1 Cake + 2 Delicious Cocktails Your 4th of July Bash Needs

Sure, we love a good patriotic celebration, but to us, the Fourth of July is more than just stars and stripes — it’s also a time to hang with family and friends. For the hostess who wants to extend the party all summer long, we turned to stylist and curator Ricki Uster. She’s put together the perfect ingredients to create a celebration that lingers long after the fireworks are over. Scroll on for three delectable recipes that need to meet your picnic tabletop this summer.

Go naked with this summer’s hottest dessert trend and whip up this berry sweet cake. Make the party a potluck and focus your talents on creating this firecracker berry cake!

Cake Ingredients:

– 1 stick unsalted butter, softened

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 tablespoon baking powder

– 1 1/2 cups white sugar

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 3 large eggs

– 1 cup whole milk

– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Cake Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Generously butter the sides and bottoms of two 8-inch round cake pans.

3. In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder and salt.

4. In another mixing bowl, beat (with a mixer or by hand) remaining stick of butter with sugar until fluffy and light.

5. Add eggs and continue to beat mixture well, scraping down the bowl as you go.

6. Gradually add flour mixture, then add milk and vanilla and beat until batter is just combined.

7. Divide batter evenly between pans and place in center of oven.

8. Bake until cake is golden and the tip of your knife comes away cleanly when inserted into the center of the cake, about 33-35 minutes.

9. Let cake layers cool for about 15 minutes, then turn out onto plates to cool completely before frosting.

Makes two 8-inch layers. To make the four layers as shown, simply double the recipe. Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart.

Frosting Ingredients:

– 8 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature

– 1 tablespoon lemon zest

– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

– 2 cups powdered sugar

Frosting Instructions:

1. Beat cream cheese using a mixer or by hand, add lemon zest and juice and beat until combined.

2. Slowly add sugar and continue to beat until fluffy and creamy.

3. Place one completely cooled layer of cake right side up on a cake plate, scoop half the frosting on top, spread with an offset spatula or the flat side of a butter knife.

4. Carefully place the other layer—right side down so that the very top of your cake will be perfectly flat—on top of this.

5. Holding the knife perpendicular to the sides of the cake, apply a thin layer of frosting, scraping as you go, so that the sides are barely covered.

6. Top off with a DIY cake topper!

Ginger Lemonade

A combination of ginger and mint dolls up your standard lemonade and makes a great alternative to water for your precious and valuable DDs!

Ingredients:

– 3 cups sugar

– 8 cups water, divided

– 1 cup of approx. 1/4-inch slices of ginger. Save yourself the trouble of peeling it first — there’s really no need!

– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice

– Optional: ice cubes with fresh mint leaf frozen inside, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat 3 cups water and 3 cups sugar to a boil in medium saucepan, reduce heat to medium and simmer until sugar dissolves.

2. Pour off one cup sugar syrup and let cool.

3. Add ginger slices to saucepan, simmer 10 minutes then set aside to cool. Leave ginger slices in saucepan — this also gives the ginger extra time to “steep” and flavor the syrup as it cools, until it achieves spicy perfection!

4. Strain out ginger and store syrup in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

Makes about 2 quarts.

To Serve: In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice with remaining five cups of water, add one cup of the completely cooled (unflavored) sugar syrup and stir to combine. Serve by pouring over glasses of ice, then adding ginger syrup to taste.

Raspberry Basil Sparkler

Bubbly is the perfect beverage for any celebration, and adding basil is a totally unexpected win.

Ingredients:

– 24 oz raspberries

– 4 cups water

– 2 cups sugar

– 1 cup whole basil leaves, very loosely packed

– Prosecco, or dry sparkling wine of choice

– Optional: Fresh raspberries and basil sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cover raspberries with water in saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes.

2. Strain out raspberries, add sugar, simmer 5 more minutes.

3. Roll basil lightly between your palms to bruise leaves and bring out oils, then drop into syrup.

4. Let cool completely, strain out basil and store syrup in an airtight container for up to three weeks.

To Serve: Splash a small amount of raspberry basil syrup into a champagne or tall cocktail glass, then top with Prosecco or the sparkling wine of your choice. To make things extra festive, bring on the patriotic vibes through your tablescape. From dyed linens to dip-dyed pompoms, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate!

Photographer: Heather Kinkel, @heatherlil
Stylist: Ricki Uster, @laricki
Tastemaker: Laurel Morley, @sweetlaurelblog
Model: Sam Thompson, @samstandard
Clothing Frances Vintage
Jewelry: Adam Rabbit
Woven wall hanging: Wildwood + Firth
Tablewares: Urbana

What are you planning on serving at your 4th of July bash? Let us know in the comments below!

If you do any amount of baking, it's only natural that you'll end up with a few extra egg whites on hand now and again, so what better to use them for than some egg white recipes? While we're big fans of putting them to use in gorgeous pavlovas, heavenly angel food cakes, to-die-for macarons and crisp meringue, those are just four of the many terrific ways out there to use them up.

Try these recipes and see how many leftover egg whites you can use up!

What can I do with egg white?

There are a bunch of different foods you can make with egg whites. You can use them in meringue cookies and macarons, or use them to add a fizzy topping to your cocktail.

How long does egg white last in fridge?

You can keep your egg whites in the fridge for up to four days.

How do you make egg white taste tasty?

There are a few different ways you can make an egg white taste good. You can add some salt and pepper before topping the finished product with hot sauce. Another method is adding your favorite cheese and seasonings for extra flavor.

What tastes good with egg whites?

If you want something savory, cheeses, salts, and herbs will add extra flavor. For a sweet addition to a dessert recipe, froth some sugar into the whites.

Brit + Co Egg White Recipes

Brit+ Co

Pumpkin Magic Cake

We already love plain cake, but this delicious recipe takes the classic dessert to the next level. It features three layers: sponge, custard, and fudge for a mix of textures and flavors we can't get enough of. If you're a pumpkin lover, leave the recipe as-is, but feel free to leave out until pumpkin spice season.

Brit + Co

3-Layer Pavlova Berry Cake

What’s better than one layer of crisp meringue, heavenly whipped cream + fresh berries? The answer: THREE! This sky-high beauty is a refreshingly light dessert perfect to dish out at summer gatherings.

Brit+Co

Patriotic Pavlova

Wanna set off some fireworks at your next Fourth of July party? Whip up our Patriotic Pavlova for dessert! Read on for the star-spangled recipe made with four egg whites.

Brit + Co

Pastel Meringues

The basic egg white and sugar base makes these crispy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside bites a cinch to whip up, and even easier to trick out to your taste.

Brit + Co

Champagne Marshmallows

Whether you prefer them roasted over a campfire or baked into sweet potatoes, you can't deny that marshmallows are a delicious addition to just about everything. Enjoy these springy homemade versions spiked with a splash of fizzy Champagne at your next birthday bash.

Brit + Co

Twice-Baked Potato Chip Soufflé

We didn't think potato chips could get any better, but then we figured out that they make a pretty awesome addition to everything from oysters to ice cream (yes really!) to soufflés. Using cheddar chips adds some extra cheesy goodness in addition to the bacon, potatoes, and cheese.

Brit + Co

Gluten Free Cloud Bread

Cloud bread is fluffy, tasty, and the fact that it's gluten-free is just the cherry on top. Top with your favorite jam, or with the classic peanut butter + banana + chocolate chip breakfast combo. Not only are they easy but they'll also take you under 30 minutes to make!

Brit + Co

Eggnog Colada

This recipe combines a classic summer cocktail with a winter staple, and turns them into something that you'll want to drink all year long. Turns out, pineapple and coconut taste great with eggnog.

Breakfast Egg White Recipes

The Girl on Bloor

Grab & Go Turkey Bacon Egg White Cups

These turkey bacon egg white cups are perfect to make and take on busy mornings. They take less than 25 minutes to make and are a filling and savory breakfast option that hits the spot!

Feel Good Foodie

Egg White Bites with Red Pepper

The sharper tang of red peppers pair beautifully with neutral egg whites, and these bites are basically the best breakfast ever. Plus, you can never go wrong with a spinach and cheese combo.

Kathryn's Kitchen Blog

Egg White Bites (Mushroom and Spinach)

This breakfast brings together spinach, mushrooms, cheese, and egg whites for a super simple — and super satisfying — bite.

A Spicy Perspective

Egg White Frittata with Spinach and Peppers

We love that this gluten-free recipe is full of peppers, spinach, and cheese, which means that it's both tasty *and* healthy. Plus it'll take you less than 30 minutes, which makes it a great option for anyone who doesn't have a ton of time in the morning.

Two Peas & Their Pod

Avocado Toast with Eggs, Spinach, and Tomatoes

With a 5-minute prep time, this avocado toast with eggs is great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Not only is it easy to make, it's healthy and filling!

Cilantro Parsley

Mexican Huevos Ahogados

This dish is both satisfying and delicious! It serves as the perfect hearty and savory breakfast option and is packed with flavor and spices.

Whole and Heavenly Oven

Greek Avocado Egg White Breakfast Tacos

These breakfast tacos are the perfect choice for anyone who leans towards savory options in the morning. They're loaded up with flavor and light in calories, making them a staple in your breakfast routine.

Appetizer Egg White Recipes

Daisy's World

Spiced Cocktail Nuts

We love snacking on nuts when we're hungry, whether it's during our workday or any time during the weekend, but sometimes we want more than just plain salt. Set these sweet, spiced nuts out for your next shindig, or package them up as a thoughtful gift.

Fifteen Spatulas

Puffed Cheddar Cheese Twists

Egg whites bind these flaky, sharp cheddar cheese twists just so. Pair them with tomato soup, nibble on them one after the other, or even bring them to your next movie night.

Lunch & Dinner Egg White Recipes

Domesticate Me

Shakshuka Egg White Frittata with Turkey Sausage

The punchy flavors of this shakshuka-inspired frittata taste so good that you won't even remember that it's made from egg whites. That's some recipe magic right there! The turkey sausage is a great alternative to pork because it has less calories and saturated fats.

Bowl of Delicious

Homemade Egg Drop Soup

If you're looking for an easy and nourishing dinnertime staple, you can't go wrong with this homemade Egg Drop soup. It takes 15 minutes from start to finish and is hearty and comforting!

Give Recipe

Menemen Recipe

This Turkish dish is a quick and easy dinner recipe for those who don't want to spend a lot of time cooking. It's a different take on scrambled eggs, and includes a generous amount of tomatoes and peppers.

Dessert Egg White Recipes

Clean Cuisine

Sweet Potato Soufflé

We couldn't resist adding another soufflé to this round-up because they're so darn good! This one is super quick and easy to make and is gluten, dairy, and refined-sugar-free - making it perfect for most diets. This is one of those dishes that feels like fall but is great for any time you just want something comforting.

Culinary Hill

Homemade Meringue

This is a classic dessert component that you'll be able to use for all of your cookouts, family gatherings, and holiday parties. It is absolutely delicious, whether you add flavoring or keep it as-is.

Barley & Sage

Robin's Egg Macarons

Egg whites will help you make seriously airy macarons. A little bit of blue food coloring (as well as flicking some black food coloring once they're on the pan) gives these treats that recognizable robin's egg look. Just make sure you save enough of the chocolate buttercream filling to lick the spoon!

Love and Olive Oil

Chocolate-Glazed Almond Horns

Chewy-crispy almond cookies are an absolute pleasure to nibble on, especially when they're half covered in a delicious dark chocolate glaze. Just consider this a sophisticated version of chocolate-covered almonds!

Pink Out Kitchen

Old Fashioned Banana Pudding

This old-fashioned banana pudding is authentic and seriously delicious. The fluffy meringue coupled with the sweet vanilla pudding and bananas makes for a rich and delectable treat you'll want spoon after spoon of.

Vikalinka

Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches

These waffle ice cream sandwiches are seriously the best of both worlds. The waffles are soft and buttery and the ice cream is the perfect sweet treat. The recipe is super easy to make and follow, allowing you to whip up the ultimate dessert in less than no time.

Foodie Baker

Egg White Chocolate Brownies

You won't even notice the absence of yolks in these unbelievably fudgy brownies. Top with a dusting of powdered sugar, some chopped walnuts, or both!

Getting My Just Desserts

Caramel Crunch Cake

Meringue layers make this heavenly whipped cream and caramel cake ever so slightly more virtuous… at least that's what we'll keep telling ourselves.

Desserts with Benefits

Gluten-Free Healthy Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

Greek yogurt and egg whites are just two of the healthy hacks employed to make this delicious cake. If you're someone who enjoys eating bananas slathered with peanut butter (or with a spoonful instead), then this one's for you.

Half-Baked Harvest

Easy Vanilla Sugar Dusted Macaroon Trees

These sugar-dusted macaroon trees taste as magnificent as they look! They're so easy to make and elevate any holiday party spread.

Saveur

White Chocolate Cream Cheese Mousse

Tangy cream cheese and sweet white chocolate balance one another out to create a tempting mousse that everyone will want to try.

Half-Baked Harvest

Honey Butter Stone Fruit and Blackberry Meringue Tart

This meringue tart is so buttery and flakey that you'll find yourself wanting to make it over and over again. When served with ice cream, it becomes a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply to die for!

Woman Scribbles

Filipino Style Egg Pie

What could be better than creamy and milky egg custard in a buttery and oh-so-flaky pie crust? This dish feels like comfort on a plate and truly can't be beat in the pie department.

Woman Scribbles

Ube Cupcakes with Ube Swiss Meringue Buttercream

These cupcakes are delicate and moist but packed with flavor. The ube swiss meringue buttercream is light and fluffy and serves as the perfect match to the purple-hued ube cake. Despite the flavor complexity, the recipe is surprisingly easy to make!

The Bossy Kitchen

Walnut Cake with Egg Yolk Glaze

This dessert is so easy to whip up but tastes simply luxurious. It is made with all-natural ingredients that allow you to indulge without guilt.

Takes Two Eggs

Dalgona Matcha

Not only is this Dalgona Matcha seriously delicious, but it's also a unique way to use up egg whites! This fluffy drink is going to become a morning must-have, trust me.

The Bossy Kitchen

Meringue Cheesecake

You may not find egg whites in the name of this recipe, but rest assured that they're in the meringue! How else do you explain the perfectly fluffy texture that sits atop the creamy goodness underneath?

Takes Two Eggs

Mango Cake

As much as we love eating delicious mangoes, we didn't know how tasty they are in cake form! This makes for the perfect spring or summer wedding dessert because it's light, yet flavorful!

Barley & Sage

Heart Shaped Macarons

These macarons are for the lovers! Whether you're planning a sweet Galentine's Day brunch for your friends or a romantic date night dinner for your beau, this recipe will win over any guest!

Amanda Wilens

Strawberry Lemon Cake

We've got another tasty summer treat for you to make! This strawberry lemon cake blends sweet and sour elements for an inviting taste that won't overpower tastebuds.

P.S. We highly recommend baking this cake for a baby or bridal shower!

Check out our baking classes and email newsletter for more egg white recipes!

This article has been updated.


All the intensity of Yellowstone and 1923 season 2 can be hard to consume when you just want to turn on the TV and relax. And that's exactly where When Hope Calls comes in. The TV show has all the Western flair you love about shows like Yellowstone, with the romance, friendship, and well, hope, of your favorite Hallmark movies.

You can stream the first season on Hallmark+, and it looks like after three years, we're finally getting season 2! Keep reading for everything you need to know about the When The Heart Calls spin-off, inspired by the world of Janette Oke's books.

Here's everything we know about When Hope Calls season 2, premiering on PureFlix and Great American Family April 2025.

Where can I watch season 2 of When Hope Calls?

Hallmark Media

New episodes of When Hope Calls are premiering on PureFlix Thursday, April 3, 2025 and Great American Family Sunday April 6, 2025.

What is When Hope Calls about?

Hallmark Media

The TV show follows Lillian (Morgan Kohan) and Grace (Jocelyn Hudon), who were separated as children after the death of their parents. Reunited as adults in 1916, and still healing from past wounds, the sisters open an orphanage of their own in the Canadian town of Brookfield, and quickly fall in love with the children — and handsome strangers — they meet.

Who's in the When Hope Calls cast?

Hallmark Media

The When Hope Calls season 2 cast features some incredible names, including your favorite Sullivan's Crossing star! Here's the full breakdown:

  • Morgan Kohan as Lillian Walsh: Grace's older sister who was adopted after the death of their parents.
  • Ryan-James Hatanaka as Gabriel "Gabe" Kinslow: a local Mountie who catches Lillian's eye.
  • Wendy Crewson as Tess Steward: the owner of the big local ranch and Chuck's mother
  • Hanneke Talbot as Maggie Parsons: Brookfield's new nurse
  • Marshall Williams as Sam Tremblay: a newcomer who works as a handyman at Lillian's orphanage
  • Neil Crone as Ronnie Stewart: the hotel manager who's also Tess's brother-in-law
  • Christopher Russell as Michael Fletcher: a new Mountie in Brookfield.
  • Sarah Fisher as Hannah Lawrence: a woman in town who's recently inherited a ranch.
  • Nick Bateman as Wyatt: Hannah's foreman.
  • Cindy Busby as Nora: a lawyer.

How many episodes of When Hope Calls season 2 are there?

Hallmark Media

There will be eight episodes of When Hope Calls season 2 total, premiering on April 3, 2025. Stay tuned for the full schedule!

Why is Grace no longer on When Hope Calls?

Hallmark Media

Because of scheduling conflicts, actress Jocelyn Hudon was not able to appear in the When Hope Calls Christmas specials. To explain her absence, the show wrote that Grace moved to England to open an orphanage there. I have all my fingers crossed we'll see her make a season 2 guest appearance, though!

Will there be more season 2 of When Hope Calls?

Hallmark Media

Yes, season 2 is coming! The When Hope Calls: A Country Christmas holiday special premiered in 2021, but it's not necessarily part of season 2 of the show. You can rewatch the special anytime you want on PureFlix.

Stay tuned for the latest When Hope Calls season 2 news, and updates on Netflix's New Romance TV Show Ransom Canyon.

You’ve got your annual Fourth of July cookout responsibilities down pat. One friend brings the pasta salad, another gladly takes care of the grilled veggie sides, and then you are happily in charge of the patriotic flag cake. But this year, you might want to shake things up. We’ve got 15 red, white, and blue cupcakes and cakes with broad stripes and bright stars to celebrate Independence Day in style.

Flag Cake

Oh Sweet Basil

No dessert is more patriotic than a full-blown flag cake adorned with white icing, ruby raspberries, and blueberries. (via Oh Sweet Basil)

4th of July Cupcakes

The Little Blonde Baker

Red, white, and blue are twirled to perfection to give you these slightly psychedelic vanilla cupcakes; they’re topped with a finger-lickin’ buttercream that you can easily make on your own. (via The Little Blonde Baker)

Red, White, and Blue Funfetti Cupcakes

Treats and Trends

Funfetti has become a birthday *must,* but we’re bringin’ it for the Fourth of July with these gloriously festive cupcakes slathered in buttercream frosting. (via Treats and Trends)

Red, White, and Blue Cake Pops

Love Maegan

With a white chocolate coating and festive sprinkles, these gorgeous cake pops are a total crowd-pleaser. They’re also really fun and easy to make, so get the kids to help! (via Love Maegan)

Red, White, and Blue Cake

What Should I Make For...

This naked layered red velvet cake skips the festive sprinkles and replaces them with fresh berries. (via What Should I Make For…)

Fourth of July Peanut Butter Cookie Cake

Sweetest Menu

What your Fourth of July party REALLY needs is an oversized peanut butter cookie cake covered in red and blue chocolate candies. (via Sweetest Menu)

Firecracker Cake

Love Bakes Good Cakes

With red, white, and blue drips of delicious frosting, this vanilla cake is as exciting on the inside as it is on the outside, thanks to some crafty yet simple techniques. (via Love Bakes Good Cakes)

Patriotic Swirl Cupcakes

Two Sisters Crafting

It’s hard to beat colorful swirls of buttercream sitting atop moist and crumbly chocolate cupcakes, amirite? Follow the simple tutorial and WOW your pals. (via Two Sisters Crafting)

Low Carb 4th of July Vanilla Berry Cake

It's Autumn's Life

If this vanilla berry cake proves anything, it’s that you can still be festive while keeping things clean and simple. Decorated with sweet strawberries and blackberries, this dessert is low in carbs but big on flavor. (via It’s Autumn’s Life)

Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

Our Family of Seven

This recipe brings cupcakes to a whole new level by filling ice cream cones with batter before baking. They’re then topped with icing as usual, and a maraschino cherry for good measure. (via Our Family of Seven)

Easy July 4th Ice Cream Cake

Just A Taste

This cooling ice cream cake is made with frozen pound cake, your choice of raspberry or strawberry sorbet, and a whipped topping that’s decked out in fresh berries and patriotic goodies. (via Just a Taste)

Red Velvet 4th of July Cupcakes

Your Cup Of Cake

These ruby cakes are brimming with red velvety goodness and whipped cream icing, and topped with fresh blueberries for a touch of blue. (via Your Cup of Cake)

Red, White, and Blue Cake

Preppy Kitchen

Bring this gawk-worthy petal cake to your Fourth of July cookout and treat your friends to three decadent layers of spongy cake and buttercream. (via Preppy Kitchen)

Red, White, and Blue Patriotic Cupcakes

Pack Momma

Speared with sparkling stars, these cupcakes boast American pride with colorful icing and cake layers. (via Pack Momma)

American Flag Cake

Cooking Is Messy

This cake might seem run-of-the-mill at first glance, but when you cut into it and reveal your mad baking skills, guests will be left in a complete state of awe. (via Cooking Is Messy)

This post has been updated.

The internet is already buzzing about Netflix's new romantic Western drama, Ransom Canyon, which drops on the streamer April 17. It's got everything: secrets, romance, horses. And plenty of standout stars. Here's a full rundown of the Ransom Canyon cast, because the lineup is almost too good to be true. Until the show drops, stock up on The 10 Best Cowboy Boots Right Now ;).

Keep reading to meet the full Ransom Canyon cast before the Netflix TV show premieres on April 17.

1. Josh Duhamel as Staten Kirkland

Netflix

Josh Duhamel stars as Staten Kirkland, the owner of Double K Ranch who's fighting to protect his ranch and his way of life.

2. Minka Kelly as Quinn O'Grady

Anna Kooris/Netflix

We'll also see Euphoria and Friday Night Lights star Minka Kelly as Quinn O’Grady. Quinn's back from a life in New York as a concert pianist and is looking for a new start.

3. Marianly Tejada as Ellie Estevez

Netflix

Marianly Tejada (who you'll recognize from One of Us is Lying) stars as Ellie Estevez, who yearns to leave an impact on Ransom Canyon. But while she's as tough as they come, she also checks in on Cap.

4. Jack Schumacher as Yancy Grey

Netflix

Jack Schumacher plays the charming, mysterious Yancy Grey, who has a secret past he's struggling to keep hidden from Ellie and the rest of Ransom Canyon.

5. Eoin Macken as Davis Collins

Ursula Coyote/NBC

Eoin Macken stars as Davis Collins, who owns Bar W Ranch and constantly buts heads with Staten over capitalizing on the land — and over Quinn.

6. James Brolin as Cap

Netflix

Sweet Tooth's James Brolin stars as ex-Army captain Cap, who owns Fuller Ranch.

7. Lizzy Greene as Lauren Brigman

Netflix

Lizzy Greene is a part of the Ransom Canyon cast as Lauren Brigman, head cheerleader, sheriff's daughter, and girlfriend to quarterback Reid. But she dreams of leaving for Austin, and isn't expecting Lucas to capture her heart.

8. Garrett Wareing as Lucas Russell

NBC

Garrett Wareing stars as Lucas Russell, who's working to provide for his family and dreaming of a life beyond the Canyon.

9. Andrew Liner as Reid Collins

Jose Haro/Peacock

Andrew Liner plays Reid Collins, who's dealing with secrets of his own and hides his desire to be loved behind a cocky exterior.

Read up on the latest Ransom Canyon news for more!

Though we're all about our reusable water bottles (and everything related to the Stanley tumbler), the love we have for fancy-shmancy bottled water is just undeniable. Despite the crisp, cold convenience associated with bottled drinking water, there's a *huge* rift in which brands actually taste good.

Some drinkers prefer Aquafina over Dasani (or even artesian water cuvée, like the cast of Vanderpump Rules), and that's okay – but sommelier Belinda Chang has an immeasurable wealth of knowledge to dictate which ones are worth sipping on based on their flavor (and yes, they differ).

Not every bottled water is created equal, and this expert-backed ranking is proof. Onward!

What type of bottled water is healthiest?

Pavel Danilyuk / PEXELS

Mineral water is considered the healthiest bottled drinking water since it contains additional minerals and vitamins.

What is the top-rated bottled water?

Towfiqu Barbhuiya / PEXELS

According to our ranking of the best and worst bottled waters, Roundy's bottled drinking water is #1.

Is bottled water safe to drink?

Mart Production / PEXELS

In terms of your health, all plastic bottled waters are the worst – they can contain hundreds of thousands of microplastics that harm the body. The safest bottled water you can drink is likely some filtered drinking water that you put into a reusable water bottle.

What are the top 5 worst bottled waters?

Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

Propel, Dasani, Ice Mountain, Aquafina, and Naleczowianka are the top 5 worst bottled drinking waters, according to their taste.

What is the top 5 best drinking water?

Nerea Arance / PEXELS

According to expert water sommelier rankings, the top 5 best drinking waters are: Evian, Smeraldina, SmartWater, Fiji, and Roundy's.

Meet Sommelier Brenda Chang!

BelindaChang.com

Belinda Chang hails from Chicago, and was formerly the head of the wine and spirits program at upscale steakhouse Maple & Ash, so she knows her drinks. While she usually puts her skills towards perfect pairings of wine and sumptuous meals, Belinda welcomed Thrillist into her domain to put water to the ultimate test.

Belinda compared ten different bottled water brands by evaluating their flavor, aroma, texture and finish of each, giving them a score out of a possible 100 points. Her bottled water ratings shed light on which brands you should drink!

“A good bottled water shouldn’t have any off-putting aromas or flavors – that would be an automatic negative,” Belinda explained. “In wine, we always talk about terroir, and I think for water, it’s the same. You want it to speak of the place where it comes from. And, of course, you want it to be delicious.”

The Best Bottled Drinking Water, Ranked

10. Propel: 69/100

Propel

When it came to tasting Propel bottled water, Belinda was immediately put off by the odor, saying it smells "salty, metallic.” Ew. When it came to taste, it might not have been as bad, but it certainly wasn’t an A+.

“When it gets onto your tongue, the impact is bizarre. The texture and flavor is a lot like Gatorade, but not masked with orange or blue raspberry.”

9. Dasani: 70/100

Dasani

Dasani was another bottled drinking water that was... somewhat stinky. “See, this one does not smell good — it smells like a wine that’s been dosed with sulphates.” What’s with all the smelly water?

Belinda deemed that when it comes to Dasani, “The thirst-quenching quotient is really low on this guy.”

8. Ice Mountain: 81/100

Ice Mountain

Ice Mountain bottled drinking water got it right if you’re looking for nothing but water – tasteless water.

“It’s completely neutral in almost every way, which I think is a total positive.” In this case, definitely. Though Belinda did note a slight “mineral-y” aftertaste, a “pipe-like flavor.” No thanks.

7. Aquafina: 84/100

Aquafina

Instead of tasting pipe-like, Belinda felt Aquafina tasted “a little powdery, with some dissolved minerals and a little bit of salt.” Still, she felt that this was a decent thirst-quencher.

“For an inexpensive water that you’re just drinking because you’re in the airport and you want to hydrate before you go on a flight, I think this is a good option.”

6. Naleczowianka: 89/100

Naleczowianka

Naleczowianka bottled drinking water was another water with a “distinctive” smell — this time, a stony hint. Kinda strangely, it made Belinda think of “a salt character — I want it with a pierogi.” That’s… specific.

Overall, this one failed where it seems to matter the most, with the skilled sommelier noting, “It’s not that thirst-quenching. It dries out the palate.”

5. Evian: 90/100

Evian

Evian bottled drinking water is better when it comes to the smell, Belinda claiming it’s “really clean on the nose.” But interestingly, she also noted, “I do taste the Alps — I don’t smell them, but I taste them. And I can definitely imagine myself après-ski with a bottle of Evian.” That’s a plus for Evian!

4. Smeraldina: 92/100

Smeraldina

Smeraldina bottled drinking water scored slightly higher than Evian despite the fact that “after you have a sip of it, it feels like there’s this fine silt lying on your tongue.”

Besides that, however, “this would transport you back to the south of Italy.” Whoa. First the Alps, now Italy. We’re globetrotting with every sip.

3. Smartwater: 93/100

Smartwater

Smartwater is actually something that Belinda is familiar with herself, but admitted, “I’ve always chugged this the next morning when I’m hungover.” However, when she took some time to consider it, she claims, “it’s probably 1000% the marketing, but it does taste different,” i.e. a really interesting texture in the mid-palate, which Belinda assumes is the added electrolytes.

2. Fiji: 98/100

Fiji Water

Fiji took the runner-up spot of the best bottled water to drink, partly due to the fact that it’s “totally neutral on the nose, which [Belinda thinks] is important,” but it was also the fact that it’s a heavy water that got Belinda’s stamp of approval.

“[If] you want to drink a glass of water after a spectacular dish or, like, a great bite of a burger, you want something that cleanses, and this is it. I really love this water.”

1. Roundy's Purified Drinking Water: 99/100

Roundy's

And the bottled water winner is… Roundy’s!

First, the smell won Belinda over. “This is going to sound so weird, but it’s a little sweet-smelling — which I like!” But, of course, that wasn’t all. Taste is the major factor here, and the sommelier thought this option was delicious. “It has no pretension, it’s incredibly thirst-quenching."

"It doesn’t taste like anything, which is perfect. When you’re drinking water you just want to be drinking water, and this is the most watery of all the waters. This is the Moet Imperial of bottled water — it’s simple, it’s classic and it does exactly what it’s supposed to do. It delivers and that’s my professional opinion.”

Do you notice differences in the taste of water from different brands and your tap? Tweet us @BritandCo!

H/T Thrillist.

This post has been updated.