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Sparkling Water in Dubai: Which mineral waters have that fizz? Where does the carbonation come from? Which water suits your taste?

Dubai is synonymous with sunshine, high temperatures, and an indulgent lifestyle. However, anyone from Europe who enjoys sparkling water may be familiar with the problem of sometimes missing that familiar fizz in their glass.

Not all sparkling water is created equal. Some mineral waters are naturally carbonated, while others have carbon dioxide added. There are also major differences in taste and fizz intensity. As a water sommelier at SOMMCADEMY, I focus on these differences.

In this post, you’ll learn about the different types of sparkling water and what distinguishes naturally from artificially carbonated water. You'll also learn how to make a simple mocktail that's even more refreshing.

1. What exactly is carbonated water?

The tiny bubbles that appear when a bottle of sparkling water is opened are caused by dissolved carbon dioxide (CO₂). Under pressure, the gas dissolves in the water. When the bottle is opened, the pressure drops, allowing some of the carbon dioxide to escape in the form of bubbles. A small amount of the dissolved CO₂ reacts with the water to create carbonic acid. This is one reason why sparkling water can taste slightly sour. However, the fizz isn’t just a matter of acidity.

The mineral composition of the water, the amount of dissolved CO₂, and the size of the bubbles also influence our perception of water. Water with a fine effervescence can seem soft and elegant. In contrast, highly carbonated water creates a much stronger tingling sensation on the tongue.

Important: carbonation isn’t just for show. It affects the taste experience and can alter the way foods and beverages are perceived. More on this later.

2. Natural or added carbonation: What’s the Difference?

Not all sparkling water is carbonated the same way. Generally speaking, there are three types.

Naturally carbonated mineral water

In certain mineral water springs, carbon dioxide comes into contact with the water underground. The water absorbs the gas and rises to the surface, becoming naturally carbonated in the process. Depending on the source and bottling process, this carbonation can be retained in the water. These waters have a distinctive combination of minerality and effervescence.

Examples of naturally carbonated mineral waters include Souroti from Greece, Borjomi from Georgia, and Prince Miloš from Serbia. In addition to their carbonation, all three waters have a pronounced mineral content that contributes to their flavor.

Reintroduced natural carbon dioxide from a spring

A second possibility is that the water contains natural carbon dioxide at the source. During processing, this gas can be separated first and then reintroduced. Alternatively, carbon dioxide from another suitable natural source can be used. The key is that the source and processing methods comply with applicable requirements.

Gerolsteiner is a well-known example. The company explains how it uses naturally occurring carbon dioxide in its mineral waters. Therefore, "added" does not automatically mean "industrially produced." Naturally extracted carbon dioxide can also be reintroduced into the water.

Industrially added carbonation

In many sparkling waters, carbon dioxide is produced, processed, and injected into the water under pressure. This process enables manufacturers to precisely control the level of carbonation. It enables them to produce sparkling waters with varying levels of fizz and ensures a consistent product.

How can you tell the difference?

Checking the label can help. Depending on the country of origin and labeling regulations, you may find information such as:

• "Natural mineral water with naturally occurring carbonation"

• "Natural mineral water with added natural carbonation."

• "Natural mineral water, carbonated."

The exact meaning and permitted wording depend on the applicable regulations. Therefore, for imported mineral waters, it’s worth reading the manufacturer's information as well.

3. Sparkling mineral waters you should know about

If you want to enjoy sparkling water as more than just a thirst-quencher, it’s worth comparing different sparkling mineral waters.

Here are some interesting options to consider when choosing sparkling water in Dubai:

Lauretana Sparkling 🇮🇹 – light and subtle

Lauretana is known for its low mineral content. The sparkling version offers a unique sensory experience, with the carbonation playing a dominant role.

Taste profile: Light and fresh with subtle lemony acidity.

Pairs well with: Light salads, mild cheeses, and delicate dishes.

Borjomi 🇬🇪 – Full-bodied and mineral-rich

Borjomi, which comes from Georgia, is known for its natural carbonation and distinctive mineral character.

Taste profile: Full-bodied and mineral-rich with a slightly salty taste, depending on personal preference.

Pairs well with: Grilled meat, barbecue, spicy dishes, and hearty meals.

Antipodes Sparkling 🇳🇿 – Fine bubbles

This sparkling water from New Zealand is characterized by its fine, subtle carbonation.

Taste profile: Smooth, clean, and elegant.

Pairs well with: White fish, poultry, and light Asian cuisine.

Prince Miloš 🇷🇸 – Sparkling water with character

This naturally carbonated Serbian mineral water has a unique character. Its unique mineral composition significantly shapes its taste.

Taste profile: Bold and lively with a distinct mineral note.

Pairs well with: Hearty dishes and foods that call for a water with a strong character.

Souroti 🇬🇷 – Mediterranean minerality

Souroti, a natural spring water from Greece, has a mineral-rich profile and is naturally carbonated.

Taste profile: Fresh, slightly acidic, and mineral-rich.

Pairs well with: Mediterranean cuisine, fish, vegetables, and olive oil-based dishes.

AQUA Carpatica 🇷🇴 – Pure minerality from the Carpathians

AQUA Carpatica, sourced from Romania, stands out for its natural purity and low sodium content.

Taste profile: Clear, fresh, and well-balanced.

Pairs well with: Chicken, fish, and pasta dishes.

Note: These recommendations are intended to serve as a sensory guide.

4. Which sparkling water is right for me?

The waters listed above differ in carbonation level and mineral composition. The best water for you depends on your personal preference.

• Do you prefer a strong fizz? If so, try distinctive, naturally carbonated mineral waters like Borjomi, Souroti, or Prince Miloš.

• Do you prefer a delicate fizz? Then Antipodes might be worth trying.

• Looking for a water to pair with light meals? Lauretana and Eira are great options to try side by side at the dinner table.

My recommendation: Compare different mineral waters and see which style you like best. The Discovery Set Sparkling, which includes six different sparkling mineral waters, is a perfect choice for this.

5. Do you want to enjoy sparkling mineral water in Dubai?

If you live in Dubai, you won't have to go without it. At SOMMCADEMY, you’ll find a wide selection of international mineral waters with various flavor profiles, ranging from subtly sparkling to boldly mineral.

Whether for your daily routine, dinner with friends, the office, or your next mocktail night, it's worth exploring different types of water to find your favorite.

In addition to the mineral waters listed above, SOMMCADEMY offers a wide selection of other international waters. You can have them delivered directly to your home or office anywhere in the United Arab Emirates via the SOMMCADEMY-Onlineshop.

Bonus: Summer Recipe - Cucumber, Basil, and Mint Sparkling Mocktail 🥒

Dubai, sunshine, and an ice-cold drink. Sometimes, it doesn't take much to create a refreshing moment.

This non-alcoholic mocktail combines cucumber, lime, basil, and sparkling mineral water. The carbonation gives the drink a lively character, making it especially refreshing.

My tip as a water sommelier: Prepare your mocktail with two or three different types of mineral water, and taste the variations side by side. Pay attention to the intensity of the effervescence, perceived acidity, minerality, and how each water affects the mocktail’s overall flavor profile. You'll be surprised at how much the choice of water influences the mocktail's aroma, freshness, and mouthfeel.

Ingredients for one glass:

• 150–200 ml of well-chilled sparkling water

• 4–5 thin slices of cucumber

• ½ lime

• 4–5 fresh basil leaves

• Ice cubes made with the same water to not dilute the taste

• Optional: 1 teaspoon agave or sugar syrup

Preparation:

1. Place the cucumber slices and basil leaves in a glass.

2. Squeeze the lime half and add the juice.

3. Add agave or sugar syrup, if desired.

4. Fill the glass with ice cubes.

5. Slowly pour in the cold sparkling water.

6. Stir gently to preserve the carbonation.

7. Garnish the mocktail with a cucumber slice and a basil leaf.

Why does carbonation pair so well with this mocktail?

The carbonation creates a tingling sensation in the mouth and adds a hint of acidity. It complements the fresh cucumber and aromatic lime, and the basil adds an herbal note. The result varies depending on the mineral water you choose. A mild, gently sparkling water keeps the mocktail elegant, while strongly carbonated water provides a more intense fizz.

Conclusion: Not all carbonation is created equal

Carbonation transforms water into something more than just a simple thirst-quencher. It alters the perception of acidity, texture, and overall taste. Both naturally occurring spring carbonation and added CO₂ can produce excellent sparkling water. The key factors are the quality of the water, its mineral content, and, of course, personal preference.

If you pay attention to the different flavors of mineral water, you’ll quickly discover that water has its own personality. With a refreshing mocktail, a glass of sparkling water can become a moment of pure pleasure in an instant, right in the heart of Dubai.

With that said: Drink sparkling water, #stayhydrated

Best regards

Timo Bausch

Certified Water Sommelier

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About SOMMCADEMY

Water is more than just a basic necessity. It represents taste, health, and experience. A new awareness is emerging: Drinking mindfully, recognizing differences, and truly understanding quality. As a certified Water Sommelier, I founded SOMMCADEMY to share the diversity and unique characteristics of mineral water with the world. With SOMMCADEMY, you can experience water in a whole new way, as a sensory journey that will make your event truly special / Timo Bausch Founder of SOMMCADEMY

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