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Fruit-infused mineral water

3/1/2014

 
Fruit infused mineral water by Liz Posmyk, Good Things
The richest memories can be evoked by the simplest things—a basket of cherries, a soda pop, and a convivial afternoon in good company, for example. 

Peter and I popped in to see our neighbours for Christmas and presented the family with a basket of cherries. They were export quality cherries—big, plump, delicious and deep red in colour. It was a hot day and as we chatted our host served cool fizzy drinks prepared on a sodastream. This reminded me of the very funky, cherry-red Sparklets Globemaster soda syphon that my father bought in the 1960s. With this top-of-the-range item, the household was never short of  szódavíz or soda water. My parents had a large group of close friends who would stop by frequently for conversation, a game of Gin Rummy, and sometimes even a haircut (my father was a barber). On arrival, visitors to our home would be offered a Spritzer mix of white wine and soda—my parents weren't drinkers per se, but they kept a cask of Coolabah on top of the fridge especially for their friends. I was very fond of that soda syphon and while I didn't understand the principles of how the little gas bottles made it work, I enjoyed making tropical flavoured soda drinks for myself using the black Isabella grapes my father grew.

According to my research, Sparklets Ltd (previously known as 'Aerators Ltd') were the pioneers of the soda syphon, dating back to 1896 with the production of an aerating bottle, which was exhibited at the Paris International Exhibition in the year 1900. The London-based company produced the first mesh-covered soda syphon with 'Edwardian contours' (don't you love that description!) in the early 1900s. Production of glass syphons ceased in 1955, apparently due to the short supply of high quality glass after the war, and this was when the coloured anodised alloy range was introduced. The iconic Globemaster series was launched in 1960. 

My father clearly had good taste, for the Globemaster was not only the most expensive and très chic in the range, but it was also 'the ultimate party soda syphon'. It took two Sparklets bulbs and therefore lasted twice as long without a refill. Boxes of those little Sparklets bulbs were always on my mother's shopping list and my parents kept a good supply in the drawer of their cocktail cabinet, along with a set of frilly plastic Pimms No. 1 Cup drink coasters and some ice tongs.

Gee, I wish I knew what happened to that cherry red soda syphon. According to Google, they're a sought after item these days. If I can find one in good nick and working order, I might just buy it for myself as a new year's gift!

Happy new year...

On this first day of 2014 dear readers, the 1960s seem to have taken place such a long time ago. Am really I that old?! Wow.

Happy new year to you and yours, and may all of your hopes and dreams come to fruition! Tell me your news. What are your plans? Have you made fresh resolutions? 

My rather exciting news is that as of tomorrow, 2 January 2014, I will have officially retired from my work for the Australian public service and, all going well, my focus will be on regaining good health and fitness, spending time with Peter (who is currently on long service leave) and my family, travelling when the whim arises—and also cooking more, reading more, writing more, gardening more, relaxing more, napping more, and sharing with you, my friends, plenty more good things in the form of recipes and photographs.
Fruit infused mineral water

Fruit and herb infusions...

Last year, I formed a friendship with fellow cook and writer, Marian, who blogs at Apricot Tart and The Living Well in Retirement Challenge. Marian is a dedicated pinner and through her delicious pins has reinvigorated my participation in Pinterest. While browsing Pinterest over the last few weeks, these amazing fruit waters caught my attention. I've always made sure that I drink plenty of chilled (tap) water while at work and now that I've retired I'll continue to do so. I will also try to encourage my man to drink more water as well (bearing in mind that adults need six to eight glasses of water per day). We keep a good supply of mineral water in the chiller, so I've tried serving it on ice with a few flavour combinations, including pomegranate and rosemary; strawberry, lime, mint and pomegranate; and blood orange with strawberry and thyme. Good news is that Peter likes it too.

Remember, there's no need to add any sugar syrup and fresh is best with these infusions. Just combine your choice of fruit or vegetable slices and herbs with some mineral water (or still water if you prefer), add lots of ice and refrigerate until ready to serve. So, here's cheers to the new year and to your good health (and mine too!).

Fruit, herbs and mineral water

Fruit and herbs in mineral water

Fruit infused mineral water

Here's cheers to the new year and to your good health (and mine too)...

Fruit infused mineral water

Now tell me your news dearest readers. How did you see in the new year? What are your plans? Have you made fresh resolutions? 

Incidentally, if you are on Pinterest too, please do let me know so that we can follow each other xox
Liz link
31/12/2013 01:54:20 pm

What a gorgeous drink! It looks like what you'd find in the lobby of the finest hotel...but I'd love to recreated it at home. It sounds like 2014 will bring some lovely changes to your life...wishing you much joy in the coming year, my friend. xo

Lizzy
31/12/2013 03:31:07 pm

Liz, thank you so much for your very kind words. Happy new year to you also and thank you for your friendship and inspiration.

Mel @ The cook's notebook link
31/12/2013 04:05:30 pm

Congratulations on your retirement! I hope your travels bring you to Brisbane at some stage. Happy 2014 Lizzy xxx

Lizzy
31/12/2013 07:43:22 pm

Mel, thank you very much indeed and happy new year to you also! It would be nice to think we could get up to Brisbane for a visit at some stage xoxo

Marian@Apricot Tart and @The Living Well in Retirement Challenge link
31/12/2013 04:23:03 pm

Liz, thank you so much for your very kind words and for your valued friendship through blogging!!! I do love Pinterest - and am proud to now have over 4,500 followers! I am found at http://www.pinterest.com/marianep/ .

I just love infused waters - they are such a healthful way to drink! And you don't get a hangover!!!

I'm looking forward to your blogging in 2014! I know you'll keep those amazing recipes coming! Happy New Year!!!

Lizzy
31/12/2013 07:44:35 pm

Marian, I meant to pop a link to your pinterest page, sorry. Wow, that's a good number of followers, but I'm not surprised. Happy new year 2014 to you also. I look forward to a blossoming friendship and swapping of retirement stories : )

Pat Machin link
31/12/2013 07:25:41 pm

That looks so good. I think we go a little short of fruit in the winter because the interesting ones are expensive so I'll try this.

I drink too much coffee!

Lizzy
31/12/2013 07:45:38 pm

Hello Pat... I got into the (bad) habit of drinking too much coffee at work too, and then paid for it with a hiatus hernia, which is so painful! These infused waters are really lovely. Happy new year!

Karen S Burns-Booth link
1/1/2014 03:02:38 am

STUNNING photos, as always and a wonderfully inspirational New Year post! HAPPY NEW YEAR to you Lizzy! Karen

Lizzy
1/1/2014 07:54:29 am

Karen, wow, thank you so much! Happy new year to you also.

Celia link
1/1/2014 10:15:32 am

Happy New Year and Happy Retirement, Lizzy darling!! How exciting for you - I know it will be great for you to get some time to relax. Your fruit drink sounds perfect for this hot weather! xxx

Lizzy
1/1/2014 01:33:37 pm

Dearest Celia, thank you very much! I am so excited! Thanks for your kind words xox

John @ Kitchen Riffs link
1/1/2014 11:45:17 am

Really interesting post! First, congrats on the retirement. Mrs K R and I are retired (we are lucky enough to do it on the early side), and it's wonderful. You'll have tons of fun — work can be fulfilling, but it's much more fun to create your own work. Second, love the story of the seltzer bottles and your parents! I've never owned a seltzer bottle and am tempted. Mrs K R in particular likes to drink a lot of seltzer, so it'd be fun. We should probably think about it. Third, love your flavored mineral water! We do drink a lot of water (it's so good for you!), and yours looks wonderful. Great post, wonderful pictures. Happy New Year!

Lizzy
1/1/2014 07:37:35 pm

John, thanks very much for your good wishes. I agree with it, it is more fun to create your own work... hopefully my health will improve and I will enjoy it completely!

Thanks also for your kind words about the story of the soda syphon. Interesting history, huh!? Yes, go on, indulge! Maybe find one of those vintage reproductions with the mesh, how cool would that look with all those wild cocktails you post!

And thanks for the nice words about the photos and the recipe! Happy new year!

Laura (Tutti Dolci)
1/1/2014 01:38:05 pm

Your fruit infusion looks so pretty and refreshing. Happy New Year!

Lizzy
1/1/2014 01:39:09 pm

Laura, thanks so much! And happy new year to you also!

Eha
1/1/2014 03:32:55 pm

All the very best for the beginning of your 'retirement' Liz! Oh the quotation marks are there on purpose, 'cause methinks you will find yourself more busy than ever before!! Be well, be happy!! Love that jug with the strawberies and limes . . . now I happen to love water, probably drink more than the requirements and don't mind it straight from the Brita filter and room temperature!! But your fruit ones do look beautiful and with a long, hot summer still ahead perhaps I should just go to a 'little trouble' to pretty up my glass and get a special taste whilst I enjoy my second favourite beverage ;) !!

Lizzy
1/1/2014 04:41:32 pm

Oh, Eha, thank you so very much! I think you are right... we are already busier than ever before, but I don't know how come! The days just fly. I hope you are feeling brighter... and your Brita filter sounds good! The fruit infused water is just lovely! : )

Maureen link
1/1/2014 04:09:55 pm

Congratulations on the official retirement and how wonderful that Peter can spend the first weeks of it with you. I know he'll spoil you rotten.

We bought a Sodastream last year and found that fizzing up a bottle of water and serving it with slices of lime was better than any shop bought drink. Time to do that again! I might go whole hog and try your fruity ones.

Lizzy
1/1/2014 04:40:14 pm

Thanks so much, Maureen! I am enjoying it and really don't know how I ever had time to go to work! I like the sound of a sodastream, must look into it, or a soda syphon!

kellie@foodtoglow link
1/1/2014 06:58:21 pm

I love fruit and herb water infusions too. My favourite is the very simple one of thinly sliced cucumber and just a few sprigs of mint. In the summer - if I am working from home - a pitcher sits by the computer, reminding me to drink (I an terrible for getting dehydrated!). Rosemary and cucumber is also amazingly refreshing yet invigorating, but your fruity concoctions look dreamy. Liz, enjoy this new phase of your life, your blank canvas that you get to paint with whatever you want. PS I am already following you on Pinterest - love the recent cow-fest! Happy New Year to you and your family x

Lizzy
1/1/2014 07:39:12 pm

Kellie, I love the sound of the cucumber and the mint. Do you use tap water or still/bottled? Rosemary and cucumber also sounds good.

Thank you very kindly for your good wishes... it is a blank canvas and there is much to paint! First off, must get back to good health and physical fitness!

I love collecting cow pictures on Pinterest. Happy new year too!

ela@GrayApron link
1/1/2014 08:43:52 pm

Beautiful drink, Liz. Congratulations on your retirement...sounds like it's gonna be a good one! I don't have plans for 2014, but I do have some for today...catching up with you is one of them. Thanks for sharing your good thoughts. :) ela

Lizzy
2/1/2014 06:06:19 pm

Ela, thank you kindly... I hope 2014 is packed with good things for you : )

Hotly Spiced link
2/1/2014 08:11:08 am

I love all your images but especially the first one. With all the heat that looks incredibly refreshing. I remember those soda gadgets really well. A lot of our friends had them and I used to love playing around with the machine. I begged my parents to buy one but they wouldn't! Did you have the metal glasses that were in a range of colours to go with it? Another thing I wished my parents would buy. And as for the Coolabah wine - now that takes me back. Great post, Lizzy xx

Lizzy
2/1/2014 06:07:39 pm

Charlie, fun that you remember the soda syphons too! Now that I think of it, I think we did have metallic cups... my parents took them on picnics and drives to the coast. I bet your mum and dad had lots of stuff that we didn't! Coolabah, LOL! xo

Francesca link
2/1/2014 08:33:58 am

My daughter has a massive collection of anodised Globemaster soda syphons. Every colour you can think of. I should send you a photo one day to see if the cherry red one is there! Love the beautiful photos.

Lizzy
2/1/2014 06:08:03 pm

Oh Francesca, how wonderful, yes, please do send me some photos... of all the colours! Delightful xo

My Kitchen Stories link
2/1/2014 08:56:10 am

Hi Lizzie, Happy New Year. I hope you have a great year and congratulations on your retirement. My dad had a bright red soda syphon. I wish I knew what happened to it too

Lizzy
2/1/2014 06:08:35 pm

Hi there my friend... thank you for your kind wishes... and how about that, your dad had one too! Was it the round one or the tall one?

Serena link
4/1/2014 09:03:39 pm

Beautiful photos Lizzy, I will have to try experiment with flavoured waters. Enjoy your retirement !

Lizzy
5/1/2014 06:34:35 am

Serena, thank you so much! : )

Helene D'Souza link
5/1/2014 01:11:54 am

When I presented my husband his first sparkling fruit water, he fell in love instantly with the refreshing flavors. I did think about making it some time but then you know how it goes in live. Anyway... I am glad to know that you ll be having a relaxed time in 2014. Take Care Liz and thanks for sharing!

Lizzy
5/1/2014 06:35:10 am

Helene, thank you very kindly... Peter now calls this lolly water : ) But he really likes it!

Kyrstie @ A Fresh Legacy link
6/1/2014 08:48:10 am

Congratulations on your milestone Lizzy, best wishes for a wonderful year of good health and happiness. We love fruit waters here too. I make a similar thing for the kids and freeze it into ice blocks for hot days. They love the chunks of fruit. xx

Lizzy
9/1/2014 05:25:35 pm

Kyrstie, that's a great idea! Happy new year xox

Martin link
10/4/2014 05:08:12 am

Hello Lizzy,

I came across your post a bit late (never to late to wish a happy year) but I had to share this with you, since you were writing about <a href="http://www.siphonmanufaktur.de/en/die-soda-siphons/">Sparklets Soda Siphons</a>: We restore them by hand and make them fully functional again in a small workshop in Munich, Germany.

For more information: <a href="http://www.siphonmanufaktur.de/en/die-soda-siphons/">here is our website</a> and <a href="http://www.siphonmanufaktur.de/en/rezepte/">her we have some recipes.</a>

Best,
Martin


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    Photo of Liz Posmyk, Food Writer, Cook and Traveller

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