Carbonated Maple Sap - Fizzy, Cold & Slightly Sweet

The thaw has finally arrived and not a moment too soon. We're getting down to the dregs of our woodpile and I am heartily sick of trying to entertain my kids indoors and of the overlapping symphony of colds, flus and stomach bugs we've been treated to this winter.

With the thaw comes maple sugaring season and this simply delightful seasonal beverage.

All credit for this drink goes to my husband who came up with the idea, drilled the holes, put the spiles (great vocab word, right?!) into four of our maples, collected the sap and borrowed the SodaStream from my in-laws.

IT IS SO GOOD - subtly sweet with a flavor that can only be described as mapley (so much for originality...) and a delightful fizz that feels like Spring bubbling up in your veins.

The older child is addicted. And, yes, he is wearing an American flag pin - why should the flag be the exclusive province of conservatives?

It probably goes without saying but maple seltzer is best when made with just-gathered sap that's still cold from the tree. If you need to wait a while, refrigerate the sap as it will go bad if it gets too warm.

You might also like:

• From Sap To Syrup - Adventures in Backyard Maple Sugaring
• Preparing Fresh Horseradish - Make Your Own Bitter Herb for Passover
• Harvesting Wild Ramps Sustainably

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