What Is Club Soda? — Complete Guide to Carbonated Waters
Club soda is carbonated water infused with mineral salts — typically potassium sulfate, potassium bicarbonate, or sodium bicarbonate. These added minerals give club soda a slightly salty, mineral flavor that distinguishes it from plain sparkling water and makes it particularly useful in cocktails and cooking.
Club Soda vs. Sparkling Water vs. Tonic Water
Club soda is carbonated water with added mineral salts for flavor. Plain sparkling water (like Perrier or LaCroix) is carbonated with no added minerals. Tonic water contains quinine — a bittering agent — along with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, making it sweet with a distinctive bitter finish. Seltzer is simply carbonated plain water. Only tonic water has significant calories.
Uses for Club Soda in Cooking & Cocktails
In cocktails, club soda is used to lengthen drinks like gin and tonic, whiskey highballs, mojitos, and Aperol spritzes. In cooking, the carbonation in club soda adds lightness to pancake and waffle batter, tempura batter, and fritters. A splash of club soda in scrambled eggs makes them fluffier. As a cleaning agent, club soda's carbonation can help lift fresh stains from fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute club soda for sparkling water?
Yes, in most cases. The mineral salts in club soda add a subtle saltiness that you may or may not notice depending on the application.
Is club soda good for you?
Plain club soda is calorie-free and fine to drink. The mineral additives are in trace amounts and not harmful. It does not damage teeth significantly more than still water.
Does club soda have sodium?
Yes, club soda typically contains 30–75mg of sodium per 12 oz from the added mineral salts. This is low and not a concern for most people.