At first glance club soda and sparkling water look the same: they are both fizzy, refreshing and often used as mixers. But despite the similarities, they are different in flavour, composition and use.
As per a study published in Foods 2019, Club soda is artificially carbonated and has added minerals like sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate and potassium sulfate. These minerals give club soda a slightly salty and alkaline taste making it a great choice to mix with stronger spirits like whisky or gin.
On the other hand according to a study published in the Korean Journal of Orthodontics 2018. sparkling water is naturally carbonated, from mineral springs and has fewer or no added ingredients. It’s cleaner and lighter with a subtle mineral note from the natural source. Sparkling water is often sipped on its own as a healthier alternative to sugary sodas or paired with wine to make a spritzer.
Knowing the difference between these two fizzy drinks will help you choose the right one for you whether you want a refreshing drink or the perfect mixer for cocktails.
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Club Soda
Club soda is a carbonated drink with added minerals. The minerals, like sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate and potassium sulfate are added to taste and to give a slightly salty or alkaline flavour. This makes club soda a great mixer in cocktails as its unique flavour complements many spirits and enhances the overall flavour profile of mixed drinks. It is also great on its own as a drink.
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water, also known as carbonated water, is water that is naturally or artificially carbonated. Natural sparkling water comes from mineral springs and has dissolved minerals like calcium, magnesium and sodium giving it a subtle mineral flavour. It’s often enjoyed on its own for its clean taste or used to make spritzers with wine. Unlike club soda, sparkling water has no added ingredients or flavour, just pure and simple fizz.
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Difference Between Club Soda And Sparkling Water
Ingredients
Club soda has added minerals like sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate and potassium sulfate. These add flavour to it, a slightly salty or alkaline taste. Sparkling water, especially when naturally carbonated has only the minerals that are in the source, no added. Which is why it has a more neutral taste.
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Taste
The taste of club soda is from the added minerals, a distinct slightly salty or alkaline flavour. That is why it is popular for mixing in cocktails where its flavour can complement other ingredients. Sparkling water has a cleaner and more subtle taste, with a gentle mineral note if naturally sourced. It is neutral taste makes it perfect for sipping on its own or pairing with other drinks without changing their taste.
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Health Benefits
According to a study published in, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition DEC 2015, both club soda and sparkling water are hydrating but their health benefits differ due to their mineral content.
Club soda’s added sodium may be a concern for those who are watching their salt intake, while sparkling water has fewer additives. Natural sparkling water with its trace minerals can sometimes provide minor health benefits like contributing to daily mineral intake but these are usually minimal.
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Source
Club soda is usually artificially carbonated and manufactured with mineral content added during production. Sparkling water is often sourced from natural mineral springs. It can be naturally carbonated or artificially carbonated but its source from natural springs often has a different mineral profile and taste compared to the artificially created club soda.
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Composition
Club soda has added sodium and other minerals that give it flavour. Sparkling water’s composition depends on its source, and the minerals present in the water from the source. So while club soda has consistent mineral content, sparkling water has varying mineral profiles.