Prepare to Get Fizzy: Sparkling Everything Is THE Drink Trend of 2018
People love to sparkle, and I'm not just talking about swiping on extra highlighter. This year will be the year of sparkling everything in the world of drinks: from a surge of kombucha-like probiotic waters to an increased desire for guilty-pleasure "sodas" that are actually healthy, 2018 is all about getting fizzy. Perhaps the Kirakira craze has made its way to the food sphere — it's the edible version of the shimmer-and-glitter phenomenon, if you will. Or maybe it's just the fact that the word "sparkling" makes everything seem a little bit more fun, cold-brew coffee included (looking at you, Stumptown, which has debuted Honey Lemon Sparkling Cold Brew).
This year, we'll see more eye-catching sparkling waters on shelves than ever before; La Croix's comeback was only the beginning. Look out for Alta Palla, the brightly colored cans of sparkling waters and juices, at Whole Foods and Good Idea Drinks, the "Swedish sugar buster" that wants to help kick people's soda habits one Sparkling Orange Mango Water at a time.
If you're feeling adventurous, you might go for a pickle-flavored probiotic gut shot that tastes like garlicky pickle soda. Maybe you've thought about giving up coffee but still want the caffeine fix, and you'd be able to turn to Phocus, a Kentucky-based company that makes naturally caffeinated, calorie-free sparkling water (the secret is extractions from green tea leaves). Next-level machines will even translate the trend from stores for the masses to homes for the serious aficionados. Drinkmate can carbonate anything from lemonade to wine and will help satisfy seltzer cravings at a moment's notice.
Spark your interest (see what I did there?) by trying out some of the unique recipes ahead that put an unexpected fizzy twist on classics, like green tea "soda," homemade sparkling cold brew, and a bubbly fruit smoothie. Embracing sparkling everything is just one of the biggest trends of 2018.
Sparkling Strawberry Margarita Punch
Champagne isn't a typical ingredient in margaritas, but adding a touch of bubbly to the tart, tequila-based drink lightens it up and makes it even more refreshing.
Get the recipe: sparkling strawberry margarita punch
Sparkling Cold Brew
You'll spot fancy sparkling cold brews on grocery store shelves this year, but you can DIY it on the cheap, too. Instead of adding flat water to cold-brew concentrate, try sparkling water for an extra boost in the morning.
Get the recipe: sparkling cold brew
Green Tea Soda
"Green tea" and "soda" don't usually belong in the same sentence, but thanks to this genius recipe, you can have a glass of healthy green tea while feeling like you're indulging in a citrusy soft drink.
Get the recipe: green tea soda
Sparkling Cider
Warm, spiked cider might be reserved for the colder months, but fans of apple cider will want to try this sparkling take any time of year.
Get the recipe: sparkling cider
5-Ingredient Sparkling Smoothie
A surefire way to get out of your smoothie-recipe rut is to switch things up with sparkling water! This five-ingredient smoothie combines frozen fruit, creamy coconut milk, banana, and sparkling lime water for a zesty punch.
Get the recipe: five-ingredient sparkling smoothie
Sparkling Mango Chili Lime Agua Fresca
Doctor up unflavored La Croix with this simple recipe for mango chili lime agua fresca. You can even make it happy hour-appropriate by adding a dash of vodka or tequila.
Get the recipe: sparkling mango chili lime agua fresca
Sparkling Hibiscus Sangria
Regular red or white wine is usually the star of sangria, so try this fun take that calls for sparkling wine like Prosecco, and you might never go back.
Get the recipe: sparkling hibiscus sangria
Sparkling Mint Limemade
Whether you're not an alcohol drinker, you're giving up booze for the month, or you're serving drinks for all ages, this sparkling mint limemade will make you forget about cocktails.
Get the recipe: sparkling mint limemade