Soda Or Sparkling Water: Which Is The Better Mixer For Your Drinks?
There are some differences between soda water and sparkling water and depending on the cocktail, different bartenders use either of them. The taste, mineral content and health benefits are quite different for both and substantially change the way a cocktail tastes. But above all for most bartenders, club soda is the more popular choice for its abundant bubbles and neutral taste. Knowing more about these two carbonated beverages will make it easier for you to pick the best water to add to your cocktails or dilute your stiff drink.
Soda water
Soda water and seltzers have barely any difference, which is why the terms are used interchangeably. Invented by an English scientist called Dr Joseph Priestly, towards the end of the 18th century, soda water was touted to have health benefits. He was the one who tinkered around and found a way to funnel carbon dioxide under pressure into water creating a bubbly drink. Soon after it became widely popular and started being produced commercially. It's a very common liquid used by mixologists and bartenders for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Salts and minerals are added to enhance the flavour which makes it less healthy than sparkling water.
These days there are parallels drawn between seltzer and club soda. Seltzer is plain carbonated water. Club soda has the salts and minerals added to it. The difference though is negligible and does not make much of a difference in drinks it is mixed with. Club sodas are perfect for drinks like highballs that need the alcohol and its other components to shine more than the fizzy liquid itself.
Sparkling Water
The marketers of this kind of carbonated water are clever, it is poised to be something ambrosiac and somewhat for exclusive tastes. Unlike soda water which is artificially made, sparkling water is sourced from mountain springs and bubbling wells. Geological processes are at work for this natural carbonation to occur in nature. Artificial ones are also made similarly to soda water, but the taste will of course be different. Naturally occurring bubbly water that is bottled and sold as sparkling water, will be rich in mineral content with a crisp and clean taste with minerally undertones. This water is perfect for making mocktails and making infused water or drunk as is. You won't see bartenders use it for your drinks, it's something that is offered in fine dining establishments and not particularly pubs or bars.
Enhancing Flavour Profiles of Drinks
Soda water's mineral notes can complement certain cocktails by adding depth and complexity. In drinks like the Paloma or Ranch Water, the subtle saltiness pairs well with the tequila and citrus flavours. However, in delicate cocktails or those with nuanced flavours, soda water's minerality could overpower and disrupt the intended taste profile.
Sparkling water's clean, neutral taste allows other ingredients to shine. In gin-based cocktails like the Aviation or the Bee's Knees, the botanicals and floral notes take centre stage without interference. Similarly, in fruit-forward beverages like sangrias or spritzes, sparkling water acts as a crisp, refreshing base that lets the fruit flavours shine.
Overall Mouthfeel and Fizz
The level of carbonation can significantly affect the drinking experience. Soda water often has a consistent, moderate carbonation level, making it a reliable choice for cocktails that require a specific level of effervescence. However, some sparkling waters can have more aggressive carbonation, leading to an overly fizzy or prickly mouthfeel, which may not be desirable in all cocktails. On the other hand, the softer carbonation of some sparkling waters can create a smoother, more velvety texture in cocktails, complementing rich or creamy ingredients like egg whites or dairy-based mixers.
Health Considerations
For those watching their sodium intake, sparkling water is a healthier choice as it typically lacks added minerals or salts found in soda water. This makes it a better option for those on low-sodium diets or those looking to reduce their overall sodium consumption. However, for some the acidity in carbonated beverages can exacerbate acid reflux or heartburn symptoms. In such cases, moderation or avoidance of both soda water and sparkling water is advisable.
It's Just a Thing of Personal Preference
Ultimately, the choice between soda water and sparkling water as a mixer often comes down to personal preference and the specific cocktail recipe. Bartenders and home mixologists, like you, should experiment with both options to find the perfect balance and create signature drinks.
Some may prefer the subtle mineral notes of soda water, while others may appreciate the clean slate that sparkling water provides. Trying different combinations and ratios can lead to unique and delightful cocktail experiences.
