plus any of these options make good mixers. Hop water and white wine works surprisingly well!
The best thing about the bubbly water is that you can have a bunch. Absolute guilt free indulgence. I’m over here hydrating and it’s delightful. Although I will say that cold still water feels more refreshing if you’re really thirsty, nothing can beat cool to cold still water on that front.
I may do a deeper dive on some of these, because they truly are one of my favorite things, and that’s what this blog is all about! I had a lot of fun learning more just about La Croix, and there’s a bunch of stuff I didn’t even talk about. Go out and treat yourself a little today with an ice cold one. Did I write this mostly so I could show off the drink fridge picture? Maybe a little. Prost!
I can’t agree with you on the Limoncello
I must try hop water!