This post is sponsored by Pep Talk. Thank you for supporting brands that make Zen & Spice possible! 

There are two types of people in this world: those who like sparkling water, and those who LOVE sparkling water. I am definitely part of that latter group. I have been a big fan of sparkling water ever since I discovered that pastel can in my soda aisle at the grocery store years ago. There’s something about the fizzy, fruity taste and the carbonation that is just so refreshing. As a dietitian, I love sparkling water for many reasons. It’s a great alternative to sugary beverages and a tasty way to stay hydrated. While they taste great, full sugar sodas should be a fun and occasional beverage. If you’re looking at something to drink on a daily basis, sparkling water is definitely the way to go. 

When Pep Talk reached out to me offering samples of their new caffeinated sparkling water, I was all in. I drink sparkling water on a daily basis, but as a new mom, I definitely need a caffeine boost in the early afternoon. I’d usually reach for a caffeinated diet soft drink, until I found Pep Talk! 

Pep Talk is just purified carbonated water with natural flavors and natural caffeine from green coffee beans. They’re available in four flavors: Lemon Lime, Pineapple Coconut, Pink Grapefruit and Tangerine Blackberry. Pep Talk is zero sugar and has 55mg of caffeine, equal to that of a small coffee or diet soda. It was created by a dentist (also a mom!) as an alternative to sugary sodas. It’s such a genius idea, really. Sparkling water is so popular, especially amongst women. Adding that bit of caffeine really does make a difference. Now you can hydrate and get an energy boost! If you live in Texas, you can find Pep Talk in 100 H-E-B stores! 

I took three of Pep Talk’s delicious flavors and turned them into mocktails — a cocktail without the alcohol, although I do give a liquor pairing suggestion with each pairing. Make sure the cans of Pep Talk are ice cold- let them sit in the fridge overnight for optimum taste! 

Tangerine Blackberry Thyme Refresher

Muddled fresh blackberries
Crushed ice
One can of Tangerine Blackberry Pep Talk
Sprig of fresh thyme (lemon thyme is optimal for the fruity flavor)
Wedge of tangerine or mandarin orange for garnish
Liquor pairing (optional): one shot of gin

Combine all ingredients in a tall glass. Use a drink stirrer to combine. 

Grapefruit & Rosemary Sparkler 

Squeeze of fresh grapefruit juice
One tablespoon of Rosemary Simple Syrup*
Ice cold can of Grapefruit Pep Talk
Large sprig of fresh rosemary

Grapefruit wedge for garnish
Liquor pairing (optional): one shot of vodka

Combine all ingredients in a tall glass. Use a drink stirrer to combine. 

*Rosemary Simple Syrup: 

  1. Combine 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, and several sprigs of fresh rosemary in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let syrup steep, about 30 minutes.
  2. Pour syrup into a glass jar through a mesh strainer to remove rosemary leaves; let cool before using. 

Blueberry Mint Lemon Lime Mojito 

Fresh blueberries (or frozen Wild blueberries)
Crushed ice   
Ice cold Lemon Lime Pep Talk 
Fresh mint stem
Lime wedge for garnish

Combine all ingredients in a tall glass. Use a drink stirrer to combine. 

If you’re a fan of sparkling water, I hope you give Pep Talk a try! It’s the perfect combination of hydration and energy boost. It tastes great on it’s own or paired with fruits and fresh herbs! 

You can buy Pep Talk online at www.drinkpeptalk.com ($5 OFF New Pep Talk Variety Packs with CODE: GetPepTalk). Also available in H-E-B stores across Texas (expanding to 100 stores in May), UNFI in the Twin Cities & many more retailers coming soon! You can also WIN 30 Days of Pep Talk naturally-flavored, caffeinated sparkling water! Enter here