Nestled in the heart of Iceland’s stunning landscape lies a natural wonder that has been slowly perfecting itself for over 5,000 years—the legendary Ölfus Spring, the source of Icelandic Glacial bottled water.
Icelandic Glacial is a certified Natural Mineral Water, recognised as such by both the European Union and Great Britain. This certification represents the highest drinking water standard, ensuring it is microbiologically pure with no unnatural ingredients or interference and with a consistent mineral content.
The Journey of Natural Filtration
Icelandic Glacial’s story begins with rainfall and snowmelt in Iceland’s untouched lava fields. This water slowly filters through layers of volcanic rock over millennia, emerging in the Ölfus Spring with remarkable clarity. The spring, formed after a massive volcanic eruption 5,000 years ago, is protected by an impenetrable layer of lava rock and a vast 128,000-acre exclusion zone, ensuring its continued pristine condition.
Nature’s Balance
What truly makes Icelandic Glacial unique is its natural composition. With a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level of just 62 parts per million, it offers a crisp, clean taste that doesn’t overwhelm the palate. This low mineral content makes it an ideal dining companion, perfectly complementing food and wine without imposing its own flavour.
Perhaps most notably, Icelandic Glacial boasts a naturally high pH of 8.4, making it alkaline without artificial processing. This unique characteristic has made it a favourite among health-conscious consumers seeking balance in their hydration.
Sustainability
Icelandic Glacial takes pride in its commitment to sustainability. The brand bottles less than 0.1% of the spring’s natural overflow, ensuring minimal impact on this precious resource. The bottling facility is a marvel of eco-friendly technology, powered entirely by geothermal and hydroelectric energy – a testament to Iceland’s commitment to clean energy.
From Source to Bottle
The journey from spring to bottle is a testament to nature and technology working harmoniously. The water flows directly from the underground spring into a state-of-the-art bottling facility. In a hands-free, fully automated process, Icelandic Glacial is bottled in a clean environment that maintains positive air pressure to prevent any outside contamination. In fact, the first time this water meets the open air is when you twist open the cap.
A Taste of Iceland, Delivered to You
At Aqua Amore, we’re proud to have brought this piece of Icelandic excellence directly to your doorstep for over 15 years. No matter where you are in the UK, you can experience Icelandic Glacial’s crisp, clean taste, certified Kosher and carbon-neutral. And there’s never been a better time to try it – please click here to order Icelandic Glacial for delivery to your establishment, workplace or home.
At Aqua Amore we are passionate about delivering the waters you love.
At present the industry is faced with global supply chain issues. Fortunately, our unique and long standing relationships within the industry have meant that in many of these instances we’re able to source products directly from the source or use a wide range of suppliers, bypassing the issues. However, this is not always possible. Recognising this, we’ve developed our Switch Promise – an initiative designed to ensure continuity of deliveries to our loyal customers, as well as allowing you to try & discover new products, and potentially even new favourites.
So, how does it work?
We have over 20 years of experience in sourcing and tasting waters. That knowledge allows us to make parallels between water brands, and therefore recommendations based on the characteristics you know and love. If your favourite products are out of stock, simply give us a call on 0208 8874 7589 and we’ll recommend an alternative. We’re so confident in our recommendations that if you don’t love our alternative, tell us why and we’ll credit you the cost to spend on your next order!
It really is that simple – you get to keep enjoying water and try something new, all at no risk to you.
T&C’s Call 020 8874 7589 and quote ‘Switch Promise’ to take part in this initiative. If the product recommended to you isn’t to your liking you must call the same phone number, then state that you have taken part in the Switch Promise and that you are not happy with your alternative. Our team will ask you a few simple questions, then provide a credit voucher to spend on your next order for the value of that product (maximum 1 case). Please note, this is only valid for products recommended under the Switch Promise initiative, not for all standard orders. Please note, with selected brands we will arrange for the remainder of the case to be collected – you will be made aware if this is applicable when a recommendation is made.
The FT Weekend is quite a substantial tome and periodically the HTSI (previously ‘How To Spend It’) supplement offers anyone with a taste of the finer things to delve into the possibilities offered by the high life.
I was therefore delighted to have had forwarded to me an enquiry from Alice Lascelles, the well-respected Drinks Editor for the FT; she was curious about experiencing ‘Naturally Sparkling mineral waters’ for a column. Her questions?
Which are the good ones?
Why do they taste different?
What are the considerations when choosing one?
She suggested an interview, so I gave her a call and she was ready to record the call there and then.
A little taken aback, I had to think on my feet… how does one best approach this topic to answer Alice’s questions and also ensure that the message is conveyed in a meaningful way to her educated audience?
Firstly, it was imperative that the hierarchy of bottled waters were clarified and obligingly, this was dutifully relayed in Alice’s third paragraph (once the fact checkers had checked their facts). As Natural Mineral Waters are the most highly regulated foodstuff in the EU (the UK’s regs are harmonised post-Brexit), a walk-through the qualifying criteria is fundamental. Additionally, since all the waters that Alice would be tasting were Natural Mineral Waters (as opposed to ‘Spring Water’ or ‘Table Water’), it was important to outline this key differentiation to the product.
What makes a natural mineral water distinct? A quick run-down:
Mineral composition has to be stable at source i.e. some allowable +/- in mineral content is permissible, but within established parameters
Microbiologically pure at source
Bottled at source
From a single source
Label has to indicate the source as the most prominent feature n.b. the spirit of the regulations is to ensure that the customer knows that this is a water of provenance rather than a brand
Limited permissible treatments to the water i.e. removal of iron
As a note on the labelling – ‘Spring Water’ can be prefaced to say, ‘Natural Spring Water’ or ‘Organic Spring Water’. ‘Table Water’ doesn’t even have to be labelled as such! Therefore, it can be ‘Artesian Water’ or ‘Volcanic’ etc… is it any surprise that we’re all apathetic when it comes to understanding what it’s all about?
Secondly, I covered the nature of water itself; it’s a solvent and absorbs minerals from the earth. Alice refers to ‘geothermal activity’ in paragraph four – some water routes so deeply underground that it is heated by the earth’s crust; it dissolves limestone which becomes CO2 – hence, the appearance of geothermal, naturally carbonated waters from a spring. Note, not all naturally carbonated waters are geothermal. As they are generally warm/hot (Vichy Catalan emerges from the spring at 59°C, for example), water becomes keener to absorb minerals than at lower temperatures, so this class of waters is generally mineral-rich (a term also regulated to indicated >1,500 milligrams per litre).
Thirdly, Alice allowed me to opine on the significance of the mineral sales in water, which is key in understanding why Natural Mineral Water sources are protected. The fact is that the naturally acquired mineral salts in water are the most bio-available to human physiology of any foodstuff (for example, calcium from water is absorbed more greatly than calcium sourced from milk or cheese). This is significant as minerals affect our well-being – magnesium, sulphates, calcium, bicarbonates and even lithium can be found in water, amongst others! It is for this reason that people want assurances that their source of hydration and nutrition remains consistent – that’s right, people turn to mineral water for reasons of wellness and for their curative properties – and have always done so since time immemorial.
A note on the mineral content – mineral content within water is measured in milligrams per litre (mg/L). This is determined by boiling one litre of water at 180°C until the liquid evaporates and measuring the weight of the remaining mineral salts. The total weight is referred to as ‘Total Dissolved Solids’ or TDS. It can also be referred to as ‘Dry Residue’.
Finally, we touched on the ‘organoleptic’ experience of the waters – why such an unusual word? Well, ‘taste’ is a loaded term as one then looks for properties that a water doesn’t commonly deliver. Of course, Alice picked up on the saltiness of Vichy Catalan in the article and rightly so – there is a good chunk of sodium (not table salt!) within each litre (mineral salts are measured in milligrams). Mineral salts also alter the texture of a water; hence people can be disappointed when looking for flavour. Alice did comment on the variability of the carbonation, from “big crunchy bubbles” to “very fine, pin-prick bubbles”.
So, there’s my four-step guide on how to introduce the esoteric topic of mineral waters to a curious and enthusiastic drinks journalist – I hope that you enjoyed the experience, Alice!
If you too would like to sample the very same variety of waters that Alice did, we’re delighted to offer a special edition selection Discovery Box, found here. This case features 12 bottles of naturally sparkling water from a unique selection, curated specially for the FT. My advice is to chill them first (as this is how most people consume them) and do try share your thoughts with us!
Aqua Amore Ltd is very concerned to hear reports of a developing trade rift that threatens to deny UK residents access to the vital minerals contained within Natural Mineral Water.
As published in The Daily Telegraph on 20 February 2021, it has been reported that the UK has threatened the EU with a ban on European bottled mineral waters in response to the on-going European ban on UK shellfish.
Should such retaliatory action take place, the UK’s citizens would immediately be denied access to an essential source of naturally occurring minerals such as magnesium, sulphates, bicarbonates and chloride. None of these are to be found in significant quantities within Natural Mineral Water originating from the British Isles, due to the absence of volcanic regions.
The EU and UK recognise the impact of minerals on the body and regulate the declaration of minerals on the label, when nominated levels are met or exceeded. This is because minerals in water are the most bio-available of any food source i.e. naturally occurring calcium consumed in water is more readily absorbed efficiently by the body than in, say, milk or cheese.
One of the contradictions of Natural Mineral Water is that the value of the minerals are often under-valued outside of societies that possess mineral-rich water >1500mg/L. As mentioned above, this is possibly the consequence of the absence of volcanic regions in the UK, so that most of the Natural Mineral Waters are of a low mineral content <500mg/L.
This means that such a ban would not fail ”to penalise UK consumers unnecessarily’ as suggested by Patrick O’Flynn in his Daily Telegraph comment piece, quite the contrary. Whilst the sources of domestic waters are indeed located in areas of outstanding natural beauty and have many virtues of their own, one cannot substitute low mineral waters for high mineral waters and receive identical health benefits. Aqua Amore proudly stock a wide range of mineral and spring waters from the British Isles. An example of a mineral rich UK water would be Whitehole Springs water from Somerset, which boasts a very high level of calcium from it’s source within the Mendip Hills – witnessed by the build up of naturally occurring Tufa.
Natural Mineral Waters are the most highly regulated and tested food source within the European Union, which in turn results in very accurate mineral analysis. As outlined in our ‘Magnesium Waters’ blog post the minerals contained within each unique water source, such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, bicarbonates, sodium etc, are available in distinctly high volumes and are often essential sources for health and wellness.
Mineral waters such as Vichy Celestins from France have been long used for the treatment of gout, whereas Italy’s Fiuggi water is accredited by the national health service in Italy in the treatment of urinary calculi (kidney stones) and its recurrence – something a UK government ban would prevent from being a natural treatment option for residents.
Aqua Amore therefore call upon both the European Union and UK government to find an urgent resolution to the current ‘water wars’ which threaten the supply of a healthy, natural and vital food stuff to the people of the UK.
We have been thrilled that so many of you have been invigorated by Zac Efron’s Netflix show Down to Earth with Zac Effron Episode 2 and reached out to us to try many of our unique mineral waters. Please join us on a leisurely ten minute read whilst we guide you through our own visit to the source of a natural mineral water.
There has been a lot of recent interest in Vichy Catalan, the distinctive and beguiling water that emerges from the ancient Roman spa of Caldes de Malavella in Catalunya. This town, just South of Girona, is the source of at least three thermal water sources – one of which is supplied a Roman spa which now remains as a disused relic and is open to visitors. Another is the eponymous Malavella, a natural mineral water in a distinctive pear drop bottle which possesses a remarkably similar mineral content to Vichy Catalan – though is imbued with less CO2 hence, small bubbles.
The centrepiece of this sun drenched town, however, is the Balnearia Vichy Catalan; this is the heart of the source of Vichy Catalan, a bottling plant and a hotel/spa. Christopher and I took the time to visit in May 2018, which was very exciting for us, as Aqua Amore has been a reliable source for many UK (and European!) based afficionados of this evocative brand for over a decade and for us, it has always carried a certain mystique.
In the 19th Century, many people were ‘taking to the waters’ throughout Europe and the most renowned of these spa towns was that of Vichy, in the department of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in the centre of France and in a volcanic regions with an abundance of thermal springs. It is from this region that Aqua Amore source the majestic Natural Mineral Waters (NMW) of Chateldon, Vichy Celestins, Vichy St Yorre and Vals.
According to the myth of the commercial origin, Dr. Modest Furest Roca, studied the beneficial effects of highly mineralised thermal water for the human physiology. Back in his native Catalunya, the volcanic region is around Girona – a region from which we also source Sant Aniol. When he was visiting the region of Caldes de Malavella, he encountered a goat herder, who remarked that his goats would drink from a mineral spring and subsequently be full of energy and bounce around; this story isn’t too dissimilar to the origins of coffee in Ethiopia, with the curious goats chewing on the coffee berry and exhibiting the effects of the caffeine! Dr. Furest was delighted with the analysis of the water and commercialised it by adopting the moniker of ‘Vichy’, in order to establish an evocation and recognition of its provenance. Fast forward to the present day and France is not accepting of this gross usurpation of its cultural heritage and will only allow the product to be sold as ‘VCH’!
We do know for certain, that the water emerges from the spring at a stable 59°C and visibly steams upon emergence into the atmosphere, in addition to possessing a whitened appearance due to the presence of CO2. We could feel the heat from the water and tasted it – the sensation is very unusual as one is essentially consuming warm, bubbly minerals in a liquid form. It is actually very highly mineralised at 3,052 mg/L – and these are minerals that can be tasted and sensed on the palate. It is noticeably carbonated, saline (due to the sodium) and viscous (due to the bicarbonates) and it is best enjoyed very chilled.
The water is captured underground and before it is bottled, it is topped up with CO2 in order to represent the character of water as it emerges from the spring, so that we can enjoy it as those knowing goats did for so many centuries. The operation itself is continuous – Vichy Catalan is the most popular sparkling water in Spain and Portugal and they have expanded to produce juices and carbonated flavours.
It is clear the Vichy Catalan brand is one that captures the heart and essence of Catalunya – with the adoption of the Gaudi pattern seen at Barcelona’s Parc Guell sealing its position as one of Spain’s most distinctive products.
Should you have the opportunity to visit, we would highly recommend a stay to enjoy the hospitality of the spa and dining facilities; in combination with the historic fort of Girona, it makes for a wonderful tour of a less travelled area of Catalunya. We would recommend a driving trip, starting from Perpignan and following the wonderful D914 ‘Costa Brava’ as the road clings to the cliffside and offers a glistening panorama of the Mediterranean. Passing through Cerbere and Portbou, before coming inland through Figueres and into Girona.
Thank you for joining us on this re-visiting of our journey and we welcome your enthusiasm, feedback and questions, as always.
Water is essential for life, but not all water is created equal. When we turn on our taps or purchase bottled water, we often take for granted the complex mixture of substances dissolved within it. One crucial measure of water quality that often goes unnoticed is TDS, or Total Dissolved Solids.
TDS is a key indicator of water composition, affecting everything from taste and appearance to its impact on our health. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at TDS, exploring what it means, why it matters, and how it influences the water we consume every day.
It is important to note that ‘taste’ can be somewhat of a misnomer. This term is used as a convenient way to describe the sensory experience and overall mouthfeel derived from the presence of mineral salts in the water.
What is TDS?
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids, a measure of the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances contained in a liquid, typically water. These dissolved solids are primarily minerals, salts, and metals that have dissolved in the water as they move through various environments.
When water travels through the ground or over surfaces, it can pick up small amounts of minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. Mineral salts within water are the most bioavailable of any foodstuff and regulations are often created to protect the unique mineral composition at source. Water may also collect traces of organic matter, salts, and other substances. All these dissolved particles contribute to the TDS level of the water.
TDS is typically expressed in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per litre (mg/L). For context, pure distilled water would have a TDS reading close to 0 ppm, while seawater can have a TDS level of more than 30,000 ppm.
It’s important to note that TDS is a quantitative measure of the total dissolved substances, not a qualitative one. This means it tells us how much is dissolved in the water, but not what specific substances are present or whether they are harmful or beneficial.
Types of Total Dissolved Solids
The primary components of TDS are:
Inorganic salts – these make up the majority of TDS and consist of:
Positively charged cations: calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium
Negatively charged anions: carbonates, nitrates, bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulphates
While present in smaller amounts, organic matter also contributes to TDS levels.
Other materials: Metals, minerals, and various ions can also be part of the total dissolved solids in water.
How is TDS Measured?
Understanding how TDS is measured can help assess water suitability for various uses, including drinking, irrigation, and industrial applications. Here are the primary methods used to measure TDS in water:
Electrical Conductivity (EC) Metres
EC metres are the most common and convenient devices for measuring TDS in water. They operate on the principle that the electrical conductivity of water increases as the concentration of dissolved ionised solids increases.
How EC metres work:
The metre has two electrodes in the water sample.
A known voltage is applied across these electrodes.
The metre measures the current that flows between the electrodes.
Using Ohm’s Law (V = IR), the metre calculates the resistance of the water.
The inverse of resistance gives the conductivity.
Converting EC to TDS:
The metre uses a conversion factor to estimate TDS from the EC reading.
The most common conversion factor is 0.5, so TDS (in ppm) = EC (in µS/cm) × 0.5.
This factor can vary from 0.55 to 0.8, depending on the composition of dissolved solids.
Gravimetric Method
The gravimetric method is one of the simplest tests and is often performed by environmental laboratories. TDS is measured using a sensitive analytical balance to weigh residual dissolved solids from a water sample after filtration, evaporation, and heating at 180°C.
How the gravimetric method works:
Filtration: The water sample is passed through a standard glass fibre filter with a pore size of approximately 1-2 micrometres. This filtration step operationally defines what is considered “dissolved” in the context of TDS measurement.
Evaporation: The filtered water sample is then evaporated, leaving behind only the dissolved solids.
Heating: The residue is heated to 180°C to ensure complete dryness and to standardise the measurement conditions.
Weighing: Finally, the remaining solid residue is weighed using the analytical balance.
TDS Measurements: From Very Low to Rich
TDS in drinking water is typically categorised into four main levels: very low, low, medium, and rich. Understanding these levels can help you better interpret water quality and choose water that suits your preferences or needs.
Remember, while TDS indicates the overall mineral content, it doesn’t specify which minerals are present.
Why Does TDS Matter in Drinking Water?
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) measurement is crucial for assessing drinking water quality and safety. As water is a universal solvent, it readily absorbs and dissolves particles from these sources, affecting its overall composition.
While elevated TDS levels are not always directly harmful to health, they can significantly impact water quality in several ways. High TDS concentrations can alter the taste of water, making it bitter, salty, or brackish, which may discourage people from drinking enough water, potentially leading to dehydration. This taste alteration can also affect cooking.TDS levels above 1000 ppm can noticeably change food flavours, potentially making dishes taste saltier or more mineral-like, and affecting the texture and appearance of some cooked foods
Can TDS Be Too High or Too Low?
From a health perspective, while most dissolved solids are not directly harmful, extremely high TDS levels (exceeding 1000 mg/L) can render water unfit for human consumption. Some dissolved solids, if present in high concentrations, may pose health risks.
Conversely, very low TDS levels (between 50 and 250 ppm) can also be problematic. Some dissolved solids, such as calcium, magnesium, and certain organic matter, provide beneficial minerals and nutrients. Therefore, a balanced TDS level, typically between 300 and 500 ppm, is often considered ideal for drinking water.
What is the Difference Between TDS and Dry Residue?
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and dry residue at 180°C are essentially the same concept, with the terminology often varying based on regional preferences and regulatory language. Both TDS and dry residue refer to the measurement of dissolved substances in water after filtration and evaporation.
While TDS and dry residue at 180°C are equivalent terms referring to the same measurement, they are related to but not exactly the same as electrical conductivity. Conductivity provides an estimate of TDS based on ionic content, but the filtration and drying method remains the most accurate way to determine the true total dissolved solids in a water sample.
TDS and Its Relevance to Your Water Choices
As we wrap up our exploration of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in water, it’s clear that TDS is more than just a number; it’s a key indicator of water composition that affects taste, mouthfeel, and potentially long-term health impacts. However, it’s important to recognise that the question isn’t simply whether TDS is good or bad, but rather how it’s relevant to your personal water preferences and needs.
TDS levels can significantly influence the sensory experience of drinking water. Some people prefer water with higher TDS levels, enjoying the rich mineral taste and substantial mouthfeel it provides. Others may favour water with lower TDS, appreciating its lighter, crisper character.
Choosing water based on its TDS level or specific mineral content is a personal decision. What’s most important is that you enjoy the water you’re drinking. Whether you prefer mineral-rich water or opt for more neutral-tasting options, the key is to find a balance that suits your taste preferences and aligns with your health goals.
Belu is a British Natural Mineral Water sourced from Powys, Wales. It adheres to the highest UK and EU food regulations, ensuring exceptional quality.
Belu offers still and sparkling options, each boasting a medium mineral content and a slightly alkaline pH of 7.8. With a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) count of 249, it balances mineral richness and refreshing taste.
What sets Belu apart is its commitment to social and environmental causes. As a social enterprise, Belu aims to reinvest its net profit into initiatives that benefit our planet and support WaterAid’s global mission to provide clean water to everyone, everywhere.
Belu’s approach to business is different. They’ve aimed to create a model that delivers top-quality drinks and allows consumers to make a positive impact through their purchases. Their goal? To change the way the world sees water by 2030.
The company’s dedication to sustainability is evident in their products. They follow circular economy principles, maximising the use of recycled materials. Belu’s bottles are lightweight, made with at least 40% recycled content, and are 100% recyclable. This approach reduces their carbon footprint without compromising on quality.
Belu aligns its operations with UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on clean water and sanitation, responsible consumption and production, and climate action. They’re certified carbon neutral and don’t export their packaged drinks, further reducing their environmental impact.
At Aqua Amore, we’re proud to offer Belu Water. When choosing Belu, you’re not just selecting Welsh Natural Mineral Water — you’re supporting a business that puts people and the environment first. It’s more than just water; Belu offer a chance to be part of a movement towards a more sustainable and equitable world.
We invite our new and long-standing customers to try Belu Water and experience the difference that purposeful hydration can make.
Punchy make delicious soft drinks that help you feel punchy, available in great fridges across the UK and beyond.
The business was started by 2 school mates in 2018, Paddy & Charlie, who saw an opportunity to create a new age soft drinks business that tapped into the growing demand for no and low options and healthier soft drinks. The guys had no drinks industry experience, but bucket loads of energy, a heavy sprinkle of naivety and a desire to have an impact.
Taking inspiration from challenger beer brand success stories, punchy is adopting similar tactics to take on the bigger soft drinks players, leveraging clean natural ingredients, its eternal summer brand aesthetic, and a more sustainable, transparent supply chain as its advantages.
Fast forward to 2024, since launch punchy has sold millions of cans with thousands of customers across the UK, and presence in 11 markets globally. The brand has over 500 5* reviews online and has been featured in the likes of The Times, The Guardian, VICE, Evening Standard, and Daily Mail, as well TV shows like Saturday Kitchen and Sunday Brunch.
Punchy boasts two product ranges, each strategically positioned to thrive in its respective market segment.
Its existing range of premium low calorie sodas are made to sip or mix, created with feel-good-all-natural-ingredients, and a splash of Vitamin D to help you catch the sun all year round. These products have sold millions of cans servicing the likes of British Airways, Hilton Hotels, Wimbledon Tennis Championships, Carrefour, Glastonbury, Ole & Steen and more, providing a brilliant alternative to sugary soft drinks, as well as a non-alc alternative, or a fantastic mixer with premium spirits.
Not wanting to rest on their laurels, the team have been busy mixing up a revolutionary new range, launching in April 2024, tapping into the growing demand for functional beverages. Their new hydration range features a mix of real fruit, bubbles, electrolytes and minerals as well as Vitamin C & D to offer consumers a replenishing and revitalising caffeine free wellness blend.
The range takes on existing old school players in the space such as Powerade and Lucozade, moving hydration away from a sports led positioning, into a more everyday, accessible space with a product that champions flavour, genuine efficacy, a clean ingredients list, and more sustainable packaging. The range is perfect as a daily pick me up, or post gym or post night out, lending itself to food service and the off-trade sector. The products are launching with national wholesalers such as Aqua Amore.
The punchy team are extremely ambitious, and are targeting becoming a household name in the coming years, widely enjoyed and trusted. They’re super excited to be partnering with Aqua Amore to help spread their Liquid Sunshine far and wide. Cheers!
Celebrate with Bubbles: Sparkling Cocktail Creations with Avalis Glacier Water
As we toast to Aqua Amore’s 16th birthday this November, what better way to celebrate than with a splash of effervescence from our latest addition, Avalis Glacier Water? In partnership with Avalis, we’re excited to present a series of delectable sparkling cocktail recipes, perfect for adding a touch of festivity to your gatherings.
Whether you’re a fan of mocktails or cocktails, these eight recipes are sure to bring a fizzy flair to your celebrations. Let’s dive into the sparkling world of Avalis and raise our glasses to another year of exceptional hydration and taste.
Mocktails
The Avalis Raspberry Rumble Looking for a refreshing mocktail that you can enjoy all year round? Look no further than The Avalis Raspberry Rumble. A tantalising blend of tangy lime, sweet raspberry, and the fizzy punch of Avalis Sparkling Water. Garnish with fresh raspberries for a delightful finish.
Ingredients: • Avalis Sparkling Water • 50ml Raspberry juice • 2 Fresh Basil Leaves • Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice • Fresh Raspberries to Garnish
The Avalis Berry Burst This refreshing and flavorful mocktail is very easy to make. With only a few ingredients, this can made for one or a crowd. A sure to be a hit at any holiday party.
Ingredients: • Avalis Sparkling Water • 40ml Cranberry Juice • 20ml Orange Juice • Half Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice • 10ml Orgeat Syrup • Fresh Berries to Garnish
The Avalis Melon Mist
Savour the refreshing taste of The Avalis Melon Mist, a blend of juicy watermelon and freshly squeezed lime juice, enhanced with a dash of watermelon syrup and topped off with the fizzy goodness of Avalis Sparkling Water.
Ingredients: • Avalis Sparkling Water • Blended cup of Watermelon • 15ml Watermelon Syrup • Half Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice • Mint Leaves • Lime Wedge/Watermelon Slice to Garnish
The Avalis Zingy Zest
Hosting a festive party this year? Wow your guests with this delicious and easy-to-make mocktail. With the perfect balance of flavours, this drink is full of refreshing zing. Just add ice, top it off with Avalis Sparkling Water, and let the celebration begin!
Ingredients: • Avalis Sparkling Water • 40ml Non-Alcoholic Tequila • Half Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice • 10ml Agave Syrup • Lime Wedge to Garnish
Cocktails
The Avalis Spiced Apple Martini
Introducing the delicious spiced apple martini. Made with apple juice, apple liqueur, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and a hint of sloe gin. Top it off with Avalis Sparkling Water for some fizzy fun. Don’t forget to garnish with two cinnamon sticks for an extra touch of warmth.
Ingredients: • Avalis Sparkling Water • 30ml Apple Juice • 25ml Apple Liqueur • 10ml Maple Syrup • 15ml Sloe Gin / Non-Alcoholic Sloe Gin • Cinnamon Sticks to Garnish
The Avalis Blooming Rose Mojito
A unique twist on the classic Mojito. The Avalis Blooming Rose Mojito is the perfect blend of flavours, topped off with a splash of Avalis Sparkling Water for that extra fizz.
Ingredients: • Avalis Sparkling Water • 35ml Gold Rum / Non-Alcoholic Gold Rum • 20ml Rose syrup • Lime Wedges and Mint Leaves • Rose petals to Garnish
The Avalis Berry Breeze
Ready to elevate your cocktail game? The berry crush cocktail is a game changer. You won’t be able to resist its deliciousness. Give it a sip, and get ready for a flavour explosion.
Ingredients: • Avalis Sparkling Water • 40ml Vodka / Non-Alcoholic Vodka • 15ml Creme De Cassis • Juice of 1 Orange • 5 Blackberries • 2 tbsp Pomegranate Seeds to Garnish
The Avalis Pink Gin Zing Ready to take your tastebuds on a journey? This gin cocktail is here to make waves. The Avalis Sparkling Water enhances the experience, creating a light and invigorating texture.
Ingredients: • Avalis Sparkling Water • 35ml Gin / Non-Alcoholic Gin • Fresh Lime juice • 10ml Sugar Syrup • Lime Wheels to Garnish
Mix up one of these bubbly concoctions at your next gathering. And be sure to stock up on Avalis Glacier Water to keep the festivities flowing. Available in both still and sparkling varieties, it will bring a touch of sophistication and refreshment to all of your holiday entertaining. Shop here
As a certified water sommelier and co-founder of Aqua Amore, I’m delighted to spotlight South Downs Natural Mineral Water – a brand we proudly offer to homes and businesses across London. In this blog, I’ll share my insights into what makes South Downs a special British water, from its mineral composition to its journey from source to your glass.
Natural Mineral Water is the highest standard for bottled water. To gain this status, the water must be bottled directly at a protected source with the source name clearly labelled. The mineral content must also remain consistent and regularly tested. This sets it apart from generic spring or purified waters that have less strict regulations and recognition.
The 90mg/L of calcium in South Downs Water delivers over 10% of your recommended daily calcium in one litre consumed. Minerals from Natural Mineral Water are the most bioavailable of any other food source, making them the easiest for our systems to absorb and use. It’s a natural and efficient way to boost your daily mineral intake.
Sourced from an independent artesian spring at the foot of the iconic South Downs National Park, South Downs is enriched with minerals from filtering through the chalky white limestone geology. With a pH of 7.5 and low sodium levels, it has a beautifully balanced mineral composition and light, refreshing mouthfeel.
Not only does South Downs meet the highest Natural Mineral Water standards, it also happens to be the closest water source to our warehouse in London. This allows us to reduce miles travelled and the overall environmental impact of bringing South Downs water to our customers.
We proudly offer it in sustainable packaging, including glass bottles made with recycled content and aluminum cans using 62% recycled materials.
As a specialist bottled water distributor for over 16 years, it’s a joy to provide our customers with this unique British Natural Mineral Water straight from the protected South Downs artisan spring. The light mouthfeel and sustainable local sourcing make it a perfect everyday drinking water.
Natural Mineral Water is the highest standard for bottled water. To gain this status, the water must be bottled directly at a protected source with the source name clearly labelled. The mineral content must also remain consistent and regularly tested. This sets it apart from generic spring or purified waters that have less strict regulations and recognition.
The 90mg/L of calcium in South Downs Water delivers over 10% of your recommended daily calcium in one litre consumed. Minerals from Natural Mineral Water are the most bioavailable of any other food source, making them the easiest for our systems to absorb and use. It’s a natural and efficient way to boost your daily mineral intake.
Sourced from an independent artesian spring at the foot of the iconic South Downs National Park, South Downs is enriched with minerals from filtering through the chalky white limestone geology. With a pH of 7.5 and low sodium levels, it has a beautifully balanced mineral composition and light, refreshing mouthfeel.
Not only does South Downs meet the highest Natural Mineral Water standards, it also happens to be the closest water source to our warehouse in London. This allows us to reduce miles travelled and the overall environmental impact of bringing South Downs water to our customers.
We proudly offer it in sustainable packaging, including glass bottles made with recycled content and aluminum cans using 62% recycled materials.
As a specialist bottled water distributor for over 16 years, it’s a joy to provide our customers with this unique British Natural Mineral Water straight from the protected South Downs artisan spring. The light mouthfeel and sustainable local sourcing make it a perfect everyday drinking water.
As specialist distibutors of mineral waters for over fifteen years, we continually seek to discover and deliver the finest waters to quench your thirst and nourish your body. In our pursuit of excellence, we partnered with Hallstein Natural Mineral Water and were proud to visit the factory in March 2023.
Hallstein: Discovery of ‘the’ source
In 1999, the Muhr family gathered around their dinner table, questioning, “Is the water we’re drinking high quality?” and “What does “high quality” drinking water actually mean?”
The Muhr Family – exploring the source of Hallstein Water
In their relentless pursuit of water perfection, the Muhr family’s journey led them to discover Hallstein Water. Working alongside scientists and water experts, they formulated eight core parameters for Hallstein Water quality. These criteria set the foundation for what is now known as the Hallstein Octagon.
High Natural Alkalinity Hallstein Water boasts a pH of 8.3, making it naturally alkaline. This essential quality helps to restore the body’s pH balance, counteracting the acidic elements we encounter daily. An ideal pH level for drinking water is between 8 and 9.5.
Low Sodium Levels Hallstein Water is remarkably low in sodium, with just 0.15 mg/l. The Muhr family recognised the significance of sodium levels in the water, as they can influence pH. The low sodium content makes it a safe and healthy choice for all, including infants and adults striving to avoid hypertension.
High in Dissolved Oxygen 10 mg/l or higher levels of Dissolved Oxygen (DO) adds a crisp fresh taste to water. Hallstein water has a DO level of 10.8 mg/l. Unlike municipal water supplies that contain lower DO levels to preserve water pipes.
Low Nitrate Levels The UK drinking water standard requires the nitrate concentration to be less than 50 mg/l, while the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) require the nitrate concentration to be less than 10 mg/l. Hallstein Water sets an exemplary standard by keeping its nitrate level at 1.83 mg/l.
Low Total Organic Carbon (TOC) At just 0.09 mg/l, Hallstein Water has an impressively low TOC score. Organic carbon levels in drinking water are akin to “bacteria food,” indicating that higher levels pose an increased risk of bacterial formation. By keeping TOC levels to a minimum, Hallstein Water ensures that every sip remains pristine and free from potential contamination.
Moderate Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Natural Mineral Waters need to be microbiologically pure at source, with a consistent presence of minerals in the stated volumes. Depending on its unique mineral composition, water can treat your taste buds to a myriad of flavours – from subtle sweetness to a touch of bitterness and even a hint of pleasant saltiness or a gentle metallic note. With 84 mg/l TDS Hallstein Water has a lightly balanced and smooth taste.
Calcium and Magnesium Ratio Hallstein Water embraces the importance of balanced mineral content, providing the body with the ideal 2:1 ratio of Calcium to Magnesium. This harmonious ratio ensures optimal absorption, benefiting overall well-being.
Low Exit Temperature Deep wells with low exit temperatures produce cleaner water. Hallstein Water has an exit temperature of just 5.6°C (41°F), signifying its pristine origins and the protection it receives from environmental contaminants from above.
Now that you’ve delved into the remarkable world of the Hallstein Octagon, it’s time to experience the excellence firsthand. Hallstein Natural Mineral Water is available in 750ml glass bottles. Visit our page to purchase a case for yourself, also available on subscription.
At Aqua Amore, we take pride in delivering the water you love – water that matters.
Recognised by leading Chefs and Sommeliers from among the world’s finest hotels and restaurants, and awarded the Superior Taste Award 2022, by the International Taste & Quality Institute, Icelandic Glacial is available for purchase through our trusted partnership with Aqua Amore.
A water like no other, it’s filtered slowly for 5,000 years through layers of lava rock, Icelandic Glacial possesses a highly desirable and uncommonly high pH of 8.4, making it naturally alkaline. The high pH in Icelandic Glacial may:
help to offset the low pH acids found in many foods to help the body maintain a healthy pH balance
increase hydration
improve bone health support
reduce the risk of kidney stones
We are proud to partner with Icelandic Glacial, a brand that shares our commitment to quality, sustainability, and delivering exceptional water experiences. With its unique filtration process through ancient lava rock and a naturally high alkaline pH level, Icelandic Glacial offers a truly extraordinary drinking experience. At Aqua Amore, we believe in providing our customers with the finest waters from around the world, and our partnership with Icelandic Glacial allows us to continue that mission. We are thrilled to have offered this premium water to our valued customers for over fifteen years, elevating their hydration journey to new heights.
Christopher Tanousis, Co-Founder of Aqua Amore
Sustainably Sourced
Setting Icelandic Glacial apart from other bottled premium waters is its source. Sourced from the legendary Ölfus Spring in Iceland, one of the world’s most pristine ecosystems. It possesses a naturally low mineral content (TDS of 62 ppm) that does not crowd the palate with heavy metals, minerals or silica. A water so pure, nothing is added or taken away.
At Icelandic Glacial, we believe in sharing our premium water with the world and doing so with environmentally sound practices. Iceland’s abundant rainfall and snowmelt is naturally filtered through ancient lava rock and bottled directly at the Ölfus Spring as a result Icelandic Glacial water is exceptional in terms of quality, taste and purity.
Icelandic Glacial features a highly desirable, uniquely elevated, and naturally occurring high alkaline pH level. The uncommonly high pH level of 8.4 is due to the natural filtration system of ancient lava rock, and never from additives such as sodium bicarbonate, magnesium sulfate, or calcium chloride.
The Legendary Ölfus Spring is one of the world’s largest natural springs, with over 900,000 cubic meters of water overflowing into the ocean every day.
The First CarbonNeutral Certified Bottled Water
Since Icelandic Glacial’s inception, sustainability has been in our DNA. We are proud to say we were the world’s first bottled water to be certified as CarbonNeutral® for both product and operation. Icelandic Glacial has worked with The CarbonNeutral Company, a leading carbon emissions consultant, since 2007, and has been certified CarbonNeutral for both product and operation – an unprecedented move in the beverage industry.
Icelandic Glacial made a commitment to reach a target of net-zero Greenhouse Gas emissions, and continuously carry that out through a combination of internal reductions, environmental instruments and investments in renewable energy and reforestation projects around the world.
Bottling less than 0.1% of the overflow to the sea, The Ölfus Spring has been declared certifiably sustainable by Zenith International.
We take immense pride in running a completely sustainable operation fueled entirely by geothermal and hydroelectric power. At 7,688 sq. ft., our world-class facility is one of the world’s greenest and cleanest.
Shielded by an impenetrable layer of lava rock and surrounded by a 128,000 acre exclusion zone, the Spring is constantly replenished by a gradual filtration of rainfall and snowmelt over uninhabited and untouched lava fields.
In a steadfast commitment to reach a target of net-zero Greenhouse Gas emissions, we also invest in verified renewable energy, forestry and resource conservation projects around the world. And we go even further, taking steps to use 100% recyclable BPAfree, high grade rPET bottle, labels, caps and cardboard packaging.
Icelandic Glacial natural spring water is available to buy from Aqua Amore in:
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