Types of Carbonated Waters

Turns out there are marked differences in the various waters with carbonation we have available to us. Simply put, club soda, seltzer, sparkling, and tonic water are different types of carbonated drinks in that they vary in processing methods and added compounds. This results in different mouthfeels or flavors, which is why some people prefer one type of carbonated water over another.

Seltzer is just plain ol’ water, carbonated with added carbon dioxide. However, seltzer generally does not contain added minerals, which gives it a more “true” water taste, although this depends on the brand. This is the bubbly stuff that’s most likely to come flavored, since it’s such a neutral canvas; it’s the base for your LaCroix and those less-delicious Poland Spring flavored guys you get at the grocery store.

Seltzer originated in Germany, where naturally occurring carbonated water was bottled and sold. It was very popular, so European immigrants brought it to the United States.

Club soda is also carbonated with carbon dioxide, but unlike seltzer, it has the addition of potassium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate in the water. These minerals give it a slightly saltier taste than seltzer, which makes it a favorite of bartenders for mixed drinks. Given their similarities, seltzer can be used as a substitute for club soda as a cocktail mixer.

Sparkling mineral water is made with natural spring or well water, which means it has naturally occurring minerals (like salts and sulphur compounds) in it. However, the amounts vary based on the source from which the spring water was bottled and is why different mineral waters have their own unique taste. These minerals sometimes give the water a natural carbonation; other times, carbon dioxide is added for extra oomph. Depending on where the water’s from, it might taste heavier than seltzer or club soda — or you may just detect some sort of presence of taste, unlike its more-tasteless brethren.

Tonic water has the most unique taste of all four beverages. Like club soda, it’s carbonated water that contains minerals. However, tonic water also contains quinine, a compound isolated from the bark of cinchona trees. Quinine is what gives tonic water a bitter taste. Tonic water was historically used to prevent malaria in tropical areas in which the disease was prevalent. Today, quinine is only present in small amounts to give tonic water its bitter taste. Tonic water is also commonly sweetened with either high fructose corn syrup or sugar to improve taste. This beverage is often used as a mixer for cocktails, especially those including gin or vodka.