Sparkling Water “Mocktails” Party with SodaStream

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Can you believe that there are only a few weeks left of 2015? Who is eating everything in sight and counting down the last days of the month before their “resolution” starts? I used to struggle with my weight and I remember thinking things like “Okay, after the holidays (knowing that I would be gluttonous) I’ll be better, starting on new years day!”  Oh really? (Insert eye roll here.) This year I’ve lost 55 pounds, and honestly I was a bit nervous about holiday parties this year. I didn’t want all of the gatherings involving treats and baked goods to set me back.

In an effort to make better choices, I decided to throw a little sparkling water mocktail party. For this “mocktails and merriment” themed night, I asked guests to bring an appetizer to share and I would provide everything for making delicious beverages using the new SodaStream Power, it’s an automatic sparkling water maker. Let me tell you what, I own one of the first SodaStream machines from a few years ago (and have LOVED it) so this new one was especially fancy!The drink mix choices I served included: Sparkling Lime Basil, Sparkling Blackcurrant Lime, Zeros Cranberry Raspberry and Sparkling Fruits Berry Mix. I had cranberries, blueberries, lemon slices, orange slices, fresh basil, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, maraschino cherries as garnishes, and different kinds of glasseware to choose from. I made this printable recipe card for my guests to write down the recipe they created, since the possibilities and flavor combinations are endless, you’d definitely want to write it down so you could recreate it at home. The best tasting and most attractive creations earned SodaStream Sparkling Drink Mixes wrapped up as a little gift. I think my drink tasted the best, here is the recipe I created:
Cranberry, Raspberry, Lemon & Basil Sparkling Water Recipe (say that 5 times fast)

For this recipe you’ll need:

• Cranberry Raspberry Sparkling Drink Mix (prepared using a SodaStream Power)
• 1 slice of lemon
• 1 large basil leaf
• 3 fresh cranberries
• A fancy glass

Directions:

To work the SodaStream, simply fill the container with water to the marked line. Holding the bottle, push back into the machine, it will secure itself in when you push it in. Push the water drop button (on the top) for the desired amount of carbonation. Add 1 cap full of Cranberry Raspberry Sparkling Drink Mix or get crazy and mix two flavors!Add fresh cranberries, a slice of lemon and a large leaf of basil to garnish and Enjoy!I love having the option to make sparking water with little to no calories, especially for when I just want a little something to sweeten it up. If you’re looking for the SodaStream Power, you can buy directly from their website or pick one up at Target or Bed, Bath & Beyond.

What is your favorite flavor combinations of SodaStream Sparkling Water ?