Quick answer
Carbonate cold water first, then add bubly drops to the already-fizzy water. Use about 1/4 teaspoon (roughly 1.25 ml) per 1 liter of carbonated water, or follow the bottle's markings. Adding drops before carbonation or pouring them into a full bottle can knock out bubbles and leave you with flat, uneven flavor.
Why order matters more than you think
bubly drops are a natural flavor essence, not a syrup. They contain no sweeteners or calories, so they add aroma and taste without changing the water's mouthfeel. That also means they do not need to be mixed before carbonation. In fact, adding them to still water before you carbonate can introduce particles that interfere with the CO2 absorption and create excess foam. Always carbonate plain water first, then flavor it.
Cold water holds carbonation better than warm water. For the best fizz, chill your water in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before carbonating. If you are in a hurry, use cold tap water and add ice to the bottle only if your SodaStream model allows it. Never carbonate water that contains ice or flavor drops; the pressure release can cause a messy overflow.
Getting the ratio right for your taste
The official guidance for bubly drops is one 40ml bottle makes about 12 liters of flavored sparkling water when prepared according to instructions. That works out to roughly 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) per liter, but you can adjust to your preference. Start with half the suggested amount, taste, and add more if needed. Over-flavoring can make the drink taste syrupy or bitter, especially with fruit flavors like peach or raspberry.
If you are using a variety pack, keep in mind that different flavors may have slightly different intensities. For example, lime tends to be more assertive than mango or bellini bliss. It helps to note your preferred amount for each flavor so you can repeat it consistently. A small measuring spoon dedicated to flavor drops keeps things simple.
Step-by-step: how to add bubly drops without losing fizz
Follow this sequence every time to protect the bubbles you just created. It takes only a few extra seconds but makes a noticeable difference in carbonation retention.
What to do if your bubly drops seem not fizzy
If your flavored water goes flat quickly, check three things: water temperature, carbonation level, and when you added the drops. Warm water or insufficient CO2 pressure are common culprits. Also, avoid shaking the bottle after adding drops. Stir gently with a long spoon or swirl the bottle just once or twice. If you are using a SodaStream machine with a manual pump, make sure you hear the buzz and see a good head of foam before you stop carbonating.
Another possibility is that your bottle is too full. Leave about an inch of headspace so the CO2 has room to dissolve. Finally, if you are using a flavored drop that contains natural sediment, like some fruit essences, it can create nucleation sites that release bubbles faster. In that case, drink the water sooner rather than storing it.
Your fizz-first routine
- Chill the water: Refrigerate your SodaStream bottle filled with fresh water for at least 2 hours before carbonating. Cold water absorbs and holds CO2 better than room-temperature water. Checkpoint: The water should feel noticeably cold to the touch.
- Carbonate to your preferred level: Use your SodaStream machine to carbonate the plain water. For most models, press the button until you hear a loud buzz and see a steady stream of bubbles, then release. If you like extra fizz, give it one more short press. Common mistake: Over-carbonating can cause the bottle to overflow when you add drops later. Stop when the foam reaches the top but does not spill.
- Measure and add bubly drops: Add about 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) of bubly drops per liter of carbonated water. Pour the drops gently down the inside of the bottle to minimize agitation. If you are using a variety pack, start with less and adjust. Checkpoint: Taste after a gentle swirl. If the flavor is too subtle, add a few more drops, but avoid pouring directly onto the foam.
- Swirl gently, don't shake: Swirl the bottle once or twice to mix the flavor essence. Do not shake vigorously, as that releases carbonation rapidly. If you used a measuring spoon, rinse it immediately to prevent sticky residue. Common mistake: Shaking the bottle after adding drops will flatten the drink within minutes.
- Serve immediately or store sealed: For the crispest taste, drink right away. If you need to store it, cap the bottle tightly and keep it in the refrigerator. Consume within 24 hours for best fizz and flavor. Next step: Note your preferred ratio for each flavor so you can repeat it next time.
bubly drops to try
- Sodastream bubly drops® Peach Natural Flavor Essence 40ml - final sale: Peach bubly drops - a fun way to sparkle your water! One 40ml bottle makes about 12L of bubly sparkling water when prepared according to instructions. A single bottle gives you about 12 liters of flavored sparkling water, so you can experiment with ratios without wasting much.
- Sodastream bubly drops® Raspberry Natural Flavor Essence 40ml: Raspberry bubly drops - a fun way to sparkle your water! One 40ml bottle makes about 12L of bubly sparkling water when prepared according to instructions. Raspberry is a bright, fruity option that pairs well with cold carbonated water and a gentle stir.
- Sodastream® bubly™ Drops Tropical Variety 3pk - 1.36 fl oz: The Tropical Variety 3pk includes Lime, Mango, and Bellini Bliss natural flavor essences, with no calories, no sweeteners, and zero sugar. A variety pack lets you test different flavor intensities and find your ideal drops-to-water ratio for each one.
