I Add This Ingredient To My Iced Coffee as Soon as the Weather Gets Warm

As the weather gets warmer, I swap out extra-hot coffees and teas for ice-packed lattes and refreshing sparkling waters. So when I came across a TikTok video suggesting I add sparkling water to my coffee, I was intrigued.

To capture that special coffee shop drink-at-home vibe, I grabbed my favorite grapefuit LaCroix, filled a tall glass with ice, and poured coffee over the top. The result? A fizzy, citrusy, totally refreshing drink that made my usual morning coffee feel a little fancy.

The Best Sparkling Water for Upgrading Your Coffee

We often pair lemon with black tea, like in Arnold Palmers or a slice of lemon served alongside a steaming cup of chamomile. The same isn’t usually true for coffee, but it should be. Citrus-flavored sparkling waters like grapefruit, orange, lemon, and lime add a refreshing acidity that plays especially well with light or medium-roast beans, bringing out their fruity and floral notes.

Sweeter or spicier options like ginger, coconut, and caramel pair with dark roasts or cold brew for a dessert-like drink.

Not into flavored options? Choose plain sparkling water and let the coffee be the star. This minimalist take allows the subtle flavors of your beans to shine while still delivering that refreshing fizz.

How to Make Sparkling Coffee

Fill a tall glass with ice or coffee ice cubes—they’re a great option if you want to keep things strong. Fill the glass about two-thirds full of sparkling water. Then, top the last third of the glass off with cold coffee, leaving a little room at the top if you plan on adding milk.

You can also add milk, syrups, or extras. Stir the drink gently. You’ll notice the coffee sinks below the sparkling water at first—this creates a beautiful ombré effect in the glass, which is all part of the fun visual appeal.

More Upgrades

Your sparkling coffee is ready to sip as-is, but if you want to bring that coffee shop feel home—or impress guests—it’s easy to elevate this drink with a few thoughtful touches.

• Try different coffee styles: Use whatever coffee you have on hand, from concentrate to cold brew, drip, or even espresso if you have it. Remember that some brews are more potent than others, so you won’t need as much when using espresso than when using drip coffee.  
• Add a slice of fresh fruit: Drop in a thin slice of citrus—like lemon, lime, or orange—especially if you’re using citrus sparkling water. 
• A splash of simple syrup: Vanilla, honey, or ginger syrups work well and dissolve quickly, even in cold drinks.
• A sprig of fresh herbs: A sprig of mint, basil, or rosemary can add an aromatic boost that pairs surprisingly well with coffee, especially when served chilled and bubbly.
• Frothed milk or milk alternatives: For a creamy layer, top your sparkling coffee with cold, frothed milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.