Nehaveigur

There is no culinary experience I value more than sparkling water hitting the back of my throat. For optimal effect, the level of carbonation is as high as physically possible and a little lemon juice gives the bubbles extra oomph.

I’ve loved fizzy water for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid, we had cases of mineral water delivered to our home and I was their primary consumer. I vaguely remember my siblings being cross with me because there was nothing left for them. After some time, I discovered that adding drops of lemon oil I got from my mother would enhance the flavor. I don’t mind flavored soda, but unlike a hint of citrus, the added sugar doesn’t add to the enjoyment. It’s all about the carbonation.

When I’m without bubbly water for a few days, when I’m out backpacking for instance, I can’t stop thinking about it. It enters my dreams and gently fizzes there. I credit my love of seltzer with me never having developed an alcohol dependency. There are few drinks that are carbonated enough to compete, and those that are, such as Whiskey Soda or Gin Rickey, are inferior to soda water by itself in terms of flavor. I value the buzz of a strong cocktail  hitting me and I enjoy a beer or two when out with friends (ideally Pilsner since it tends to have higher carbonation), but what I really crave is the fizz of cold water with gas.