Whats the difference between seltzer water and tonic water

If you hit the mixer section of your bottle shop or supermarket, you will see an array of tonic, soda and sparkling mineral water for pairing with your gin. But what's the difference? After all, they are ALL bubbly water right? Flavoured versions aside, surely you could just substitute one for the other? And what's the deal with these seltzers hitting the market?

WHAT IS SPARKLING MINERAL WATER?

The carbonation in sparkling mineral water often occurs naturally in the springs from which the water is sourced. Those waters will also contain small quantities of minerals such as calcium, magnesium and sodium. These minerals can all add to the flavour of the water. However, some mineral waters can also have their effervescence added artificially.

WHAT IS SODA WATER?

Soda water at its core is artificially carbonated water that has salts added to it, e.g. sodium citrate and potassium bicarbonate. The process of carbonation comes from dissolving carbon dioxide in water, often through the use of force. Have a Soda Stream? That's basically what it does. (Though to be fair, Soda Stream advertises themselves as a sparkling water maker, not a soda water maker. That's because Soda Stream doesn't add salts to the water it carbonates). In America, the term "club soda" can also refer to this category however, soda water is mainly the term we use in Australia. 

Where does seltzer fit in? Seltzer is also largely an American term. This often refers to carbonated water without any of the added salts. The "hard seltzers" now hitting the market will have some alcohol in it.

WHAT IS TONIC WATER?

Tonic water is basically carbonated water, sugar and quinine. In addition, most if not all tonic water will also have citric acidain it. This provides the citrussy element in many tonics. The key difference between tonic water, soda and sparkling water though? Tonic contains quinine, which introduces the bitter element in the drink and sugar. To this, you can add different flavourings to create some of the many different flavours of tonic water out there, such as the Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic, or the Fentimans Pink Grapefruit Tonic.

SO, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TONIC, SODA AND SPARKLING WATER?

In a nutshell, all three have carbonation. However, the key difference lie in the minerals (sparkling water), salts (for soda water) and quinine (for tonic). So there you go. Next time you head to the mixer aisle, you'll be sure to be able to pick the right mixer for you.

*main image - "Water Droplets on Clear Glass" by Cottonbro via Pexels*

• guide

Club soda is carbonated water with added compounds for taste. Although it may differ brand to brand, club soda usually contains ingredients such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, and potassium sulfate.

Though club soda has zero calories and no caffeine, the sodium content may vary based on the brand and serving size of the liquid. Most brands of club soda have below 5% of your daily value of sodium, so you don’t have to worry about excessive sodium intake if you drink club soda in moderation.

What Does Club Soda Taste Like?

Club soda has a slightly more salty, mineral flavor than traditional seltzer. However, it still boasts a clean and fresh taste and can easily be swapped out for seltzer.

What Is Club Soda Used For?

Club soda is a great mixer for many cocktails. Club soda is a staple in a few well-known drinks like a Tom Collins, a gin rickey, or a paloma. You can also use club soda to make non-alcoholic drinks, like Italian soda or bubbly lemonade.

Did you know? If you use club soda to replace water or milk in your dough and batter recipes, the results will yield an airier product. Who doesn’t like fluffy pancakes and waffles?

Club Soda vs Seltzer

While club soda is carbonated water with additional ingredients, like sodium chloride and potassium sulfate, seltzer water is simply artificially carbonated water. So, if you're looking for a slightly simpler taste, seltzer water is a good choice. However, they can be used interchangeably in recipes with little-to-no flavor difference.

What Is Seltzer Water?

Seltzer water is simply water that has been carbonated artificially with carbon dioxide. It contains no other additives, like salts or sweeteners, so it has zero calories and no sugar. Because of its neutral taste, it's a great choice as a base for different types of drinks and can be found in popular beverages, such as White Claw Hard Seltzer. You can easily make your own hard seltzer with seltzer water.

What Does Seltzer Taste Like?

Seltzer water has a clean, simple taste, though it is quite fizzy. If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to soda, seltzer is a good place to start.

Did you know? Seltzer originated in a small town called Selters in Germany. Beginning in the late 8th century, the area was renowned for the supposed healing properties of its natural springs. It became a symbol of health and wealth over the next centuries, as only the rich were able to import this special water from Selters.

Tonic vs Seltzer

If replacing a drink with tonic water that usually calls for seltzer, your drink may have a slightly bitter taste to it. However, since seltzer water has a clean taste, replacing your drink with seltzer in place of tonic water will not drastically change your cocktail or mixed drink.

What Is Tonic Water?

In its simplest form, tonic water is carbonated water that has high-fructose corn syrup, sodium benzoate (a preservative), citric acid, and quinine (a naturally occurring compound) that adds to its flavor and calorie count. Tonic water is great in the classic gin and tonic or vodka tonic.

What Does Tonic Water Taste Like?

Tonic water has a bitter and somewhat sweet flavor.

Did you know? Quinine was originally used as a medicine for malaria, so British soldiers would mix soda water, sugar, and eventually gin to help the bitter taste go down a little more easily. Quinine is also fluorescent, so the next time you get a chance, hold your gin and tonic underneath a black light!

Tonic Water vs Club Soda

Due to the slight bitter taste of tonic water, using it in place of club soda may change the taste of your drink. If replacing tonic water with club soda, it will have a neutral effect.

What Is Sparkling Water?

Sparkling water is just water that is naturally or unnaturally carbonated, and it does not contain additional preservatives or compounds. It is similar to seltzer water. Naturally carbonated water is mineral water that is carbonated from naturally occurring gases, while unnaturally carbonated water may be mineral water or another type of water (tap or bottle) with added carbonation. You can make sparkling water on your own with a soda siphon.

What is Sparkling Mineral Water? Sparkling mineral water comes from a natural spring or well. It may be carbonated organically from naturally occurring gases or may be artificially carbonated. As the name suggests, mineral water naturally contains minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, and zinc. Sometimes mineral water is simply referred to as sparkling water, though not all mineral water is carbonated, and not all sparkling water is made from mineral water.

Can Club Soda, Seltzer, and Tonic Water Be Used Interchangeably?

Club soda and seltzer water can be used interchangeably with little to no flavor change, but tonic water should not substitute club soda or seltzer. With its distinct bitter or citrus flavor, tonic water may drastically affect the flavor of the drink you are trying to make. Conversely, replacing tonic water with club soda and seltzer in a drink will yield a more neutral taste than with tonic water.

Create Your Own Carbonated Water

Though $1 for a one-liter bottle is reasonable, making your own carbonated water can help save money for your business. A soda siphon and charger can be used to create seltzer easily and affordably. The soda siphon is a one-time purchase, and you only need to replace the chargers every so often.

Now that you are aware of the variances between club soda, seltzer, and tonic water, you can rest easy when choosing what to stock in your bar. Delight your guests with a new and special cocktail on your beverage menu by combining liquor, juice, and your choice of sparkling water.

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