The Definitive Guide to Bong Water Alternatives: What to Try & What to Avoid

While fresh, cool water is the standard and most recommended liquid for filtration and flavor purity, some users experiment by adding natural, sugar-free ingredients like mint leaves or unsweetened herbal tea for subtle flavoring.

If you’ve ever stared at your bong and wondered, “Can I put something more interesting in here than plain water?” you are definitely not alone. It’s a classic thought-experiment, but swapping out your bong water may lead to undesirable or unexpected outcomes.

That’s why we created this guide to explore popular alternatives. Here, we’re breaking down what users commonly report, what may be better for your gear, and which myths need to be busted for good.

Why Water is the Gold Standard for Your Bong

Before you start experimenting with a fridge full of potential bong liquids, it helps to understand why plain old H₂O is the undisputed champion in the first place. Water’s role in a bong is simple but brilliant, and it all comes down to two key jobs: filtration and cooling.

As smoke is pulled through the chamber, the water acts as a filter, trapping particulates like ash. This filtration process is key to achieving a smoother hit with a purer flavor. At the same time, it instantly cools the hot smoke, resulting in a hit that feels significantly smoother.

Beyond smoothness, using clean water is all about flavor purity. Your herb is full of terpenes—the natural compounds responsible for those distinct citrus, pine, or fruity aromas and tastes.

Clean, fresh water is a neutral base that doesn't get in the way, allowing the authentic profile of your flower to shine through. This is precisely why high-quality glass bongs are so valued for the clean taste they deliver.

Finally, there's the critical issue of hygiene. Bong water gets dirty quickly, and for the best-tasting sessions and the health of your gear, you should change it daily. Sticking with fresh water makes this a simple, two-second task.

When you introduce other ingredients, you may find cleaning becomes more difficult and can create a residue where unwanted microbial growth could occur.

The "Do Not Use" List: What Should You Not Put in a Bong?

Now for the fun part: all the things you’ve probably thought about trying, and exactly why they are terrible ideas. We're all for experimentation, but we encourage you to consider the potential effects on your session experience and your glass. Stick to water to avoid these disastrous outcomes.

Sugary Drinks (Juice, Soda, and Sports Drinks)

Tossing some juice or soda into your bong seems like an easy way to get a flavored hit, but the reality is a sticky, nasty mess. The sugar doesn't really flavor the smoke. Instead, it coats the entire inside of your piece with a sticky film that is a nightmare to clean.

Worse, that sugary residue can create an environment where mold or bacteria may grow, creating a gross film and potentially attracting pests like ants.

Milk and Dairy Products

The age-old myth of using milk for thicker, creamier smoke is one you can definitely skip. Not only is the "creamy" effect minimal, but it also actively works against you. The fat in milk can cause the smoke to be less desirable and creates significant cleaning and hygiene problems.

Since milk spoils quickly, it can leave behind a foul-smelling residue which may encourage microbial growth inside your bong. Leaving it in your bong for even a short time can create a truly foul smell and potential hygiene issues you don't want to deal with.

Alcohol (Spirits, Wine, Beer)

It is strongly advised to never put alcohol in your bong. It is strongly advised never to put alcohol in your bong. Using alcohol in a bong is considered improper use and may result in an unpleasant experience. Furthermore, alcohol is a solvent that may damage certain parts of your device and does not provide the same filtration or cooling properties as water, which can result in a harsh experience.

Thick or Oily Liquids

Anything thick like syrup or containing added oils (including essential oils) is another hard pass. These liquids are too viscous to bubble correctly, meaning you get almost no filtration or cooling action—the whole point of using a bong. They can also leave behind a difficult-to-clean residue that could permanently damage your glass and may produce an undesirable vapor.

Exploring Bong Water Substitutes: A Guide to Experimentation

Alright, now that the scary stuff is out of the way, let's get into the creative alternatives that won't ruin your gear or your session. The golden rule for any of these experiments is simple: clean your piece immediately after you're done. Additives can still leave residue, so a fresh rinse and wash is non-negotiable to keep your bong tasting clean.

Unsweetened Teas and Herbal Infusions

Using cooled, unsweetened herbal tea is one of the most popular ways to create DIY bong water flavors. Just brew a cup of something simple like peppermint, chamomile, or hibiscus tea, let it cool down completely, and pour it into your chamber.

The key is using pure, natural herbal teas with absolutely zero sugar or artificial additives. This method adds a subtle aromatic hint to the smoke, creating a different vibe for your session without overpowering the natural terpenes of your flower.

Fruit-Infused Water

If you're asking "can you put fruit juice in a bong?", the answer is still a hard no—but fruit-infused water is a popular way to get that fruity essence without introducing processed sugars. Instead of pouring in sugary juice, simply add a few slices of fresh fruit directly to your cold water.

A few good options include lemon slices, orange peels, fresh cranberries, or even a sprig of mint. This technique imparts a crisp, natural flavor to the water and smoke without the sticky sugar that can encourage microbial growth and make cleaning a nightmare.

Temperature Play: Is Hot Water in a Bong a Good Idea?

This one might sound weird, but using warm or even hot water in your bong is a popular trick for achieving a totally different kind of hit. Instead of an icy, crisp pull, warm water creates a humid, steam-like effect.

Many people find this creates a warm, humid smoke which provides a uniquely smooth sensation. The main trade-off is that you lose the signature cooling effect of a bong. It’s a choice between smoothness and temperature, so it's worth trying to see which you prefer.

How to Make Your Bong Hits Smoother and Taste Better (Without Additives)

While experimenting with different liquids can be fun, the real secret to a next-level bong hit has nothing to do with raiding your kitchen. The best ways to get smoother, better-tasting rips are all about optimizing your gear with a few proven, game-changing techniques.

Start with a Clean Piece

Honestly, this is the single most important tip on the list. Over time, resin builds up inside your glass, and that gunk is the number one cause of harsh, nasty-tasting hits. A clean bong with fresh water is the only way to get the purest, crispest flavor from your flower. Keeping your gear clean isn't a chore; it’s the best upgrade you can make for every single session.

Use an Ash Catcher

Think of an ash catcher as a pre-filter for your bong. This small glass attachment fits between your bowl and the downstem, catching the vast majority of ash and debris before it ever gets into the main chamber. This keeps your bong and the water inside dramatically cleaner for much longer. The result is consistently smoother hits and way less time spent scrubbing your piece.

Add Ice

If your bong has those little glass notches inside the neck, that’s an ice pinch, and you should be using it. Dropping a few ice cubes down the tube super-cools the smoke right before inhalation, delivering a frosty and exceptionally cool sensation. Just be mindful that the ice will melt and raise your water level over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are the quick and direct answers to the most common queries about what goes in your bong.

What are some popular alternatives to bong water?

Some of the most common alternatives to plain water are natural, sugar-free infusions. Cooled, unsweetened herbal teas, such as peppermint or chamomile, or water with a few fresh fruit slices, like lemon or cranberries, can add a subtle aroma. The most important rule is to clean your piece immediately after the session to prevent residue buildup.

Is it a good idea to put alcohol in a bong?

 No, this is strongly discouraged. Using alcohol in a bong is considered improper use and can result in an unpleasant experience.

Does the liquid in a bong affect the high?

Yes, the liquid can affect the experience. Certain liquids do not filter or cool smoke properly and can create significant cleaning and hygiene issues, leading to a less enjoyable session.Plain water is the ideal choice because it is neutral, effective, and allows for the natural flavor profile of your herb to come through without interference.

How can I make my bong hits smoother?

There are three main ways to make your hits smoother without using additives: keep your bong perfectly clean, use an ash catcher, and add ice. A clean bong ensures the purest taste, an ash catcher helps keep the water cleaner for longer, and ice cubes in a bong with an ice pinch provide maximum cooling for a very smooth-feeling hit.

What should you not put in a bong?

It's generally recommended to avoid sugary drinks (soda, juice), milk, alcohol, or thick/oily liquids. These can promote microbial growth, be difficult to clean, damage your gear, and create an unpleasant experience.