Alternatively, you can use a push on/off beverage container lid if you have one. [3] X Research source
You can carbonate a variety of different beverages including water, juice, tonic, and homemade soda.
If the dry ice is in large chunks and cannot fit into the bottle, use a meat hammer to break it into smaller pieces first.
If the dry ice starts to stick to the plastic bottle, gently mix the beverage to help free the dry ice.
It is essential to make sure that all of the dry ice has dissolved before the beverage is served. This is because the dry ice can cause severe burns due to its low temperature. [8] X Research source
You can use any beverage that you like. For example, you could mix flavored syrup with tap water at a ratio of 1:2 or you could carbonate fruit juice. Just ensure that you carbonate the beverage in the recommended amounts, as smaller volumes of liquid could develop a bad taste due to the yeast not being diluted enough. [10] X Research source The bottle needs to be plastic because this is less dangerous than glass if the beverage accidentally over-carbonates and causes the bottle to shatter. Also, with a plastic bottle, you will be able to easily tell when the beverage has been carbonated. You can transfer the carbonated beverage to a glass bottle for serving if you prefer.
You can add a label with the name of the beverage and the date to the plastic bottle if you prefer.
This time is just an estimate, as the actual time that it takes for the beverage to carbonate depends on the temperature in your home.
When you open the bottle to serve the beverage, open it very slowly to gradually release the pressure. It may be helpful to do this over a sink.
You can purchase the supplies to make your own carbonation system from a brewing supply store or online. CO2 tanks can be filled at sporting or welding supply stores. Always use a plastic bottle when you are carbonating your own beverage rather than glass. This is because there is always the potential for the bottle to shatter if too much pressure is supplied and plastic is a much safer material in this scenario. [15] X Research source
The pressure regulator controls the pressure of CO2 that is transferred from the tank and into the plastic bottle. [17] X Research source
Refer to the instruction manual that came with your CO2 tank and pressure regulator if you have any issues setting up the system.
Make sure that the CO2 regulator valve remains closed while you are opening the CO2 tank valve and changing the pressure. [20] X Research source Drinks that are made with mostly fruit are generally carbonated best at around 35 psi. Mixer drinks such as tonics require higher pressure, so try 40-45 psi for these. [21] X Research source Use 50 psi for wine and cocktails, as alcoholic beverages require higher pressures to be carbonated properly. [22] X Research source
It’s important that the beverage is cold as CO2 dissolves more easily in cold liquid. Store the beverage in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours prior to carbonating it. [24] X Research source For example, if you wanted to use a 1 L (34 fl oz) plastic bottle, the maximum volume of the beverage that you carbonate will be 750 ml (25 fl oz).
Squeezing the bottle removes the excess air, which creates room for the CO2. [26] X Research source When you carbonate the beverage, the bottle will instantly inflate again.
Don’t turn the bottle upside down as you are shaking it. This is because it may cause the liquid to backflow up into the gas line and regulator. [30] X Research source Each time you shake the bottle, you will hear the CO2 regulator release slightly more gas. This means that you have correctly carbonated the beverage. [31] X Research source
You can carbonate a beverage again that has gone flat using the same process. [34] X Research source
