With temperatures on the rise, you will be looking for cold beverages to quench your thirst. There are many great options to choose from, but club soda and seltzer water often rank high on the list. There are few things more refreshing in the summertime than a glass of club soda or seltzer water with a slice of lemon. Even though many people sue these beverages interchangably and assume they are one in the same, they are in fact two different beverages. This means that when you ask your waitress of seltzer water, you won’t be getting club soda in return. It is important to know what these beverages really are and what makes them different from one another. Here is more information about what makes club soda and seltzer water different:
Umbrella Terms
It is important to understand what the umbrella terms are that can often be used in place of the traditional names of club soda and seltzer water. Having so many different names that are used is what often leads to all the confusion. The terms that are known as umbrella terms include carbonated water, sparkling water, bubbly water and even fizzy water. These terms are used to describe water that has gone through the process of pressurization. It is water that is pressurized with carbon dioxide gas, which allows it to have bubbles. It is even possible for water that is carbonated to be naturally occurring within some springs., but it is often created artificially through the use of a carbon dioxide gas tank.
Now that you know these terms are what can make distinguishing these drinks more difficult, it is important to learn what each are.
What is Seltzer Water?
This is water that has been carbonated, but there are no other ingredients that have been added to the water at all. This means that only water and carbon dioxide are required to make seltzer water. This means that seltzer water is very natural and is the water that can come from springs. When you want a beverage with nothing but water and carbonation, this is the option to choose.
What is Club Soda?
Club soda contains water and carbonation, but it also has other additives. It is important to note that club soda also contains sodium salts. In some instances, it is even possible for potassium salts to be added. The reason that these slats are added to the carbonated water is to neutralize the acidity of the water. Another reason, is to try and duplicate the flavors that are naturally present in mineral water.
Additives are the Main Difference
This means that it is a mistake to assume that club soda and seltzer water are one in the same. They are two different beverages that do not contain the same ingredients. Even though they may look relatively the same, they have a taste that is a lot more different than you might imagine. If you are familiar with both club soda and seltzer water, you will be able to tell the difference between the two.
Sodium
Sodium is the additive that is added to club soda that makes it so different from seltzer water. All club sodas contain some type of minerals in them, but there are some brands of club soda that may not contain sodium. Club soda has a very clean taste that comes from the addition of the minerals into the water. This means that when you are drinking club soda, you should be able to taste the minerals that are present within the beverage. Some people like to add lemon or lime to offset the taste just a bit.
Cleanest Taste
Even though club soda is known for having a very clean taste, seltzer water is known for having the cleanest taste. It does not have any additives at all. This means that it is purely water that has been carbonated without any other ingredients. It is possible to buy seltzer water that has other flavors added like peach or another flavor to give it a bit more taste, but this is not traditional seltzer water. Traditional seltzer water has nothing added to it at all and it can be noticed when you take a drink.
How is it Used?
Club soda and seltzer water can also be used in different ways. Club soda is traditional used for making cocktails and even for every day drinking. Seltzer has the same use, but club soda can be used to get stains out of clothes, which is not the ideal use for seltzer water. The additives found in club soda make it the perfect beverage for fighting stains when you are looking for an inventive option. The next time you ask for a club soda or a seltzer water, you will know the difference.
