You guys, I was so generous this holiday season. I got myself two wonderful things. A Le Creuset
It’s only been a few weeks and I’m wondering how I lived without either one. But this is a cocktail blog. And I’m sure you’ve all had an earful from some home chef about their Le Creuset, so I’ll spare you my enameled-cast-iron romance novel.
I’m just going to come out and say that “Twist N Sparkle” is a terrible name, and even as a gay man, I can barely stand to say it aloud. Every time I say it I picture myself doing jazz hands and wearing sequined spandex.
That being said, I do think it’s a terrific product. And nobody even paid me to say that!
A few things that convinced me to purchase the Twist N Sparkle (JAZZ HANDS!): You can pretty much carbonate whatever you want (no dairy, but … ew), good reviews on Amazon, a reputable brand, and the fact that I was feeling generous for the holidays.
Upon arrival, I was really pleased with the simplicity of the whole operation. Fill the bottle to the correct line with chilled liquid, put in a CO2 charger then twist… and sparkle (JAZZ HANDS). Oh, then wait for one minute. Then whatever you stuck in the bottle will be carbonated. Easy as that.
I added 1/4 c. ginger syrup (made with half brown sugar and half white) to 2 3/4 c. chilled water and in a few minutes had the most tasty ginger ale ever (also, no corn syrup!).
One morning orange juice sounded boring so I made fizzy orange juice. Delightful.
Lastly, here’s a super easy recipe. It’s very subtle, very fizzy, and only a few tiny calories. Not that I really worry about that. This blog is about alcohol, after all.
Lemongrass Soda
(makes 3 cups)
5 six-inch pieces of lemon grass
3 c. water
2 tsp. sugar
Chop 4 of the pieces of lemongrass and add them to a water-tight container with the water and sugar. Shake vigorously until sugar is dissolved. Let sit in the fridge for 12-24 hours. Strain the liquid. Carbonate the liquid according to manufacturers instructions on your carbonator.
Pour over ice and garnish with the remaining lemongrass. I cut one stalk into fourths lengthwise and it gave me a variety of sizes to use as garnish, enough for two or three glasses.
Splash in a little vodka or gin with a squeeze of lemon and you have one fresh and refreshing drink!
I really appreciate all the thought that went into this gift. Thank you, me.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I love it! I have some lemongrass essential oil … I wonder if I can use a few drops of it instead.
Ooo that’s a good idea, Beth. If you try it let me know how it goes!
I just got a Twist N Sparkle (just after Christmas) and I love mine too! My main plan is to infuse water with fruit & citrus. I’ve cut out all corn syrup & fake sugar, and having this should help! But I defiantly need to make that ginger syrup soda. Yum!
Keep me posted if you come up with or try any great recipes!
so simple and refreshing!
So here’s a question: Does each bottle take a full CO2 charger each time you make a beverage? or is it good for a certain period of time?
Each charger works just one time, but it does carbonate 3-4 cups of liquid. I suppose that is one downside… that you have to keep a stock of chargers handy.
So, I was completely turned off by the Twist N Sparkle sales pitch in the store and I have to admit I thought, “What’s the point?” It didn’t even occur to me to infuse the water with something other than the soda type flavors. Now I want one!!!
Also, I love this blog and I’m jealous that you live in Astoria. It is such a magical place!
Now, off to make a cocktail and celebrate FRIDAY!