Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Over the last year,
it seems like everyone has been trading their plain old bottled water for colorful cans of La Croix. Flavored sparkling water has taken the beverage world by storm, with the category expected to grow nearly 12 percent over the next few years (via
Grand View Research). It's easy to understand the obsession — you get the fruity flavors and bubbly carbonation of soda without the added calories and sugar (or artificial sweetener). In other words, it's a much healthier (and arguably much tastier) alternative to
your Diet Coke addiction. But take a trip down the water aisle of the grocery store and you'll be overwhelmed with options. Not only are there a ton of flavors to choose from — passionfruit, key lime, watermelon, and even limoncello — but there are also different types of carbonated water. You'll see some that say sparkling and some that say seltzer. Wait a second. You thought they were the
same thing! Turns out they aren't. Here's the difference between the two.
Shutterstock The one thing that makes sparkling water different from seltzer water is the carbonation. More specifically, where the carbonation comes from.
People explains that if the carbonation is naturally occurring, it's sparkling water (think La Croix or San Pellegrino). This water, Sodastream says, comes from a natural mineral spring or well and the bubbles are often smaller and finer.
Because it comes from a spring, it also tends to have naturally-added minerals like calcium or magnesium.The bubbles aren't the same
On the other hand, if the bubbles are artificially created, it's seltzer water. Seltzer is made with plain water and the carbonation is added later on in the process through the addition of carbon dioxide. Healthline notes that because there are no added minerals in seltzer water, it often has much more of a "water" flavor than sparkling water, which can taste slightly heavier (and which makes seltzer more ideal for cocktails).
Club soda vs seltzer, aka sparkling water: what’s the difference between these carbonated beverages? When to use one or the other? Here’s what you need to know. 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 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: 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. 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: Club soda vs seltzer (sparkling water): what’s the difference?
Club soda vs
seltzer (sparkling water): when to use them?
- 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 spritzer
- Tequila Soda or Ranch Water Tequila, lime and soda water
- Whiskey 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 seltzer
- Classic 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 texture
- Gin Rickey, Lime Rickey, or Gin and Soda The rickey is simply gin plus club soda
- Campari and Soda A great way to enjoy Campari.
Description
The lime soda is an outrageously refreshing drink that works as a cocktail or mocktail! It’s equally as delicious with gin or virgin.
- 1 ½ ounces (3 tablespoons) fresh lime juice
- For a cocktail: 3 ounces gin or whiskey
- For a mocktail: ¼ teaspoon caper juice or pickle juice*, ½ ounce simple syrup, or omit entirely
- 4 ounces (½ cup) soda water
- Ice, for serving (try clear ice)
- For the garnish: lime wedges
- Add the lime juice and alcoholic or non-alcoholic mixer (whiskey, gin, caper juice or simple syrup) to highball glass and stir.
- Fill with ice and top with sparkling water. Garnish with lime wedges.
Notes
*Caper juice or pickle juice may sound unusual, but they’re a way to mimic the flavor of alcohol (see our Virgin Margarita).
- Category: Drink
- Method: Poured
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Keywords: Club soda vs seltzer
About the authors
Sonja & Alex
Meet Sonja and Alex Overhiser: Husband and wife. Expert home cooks. Authors of recipes you'll want to make again and again.