What Is Alkaline Water and Why Does It Matter in Your Mixer?

Have you seen alkaline water on shop shelves or in a cocktail menu and wondered what all the fuss is about? Is it just another wellness trend or does it actually make a difference when you mix it into your drink?

Keep reading to find out what alkaline water is, how it’s made and why it might matter when it’s part of your cocktail mixer.

Is Alkaline Water More Hydrating than Regular Water?

Alkaline water doesn’t hydrate the body better than regular water, but it can make a difference in your drink. Its higher pH gives a smoother taste, which often means less sugar and fewer calories are needed to achieve the same refreshing flavour.

What Exactly Is Alkaline Water?

Alkalinised water is H2O with a higher pH level than standard drinking water. You’ll find that regular tap or shop-bought bottled water usually has a neutral pH of around 7. In contrast, alkaline water generally measures between 8 and 10. The reason for higher pH occurring naturally is when water passes over rocks and picks up minerals or it can be created through a process called ionisation.

It’s this transformation in pH, plus the added minerals, that gives alkaline water its enhanced taste and texture. Many people describe it as smoother and less sharp than regular drinking water, which is why it’s being used more often as a base in drinks and mixers to create a better drinking experience, whatever the occasion.

Common Claims About Alkaline Water

Alkaline water has built a reputation for doing more than quenching thirst. Fans often say it:

1. Keeps you hydrated for longer
2. Helps balance the effects of acidic food and drink
3. Settles heartburn or reflux
4. Aids recovery after exercise
5. Flushes out toxins
6. Boosts the immune system
7. Provides extra minerals like calcium and magnesium
8. Acts as an antioxidant

Why This Matters in Your Mixer

When creating cocktails (or mocktails), you want the taste to be crisp, balanced and enjoyable from the first sip to the last. Did you know that the base water in your mixer plays a bigger role in mixology? Using alkaline water can soften sharp ingredients by smoothing out acidity, making flavours feel cleaner without piling on extra sugar. Luckily, alkaline water gives water a much smoother, softer taste, meaning mixers made with it don’t need as much sugar to balance sharp flavours, reducing calories without losing refreshment.

Higher pH water can also interact differently with acidic ingredients, such as citrus or ginger, helping the final drink taste cleaner and less harsh. For anyone looking for a lighter mixer, the choice of water really does make a difference.

Myths vs. Reality

Alkaline water is surrounded by plenty of opinions and it’s easy to get lost between hype and fact. Let’s take a look at some myths and realities:

Myth #1: Alkaline water is just a marketing ploy.

The Reality

While it doesn’t transform hydration, its higher pH gives a lovely taste that is smoother and softer. That’s why it works so well in mixers because it requires less sugar to balance the flavours.

Myth #2: There’s no science behind alkaline water.

The Reality

Research is limited, but there are a few interesting findings. For example, a 2020 study on mice found that daily alkaline water intake improved DNA aging markers. While this doesn’t prove the same benefit for humans yet, it’s one reason the science continues to evolve.

Myth #3: All alkaline waters are the same.

The Reality

The pH level can vary. But a moderate pH creates a softer taste without being overwhelming, making it an excellent base for balancing beverages.