Club Soda, Seltzer, Sparkling Water, and Tonic Water are each a different type of carbonated drink. Their difference has to do with the way they are processed with the added compounds. When these methods have been completed, this results in different flavors. Some people have their own specific tastes for one opposed to another.
Club Soda
Club soda is carbonated water. It goes through the process of being infused with added minerals. Various minerals are put in club soda include sodium bicarbonate, disodium phosphate, sodium chloride, and potassium sulfate. How many minerals club soda receives, depends on who manufactures the product, or the brand. The minerals used cause the soda to have a slightly salty taste.
Club soda is known as an excellent mixer for several cocktails. The soda is a staple in well-known drinks such as a gin rickey, or a Paloma as well as a Tom Collins. It is also used in non-alcoholic beverages such as an Italian soda or a bubbly lemonade. Some people also use club soda when making certain foods. For example, it can be used to make scrambled eggs fluffier, instead of using water or milk. It can also be used in pancakes and waffles to make them fluffier.
Seltzer
Seltzer, like club soda, is water that has gone through the process of carbonation. Since they are very similar, seltzer is often substituted for club soda and vice-versa.
Seltzer has more of a natural water taste. The reason for this is that it contains no added minerals. Since it does not have any added minerals, this allows it to be enhanced with delicious flavorings such as citrus or natural fruit juices, which do not change the taste.
Seltzer is from Germany, where it initially originated. It was so popular that European immigrants imported it to the United States. Today it is often added to gin to make for a welcome drink.
Sparkling Water
Sparkling mineral water is simply carbonated. The exciting thing about this water is that the bubbles come from a well or spring that offers naturally occurring carbonation. Unlike seltzer, sparkling mineral water has several minerals. These include sodium, magnesium, and calcium. The amounts of each vary depending on the source which bottles it.
The FDA has requirements for sparkling mineral water. The agency requires that it must have a minimum of 250 parts per 1,000,000 dissolved solids coming from the source from where it was bottled.
Various manufacturers of sparkling mineral water offer different tastes. This is due to the mineral content. The content of minerals can significantly change the flavor. Some manufacturers offer even more carbonate to their products by including more carbon dioxide. This makes them more bubbly. You can make sparkling water at home using soda makers such as the Sodastream Aqua Fizz
Tonic
Tonic water has its own unique taste. Similar to club soda, it is simply carbonated water and it contains minerals. Tonic water contains quinine. This comes from a compound which is isolated from the bark of the cinchona tree. It is the quinine that gives tonic water its bitter taste.
At one-time tonic water was used to prevent malaria. This was in tropical areas as this is where the disease was more prevalent. In those days, tonic water had a higher concentration of quinine. Quinine is included in small amounts today. It is what makes the bitter taste. To overcome this, it is often sweetened with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup to help improve the taste. It is often used in gin or vodka as a mixer.
These four different carbonated drinks offer very few nutrients. Tonic water is the only one that has calories. These calories all come from the sugar added to the water.
Tonic water, sparkling mineral water, and club soda each contain some nutrients. However, the amounts are meager. The minerals are mostly used to improve the taste as opposed to health reasons.
Sparkling mineral water, seltzer, and club soda each have similar nutritional makeup. Each one is great to quench a person’s thirst as well as to keep hydrated. These three beverages are each excellent choices to keep a person hydrated. Additionally, these beverages can often help to soothe an upset stomach. Tonic water, however, should be limited to intake. This is because it has a large amount of calories and sugar. This prevents it from being a healthy option.
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