Quick Guide to Sparkling Water (Carbonated Water or Seltzer)

What is sparkling water, also known as soda water or seltzer water? Are you ok with that? Here’s what you need to know about this sparkling drink.

Sparkling fizzy water has exploded onto the scene, and today grocery store shelves are filled with dizzyingly colorful cans from LaCroix to Sprindrift. But what exactly is it and how does it differ from sparkling or seltzer water? Is it good for you and your teeth? How is it different from Club Soda? Here we’ll break down the terminology and clarify the health benefits (spoilers: don’t worry about your teeth!). And we’re going to share some of our favorite cocktail recipes using this bubbly mixer.

What is sparkling water? What is mineral water or seltzer water?

What is sparkling water? Is it the same as mineral water or seltzer water? What about club soda? Here are some of the differences between these very similar products:

• Sparkling water, also known as seltzer water, fizzy water or carbonated water is a water without additives, which is carbonated by injecting carbon dioxide (CO2). It’s the basis of brands like La Croix or what comes out of a SodaStream.
• Sparkling mineral water is water from a natural mineral spring that has been carbonated. Examples of brands are Perrier or Topo Chico.

Keep in mind that many bottled water brands have added flavorings or sweeteners. Be sure to look for additive-free brands for your regular consumption or if you’re using it for a cocktail that calls for sparkling water.

So what is club soda? What about tonic water?

Sparkling water has some differences from other types of carbonated drinks. Here’s what you should know about club soda and tonic water:

• Soda is a sparkling water enriched with added minerals that give it a salty or slightly sweet taste. Club soda is most commonly used in cocktails. Stick to sparkling water for your regular consumption.
• tonic water is carbonated water with added quinine and sugar. It was first sold commercially in the 1850s to drink quinine, which was then prescribed to fight malaria. It has a sweet and bitter taste and is mainly used in cocktails such as the classic gin and tonic.

Is sparkling water good for you?

Yes, as long as you stick to unflavored sparkling water with no additives or sugar! Sparkling water is just as hydrating as still water, and some studies show it may have beneficial effects on digestion.

Is sparkling water bad for your teeth? No, as long as it’s simple and tasteless. According to the American Dental Association, studies have shown that water and sparkling water have the same minimal impact on tooth enamel. Best of all, it’s much better for your teeth than sugary drinks and sodas. However, remember that citrus-flavored water has higher acid levels that increase the risk of damaging your tooth enamel, so try to enjoy it all at once or with meals.

Can you make sparkling water at home?

Yes! Due to the massive interest in sparkling water, there are many home sparkling water systems on the market. The advantage of these systems? There’s a lot less waste from aluminum cans or bottles! We use a SodaStream to make our own water on demand.

Popular cocktails with mineral water

Sparkling water or seltzer water has been used in cocktails for hundreds of years. You can use club soda interchangeably in cocktail recipes because it’s so similar. Add bubbles to the wine and you have a wine vaporizer! Add it to gin and you have a gin rickey. There are so many delicious drinks to try, here are some of the most popular ones:

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