If you’re a fan of mixing your own drinks, you have probably noticed that club soda and seltzer water are called for in different recipes, but why? You can tell that they’re used differently in your favorite cocktails, but most people probably don’t know what actually makes the two fizzy mixers so unique from one another. Many people simply believe that they’re the same product, but that the names on the labels vary by region. Actually, they are two different things. Besides seltzer and club soda, sparkling water and tonic water are also used to make refreshing mixed drinks. But not all waters are equal, each one has different features, and it is important to use the correct one the recipe calls for.
So what really makes seltzer so different than club soda? And what’s the deal with sparkling water?
Seltzer Water
Seltzer water is also called carbonated water. That’s it— it doesn’t contain anything else. Without any additives, it is literally just water that is more…bubbly. As water’s more fun, hip cousin, seltzer water has a distinctly crisp flavor that is very unique for such a simple concoction. Named after the beautiful natural running springs in a town in Germany called Selters, carbonated water was first marketed as an affordable American replacement for fancier imported European mineral waters. It is still quite low in price today, and easy to find at any grocery store.
Now club soda, on the other hand, has a little something extra that gives it a bit more kick. Club soda is carbonated water with the addition of potassium bicarbonate to enhance the flavor, and some versions also contain potassium sulfate. This difference is slight, but many people can detect the subtle variance in flavor between seltzer and club soda. They can be used interchangeably, although many people feel club soda has an extra bounce in its step, and more bubbles.
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water is also known as mineral water. This is a natural product, which is simply bottled water from a natural spring that contains a considerable amount of minerals. A by-product of the dissolved minerals, the bubbles are created without any additives. Sparkling water is thought by some to have health-boosting properties, and many people enjoy its subtle yet memorable flavor.
If you don’t have a preference, it wouldn’t make much of a difference to most people if you used any of these waters interchangeably. They do taste slightly different on their own, and some mixology purists would say that they deserve their own recognition, but the choice is up to you. Since all three are relatively affordable, with sparkling water being potentially the most expensive, cost isn’t much of an issue. If you really want to fine-tune your drinks, try and see if you can detect the difference in flavor when you try seltzer, club soda and mineral water each on their own (without alcohol). Then see how the flavors play on your favorite liquor. The difference may surprise you, or it might have no effect at all.
Tonic Water
However, tonic water is one of these bubbly buddies that stands apart from the rest. Known most famously in the eponymous gin and tonic, this one has a flavor all its own. Tonic water is carbonated water combined with quinine and corn syrup or sugar, which gives it a very unique flavor. Described as sharp, sweet, sour, bitter and fresh all at the same time, you cannot exchange club soda, sparkling water or seltzer with tonic water and expect the same results. It still adds up to personal preference, but the main thing here is that tonic water definitely adds a different dimension of flavor, ramping up the sweetness but also adding bitterness to a drink.
So now the mystery has been revealed: while they all look the same, each one of the bubbly waters used for mixing drinks is actually quite distinct from one another. Many professional mixologists profess that subtly plays a key role in the essence of a quality mixed drink, as they come up with new creations that add a whole new level of atmosphere to cocktails. The small differences can change the scent and overall character of a drink, enhancing the unique flavors of the liquor mixed in it, which is why recipes call for specific waters.
As you can see, while all three waters are somewhat different, it’s really up to you which one you prefer using the most. The main thing you want to take away from this interesting little tidbit of bar trivia is that you don’t want to confuse mineral water, club soda or seltzer with tonic water, because tonic water definitely tastes way different. It wouldn’t work well in certain drinks, and some folks just plain don’t like it at all. Next time you’re mixing up a big batch of your favorite cocktails, take a look at the recipes and see which ones vary a little bit.
Seltzer is good for softening the bite from whiskey, while club soda is commonly used with a slice of lemon to give vodka and gin a boost with bubbles. Mineral water is a classic choice for making a variety of traditional high balls, and tonic water imparts a wonderful bitter sweetness to gin and liqueurs. Have fun creating new conversation-starting drinks and make a fantastic impression with your expertise when you whip up your next batch of refreshing cocktails for a group of friends.