Liquid Death is a lightly sweetened sparkling water with citrus flavoring. While relatively clean, the 'natural flavor' likely contains synthetic citrus compounds, and the $2.99 per can price is extremely high for flavored water. DIY eliminates artificial flavors and costs 80% less.
Based on: Liquid Death Sparkling Water
· Makes approximately 30 servings
· Serving: 568ml (19.2 oz)
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial Liquid Death Sparkling Water from Liquid Death often contains inflammatory seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. This homemade version replaces them with healthier fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil — giving you the same great taste without the processed oils.
Enhances tartness and acts as natural preservative, extending the syrup's shelf life
Sparkling water
17 liters total for 30 servings · Whole Foods 365 Organic Sparkling Water or San Pellegrino
Base carbonated water for diluting the flavored syrup concentrate
Instructions
Step 1. Create the citrus base: Wash 6 organic limes and 1 orange thoroughly. Using a microplane zester, carefully zest the limes (avoiding bitter white pith) to yield about 2 tablespoons of lime zest. Zest the orange to yield about 1 tablespoon orange zest. Juice all 6 limes to get approximately 120ml (1/2 cup) fresh lime juice. Set aside.
Step 2. Make the flavored syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 120ml water with 120g organic agave nectar. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until agave fully dissolves - don't let it boil as this can break down the agave's delicate flavor. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the lime juice, lime zest, orange zest, and 2g citric acid. Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds to distribute the citric acid evenly.
Step 3. Add stevia and strain: Allow mixture to cool for 5 minutes, then add 15-20 drops of organic stevia extract (start with 15 drops and taste-test). Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer to remove zest pieces, pressing solids gently to extract maximum flavor. You should have about 200ml of concentrated citrus syrup. This syrup will keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Step 4. Mix individual servings: For each 568ml serving, add 6-7ml (about 1 1/3 teaspoons) of the citrus syrup to a large glass. Add 568ml cold sparkling water and stir gently to combine - avoid vigorous stirring which will reduce carbonation. Taste and adjust syrup quantity if needed (some prefer 1 teaspoon, others up to 2 teaspoons per serving).
Step 5. Storage and usage: Store the concentrated syrup in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Always shake or stir before use as natural separation occurs. For best flavor, use cold sparkling water and serve immediately over ice. The citrus oils from fresh zest provide more complex flavor than artificial 'natural flavors' but may settle - this is normal and desirable.
Storage
Concentrated syrup keeps refrigerated for 2 weeks in glass container. Always stir before use. Mixed drinks should be consumed immediately for best carbonation.