Kitchen & Garden

Sometimes, simplicity is key! A citrus sparkling water is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to enjoy flavored fizz — no sugar, no calories, just fresh citrus and bubbles. It works as a revitalizing drink, a palate cleanser, or a substitute for soda.

Health sources confirm that plain sparkling water hydrates as well as still water.¹ Adding freshly squeezed lemon and lime contributes vitamin C and beneficial flavonoids.²

Because carbonated water can be slightly acidic, regular consumption may affect tooth enamel over time, so moderation or rinsing can help.³

Recipe Overview

Ingredients

• 12 oz (355 ml) sparkling water (chilled)
• Juice of ½ lemon (freshly squeezed)
• Juice of ½ lime (freshly squeezed)
• Ice cubes (optional)
• Lemon and lime slices or wedges (for garnish)
• Optional enhancements: a sprig of mint, a few basil leaves, or a slice of grapefruit for variation

Instructions

1. Chill your glass (optional): Place your glass in the freezer or fill with ice briefly, then discard the ice.
2. Pour sparkling water into the glass.
3. Add citrus juice: Squeeze lemon and lime juices directly into the sparkling water. Stir gently to combine.
4. Add ice if desired.
5. Garnish with citrus slices or herbs.
6. Serve immediately — bubbles fade over time.

Equipment

• Glass or tumbler
• Citrus juicer or reamer
• Spoon or stir stick
• Measuring tools (optional)
• Ice cube tray (if using ice)

Variations & Enhancements

• Citrus Medley Sparkler: Add a splash of orange or grapefruit juice (a few drops, not to add sugar).
• Herbal Citrus Sparkling Water: Muddle a sprig of mint, basil, or rosemary before adding the bubbles.
• Cucumber Citrus: Add a few thin slices of cucumber for a refreshing twist.
• Flavored fizz (light sweetness): Add 1 teaspoon of honey or agave syrup, if you want a hint of sweetness (though this adds calories).
• Infused overnight version: Combine sliced lemons and limes in a pitcher of sparkling water and refrigerate for 30 minutes before adding ice for a more infused flavor.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Total Carbs: 0 g
• Sugars: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Sodium: negligible (depends on sparkling water brand)
• Other micronutrients: trace vitamin C from citrus juice, depending on how much juice and pulp remains

Insights & Tips

• Sparkling water hydrates you just as well as still water — carbonation doesn’t reduce hydration effectiveness.⁴
• While plain sparkling is largely neutral, adding citrus increases acidity. To protect your teeth, drink through a straw or rinse with plain water after.⁵
• Using freshly squeezed citrus yields more vitamins (especially vitamin C) than bottled or concentrated juice.⁶
• Flavored sparkling waters in stores often include “natural flavors” or acids that may exceed plain citrus in acidity. Homemade is safer.⁷
• Sparkling water can help you feel full or more satisfied — reducing the urge to reach for sugary drinks.⁸

Recipe Notes

• Bubbles fade quickly — always consume soon after mixing for best fizz.
• Use cold sparkling water to preserve carbonation when mixing.
• Avoid over-squeezing citrus peel into the drink, which can introduce bitterness.
• If using flavored sparkling water, ensure it’s unsweetened and free from additives.
• Adjust citrus ratio to taste — some prefer more lemon, others more lime.

FAQs

Citrus Sparkling Water Recipe Summary

Healthy Citrus Sparkling Water Recipe: Detox in 2 Mins

Carter

Sometimes, simplicity is key! A citrus sparkling water is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to enjoy flavored fizz — no sugar, no calories, just fresh citrus and bubbles. It works as a revitalizing drink, a palate cleanser, or a substitute for soda.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Total Time 2 minutes mins

Course Drinks, Non Alcoholic Beverages

Cuisine General, Refreshment

Servings 1 Glass

Equipment

• Glass or tumbler
• Citrus juicer or reamer
• Spoon or stir stick
• Measuring tools (optional)
• Ice cube tray (if using ice)

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz 355 ml sparkling water chilled
• Juice of ½ lemon freshly squeezed
• Juice of ½ lime freshly squeezed
• Ice cubes optional
• Lemon and lime slices or wedges for garnish
• Optional enhancements: a sprig of mint a few basil leaves, or a slice of grapefruit for variation

Instructions

 

• Chill your glass (optional): Place your glass in the freezer or fill with ice briefly, then discard the ice. Pour sparkling water into the glass.
  
• Add citrus juice: Squeeze lemon and lime juices directly into the sparkling water. Stir gently to combine.
  
• Add ice if desired. Garnish with citrus slices or herbs and serve immediately — bubbles fade over time.
  

Notes

• Bubbles fade quickly — always consume soon after mixing for best fizz.
• Use cold sparkling water to preserve carbonation when mixing.
• Avoid over-squeezing citrus peel into the drink, which can introduce bitterness.
• If using flavored sparkling water, ensure it is unsweetened and free from additives.
• Adjust citrus ratio to taste — some prefer more lemon, others more lime.

Keyword citrus sparkling water, detox drinks, healthy drinks

List of References

1. Ariane Lang. (April 2020). Does Sparkling Water Hydrate You? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/does-sparkling-water-hydrate-you ↩︎
2. Annette McDermott. (January 2024). Ways Your Body Benefits from Lemon Water. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/benefits-of-lemon-water. ↩︎
3. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois. (May 2025). Is Carbonated (Sparkling) Water Good for You? Health. https://www.health.com/is-sparkling-water-good-for-you-8665829. ↩︎
4. Ariane Lang. (April 2020). Does Sparkling Water Hydrate You? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/does-sparkling-water-hydrate-you ↩︎
5. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois. (May 2025). Is Carbonated (Sparkling) Water Good for You? Health. https://www.health.com/is-sparkling-water-good-for-you-8665829. ↩︎
6. Annette McDermott. (January 2024). Ways Your Body Benefits from Lemon Water. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/benefits-of-lemon-water. ↩︎
7. Kaiser Permanente. (April 2023). Are flavored sparkling waters bad for you? Kaiser Permanente. https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/healtharticle.are-fruit-flavored-sparkling-waters-bad-for-you. ↩︎
8. Editorial Press. (February 2022). Is Sparkling Water Good for You? Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-sparkling-water-healthy. ↩︎
9. Ariane Lang. (April 2020). Does Sparkling Water Hydrate You? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/does-sparkling-water-hydrate-you. ↩︎
10. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois. (May 2025). Is Carbonated (Sparkling) Water Good for You? Health. https://www.health.com/is-sparkling-water-good-for-you-8665829. ↩︎
11. Christine Mikstas. (February 2023). Sparkling Water: Are There Benefits? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/sparkling-water-health-benefits. ↩︎
12. Editorial Press. (February 2022). Is Sparkling Water Good for You? Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-sparkling-water-healthy. ↩︎