Club soda vs seltzer: what’s the difference? They’re both carbonated water, but there’s a slight difference between the two. Then of course there’s tonic water…and what’s sparkling water? Which should you use as a cocktail mixer, vs drink on a regular basis? We will admit, the terminology requires some research: and at the store it can still be a little confusing. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between these carbonated beverages.
Club soda vs seltzer (sparkling water): what’s the difference?
Club soda and seltzer are two types of carbonated water. To understand the difference, it’s also helpful to compare them with tonic water and sparkling water. Here’s a breakdown:
Seltzer, aka soda water or sparkling water is carbonated water with no additives, carbonated by injecting carbon dioxide (CO2). It’s the base for brands like La Croix, or what comes out of a SodaStream. Sparkling mineral water is made with water from a mineral spring, like Perrier or Topo Chico.Club soda is carbonated water infused with added minerals, which give it a salty or lightly sweet flavor. Additives you may see in club soda are potassium sulfate, sodium chloride, disodium phosphate, or sodium bicarbonate.Tonic water is carbonated water with added quinine and sugar. It was first sold commercially in the 1850’s as a way to drink quinine, prescribed at the time to fight malaria. It tastes sweet and bitter, and is used in many cocktails like the gin and tonic. (Here’s more about tonic water.)
Interestingly, it’s hard to find anything at the store that’s labeled “seltzer,” though that’s what it is. Sparkling mineral water is easier to find, and of course you can find LaCroix just about anywhere.
Club soda vs seltzer (sparkling water): when to use them?
The flavor differences between club soda vs seltzer are pretty subtle. In terms of health benefits between the two, club soda has slightly more sodium and a few added minerals. So our top choice for drinking on a daily basis is seltzer! Here’s a breakdown of when to use these products:
Seltzer (aka sparkling water) has a clear, crisp flavor and is the most pure form of carbonated water. It has 0 calories and sugar. It’s our top choice for drinking on a regular basis. You can use a SodaStream or other type of home carbonation system to make your own seltzer on demand. It’s also a great cocktail mixer.Club soda has a slightly more salt than seltzer, but overall the flavor difference is very subtle. Even so, use club soda for cocktails instead of everyday drinking. You can use it in any of the cocktails below. But it’s not required! We typically don’t buy club soda and just use our SodaStream to make soda water on demand.
Bottom line: Opt for seltzer, soda water or sparkling mineral water most often: it’s best for everyday drinking. You can buy club soda if you like, but it’s not required for cocktails, either! You can use soda water for both.
Popular seltzer and club soda cocktails
There are lots of famous club soda cocktails! You can use either sparkling water or club soda interchangeably to make any of these drinks. We use the term “soda water” in our recipes to mean seltzer, but club soda is so similar that you can use it as a substitute.
Vodka Soda or Vodka Spritzer Vodka, lime and soda water, or add fruit for a spritzerTequila Soda or Ranch Water Tequila, lime and soda waterWhiskey Highball A refreshing way to drink whiskey: with club soda!Red Wine Spritzer, White Wine Spritzer, or Rosé Spritzer A classic wine spritzer combines wine and seltzerClassic Mojito The classic Mojito uses seltzer or club soda! Tom Collins, Gin Fizz or Ramos Gin Fizz These classic gin drinks also use seltzer for a bubbly textureGin Rickey, Lime Rickey, or Gin and Soda The rickey is simply gin plus club sodaCampari and Soda A great way to enjoy Campari.
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