Yes, sparkling apple juice is definitely a thing! It’s a carbonated juice made from apples that provides a fun, fizzy alternative to regular apple juice. Sparkling apple juice has become increasingly popular over the years, especially around the holidays when people are looking for festive non-alcoholic drink options.
What is Sparkling Apple Juice?
Sparkling apple juice is simply apple juice that has been carbonated. The carbonation provides the characteristic bubbles and fizz. It’s made by forcing carbon dioxide gas into chilled apple juice under pressure. This dissolves the CO2 into the juice, infusing it with bubbles.
The juice itself is typically made by pressing apples to extract the liquid. It may contain pulp and sediment from the apples or be filtered completely clear. Any variety of apple can be used, but common ones include Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Red Delicious, and Golden Delicious.
Sparkling apple juice has a sweet, apply taste like regular apple juice but with a refreshing effervescence. The carbonation makes it seem more special and celebratory.
How is Sparkling Apple Juice Made?
There are a few methods used commercially to make sparkling apple juice:
- Carbonation injection: This involves injecting CO2 directly into chilled apple juice under high pressure in a carbonation tank. The pressurized environment forces the gas to dissolve into the liquid.
- Fermentation method: Apple juice can be fermented with yeast in a closed container, producing carbon dioxide as a byproduct, naturally carbonating the juice. The fermentation is halted before alcohol forms by chilling, filtering, and/or pasteurizing the juice.
- Carbonation capsules: Single-use CO2 cartridges can carbonate juice by releasing pressurized gas into a bottle before capping. This allows sparkling juice to be made on a small scale.
The carbonation injection method is most common commercially since it’s efficient for large-scale production. Small niche producers may use fermentation or carbonation capsules.
The History of Sparkling Apple Juice
Carbonated apple juice has been around since the early 1900s. It was developed as a non-alcoholic alternative to champagne, especially for religious groups that advocated temperance and avoiding alcohol.
One of the first documented producers of sparkling apple juice was J.M. Hires, who bottled and sold carbonated apple juice as early as 1904. Canada Dry and other soda companies soon followed. It was marketed as “cidre champagne” or apple champagne.
During the Prohibition era of the 1920s and early 1930s in the U.S., the temperance movement caused a rise in popularity of sparkling cider as a legal alternative to champagne. The name was even officially changed from “apple champagne” to “sparkling apple cider” in 1935 to further distinguish it from alcoholic drinks.
Over time, sparkling apple juice transitioned from an “alternative” drink to a mainstream, mass-market beverage enjoyed by all. Improvements in production methods have made it affordable and accessible. It’s now a staple drink option, especially for the holidays.
Benefits of Sparkling Apple Juice
Drinking sparkling apple juice offers several benefits and advantages:
- Non-alcoholic: It provides the fun and festive bubbles of champagne without the alcohol content.
- Healthy: Apple juice provides key nutrients like vitamin C, antioxidants, and polyphenols that support immune function and heart health.
- Hydrating: The juice provides hydration, especially when avoiding sugary soda and juices.
- Kid-friendly: The sweet, bubbly taste appeals to kids and provides a healthier option than soda.
- Versatile: It can be enjoyed on its own or mixed into mocktails and other fun drinks.
The nutrition of sparkling versus regular apple juice is nearly identical. The carbonation doesn’t significantly impact the calories, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. Overall, sparkling apple juice gives you the nutrition of apples with a fun, fizzy twist!
Popular Brands of Sparkling Apple Juice
There are many brands producing quality sparkling apple juice today. Some of the top retail brands include:
| Brand | Details |
|---|---|
| Martinelli’s | One of the most popular brands, made with 100% U.S. grown apples |
| Welch’s | Natural, GMO-free sparkling juice from the grape juice company |
| Izze | Sparkling juice blends with unique flavors like cherry lime and clementine |
| Apple & Eve | Fun flavors like strawberry and peach are blended with apple juice |
The most natural options are 100% juice with minimal added sugars or preservatives. Always check the ingredient label for quality.
Making Homemade Sparkling Apple Juice
It’s totally possible to DIY sparkling apple juice at home using a few simple techniques:
Carbonation Drops
Add carbonation drops or tabs to apple juice in a sealed container and let rest at room temperature for 1-2 days. These tabs release CO2 to naturally carbonate the juice.
Seltzer Water
Mix fresh apple juice with seltzer water for quick homemade fizz. Play with proportions to get the flavor and carbonation level you like.
CO2 Canisters
Use a carbonation device like a SodaStream with single-use CO2 canisters to carbonate juice in reusable bottles. This gives you the most control over the carbonation process.
Yeast Fermentation
Ferment apple juice with champagne yeast in an airlock-sealed bottle. The yeast creates natural carbonation through fermentation but is halted before alcohol forms.
How to Serve and Drink Sparkling Apple Juice
Sparkling apple juice is incredibly versatile. Here are some serving ideas:
- Enjoy chilled by itself as a festive non-alcoholic drink
- Use in mocktails in place of champagne – like apple juice mimosas!
- Mix with fruit purees for fun mixed sparkling juice drinks
- Blend into smoothies for natural carbonation
- Pour over ice cream for boozy-free apple cider floats
- Mix with Fireball whiskey for a “cider bomb” cocktail
Sparkling apple juice keeps its bubbles best when chilled. Pour over ice or chill the juice well before serving. Drink directly from a flute glass for the full sparkling wine experience without the alcohol!
Where to Buy Sparkling Apple Juice
You can find sparkling apple juice sold in glass bottles and plastic bottles in the juice aisle of any major grocery store. Brands like Martinelli’s, Welch’s, and Motts are very common.
For unique and gourmet sparkling juice blends, check specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Fresh Market. You’ll find juices mixed with pear, berry, grape, and other fun flavors.
Club stores like Costco and Sam’s Club sell sparkling apple juice in bulk for very affordable prices. And of course, you can purchase cases direct from most major brands online.
Conclusion
Sparkling apple juice is a refreshing non-alcoholic drink that offers the bubbly enjoyment of champagne. It’s made by infusing regular apple juice with carbon dioxide gas to provide natural bubbles and fizz. While it’s been around for over a century, it remains popular today as both a festive drink and healthy juice option full of apple nutrition. With so many brands and options available, it’s easy to find quality sparkling apple juice to liven up mocktails, juices, and everyday meals and snacks.