whats the difference between tonic and seltzer water

The main difference between Tonic Water and Seltzer Water is that while tonic water contains carbon dioxide, quinine

, and sweetener, seltzer water only contains carbon dioxide and tastes almost like simple sparkling water. Seltzer water can be consumed plain or in a range of citrus flavors.

Full Answer

Is tonic water the same as seltzer?

While tonic, soda water, and seltzer are all bubbly and perfect for cocktails of some kind, they are not interchangeable. Learn the difference

Can you substitute tonic water for seltzer water?

Can You Substitute Tonic Water For Seltzer Water? tonics and seltzer drinks alike can be interchanged with minimal to no change, however, they cannot be substituted for club soda or seltzer water. Tonic water’s distinct flavor, including its bitter and citrusy taste, may make the drink you intend on making almost non-existent.

What are the negative effects of seltzer water?

• There is no hard evidence that plain seltzer water is bad for you.
• But some flavored seltzers contain citric acid, which can contribute to tooth decay.
• Seltzer water can have health benefits, like helping you feel more full and relieving constipation.
• Visit Insider's Health Reference library for more advice.

Is soda water the same as seltzer?

There are two ways to go about answering this question. All carbonated water can be called soda water because they are all technically usable for creating soft drinks, water with an infusion of carbon dioxide and sugar. However, there is no confusion; seltzer water is of German origin and does not have additional minerals, unlike club soda.

Which is healthier tonic water or seltzer water?

And, based purely on sugar content, plain sparkling water, mineral water or soda water is certainly healthier than most tonic waters out there. That's because neither plain sparkling water, mineral water or soda water have sugar in them.

Can you substitute tonic water for seltzer water?

Club soda and seltzer water are interchangeable in beverages, but tonic water will add sweet and bitter to whatever you're creating. You shouldn't substitute tonic water for club soda or seltzer water, nor should you substitute club soda or seltzer water for tonic water.

Is club soda the same as seltzer water?

Club soda is also carbonated with carbon dioxide, but unlike seltzer, it has the addition of potassium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate in the water. These minerals give it a slightly saltier taste than seltzer, which makes it a favorite of bartenders for mixed drinks.

What is seltzer water good for?

Seltzer water is an excellent choice for staying hydrated. The most prevalent health benefit of seltzer water is its lack of sugar and calories. Seltzer water serves as a refreshing replacement for soda and other sugary drinks that raise the risk of conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Is tonic water Healthy?

Tonic water is a carbonated soft drink that may contain sugar and has little nutritional value. The quinine present in tonic water provides a distinctive bitter flavor. While not dangerous, tonic water does not have any benefits and could lead to an unnecessary increase in calorie consumption.

What's healthier club soda or seltzer?

In terms of health benefits between the two, club soda has slightly more sodium and a few added minerals. So our top choice for drinking on a daily basis is seltzer! Here's a breakdown of when to use these products: Seltzer (aka sparkling water) has a clear, crisp flavor and is the most pure form of carbonated water.

Is Perrier considered seltzer water?

“You can call it sparkling water, club soda, seltzer, Perrier, soda water, or fizzy water, and someone will suggest an alternative,” says a colleague who frequently orders unflavored carbonated beverages. “Like, 'Can I have soda water?

What's the best seltzer water?

Best Sparkling WaterLa Croix Sparkling Water.Spindrift Sparkling Water.Perrier Mineral Sparkling Water.San Pellegrino Natural Sparkling Water.bubly Sparkling Water.Polar 100% Natural Seltzer.Waterloo Sparkling Water.Gerolsteiner Sparkling Mineral Water.More items...•

What can you substitute tonic water for?

You can replace tonic water with other flavored clear and carbonated beverages. Store-bought, lemon-lime soda works as a comparable substitute for tonic water. Lemon-lime soda looks like tonic water, but is sweeter. If you find that it is too sweet for what you are making, try using a diet or sugar-free variety.

What can I use to substitute tonic?

If you're watching your diet, try substituting the tonic in your favorite cocktail recipe with a little seltzer or club soda, some bitters, and a lemon or lime. It will help mimic the flavor of tonic water, but without all the added calories!

Can I use soda water instead of tonic water?

As carbon dioxide dissolves in the water it creates a small amount of harmless carbonic acid. It is that acid that gives the water its unique sourness, which can be delightfully subtle and enriching when the mixer is well crafted like London Essence's Soda Water. It can be used as a great alternative to tonic water.

Does tonic water count as water?

They are often carbonated as well. Tonic water is a form of carbonated water that contains a bitter compound called quinine, along with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. Carbonated water combines water and carbon dioxide under pressure. Sodium and other minerals are often added.

What is the difference between tonic water and seltzer water?

The difference between Tonic Water and Seltzer Water is that while tonic water contains carbon dioxide, quinine, and sweetener, seltzer water only contains carbon dioxide and tastes almost like simple sparkling water. Seltzer water can be consumed plain or in a range of citrus flavors. The ingredients used to prepare tonic and seltzer water is what gives the former a distinctive taste from the latter.

What is seltzer water?

Seltzer water is plain water that has been carbonated. It does not contain added minerals and, therefore, tastes a lot like water. Its flavorless taste makes it ideal to be used in drinks as well as certain food recipes. However, seltzer water is also available in citrus flavors.

What is Tonic Water?

Tonic water is quite close to soda water as it, too, is carbonated water with added minerals. But what sets aside tonic water from other carbonated beverages is its distinctive bitter flavor that comes from quinine (a compound extracted from the bark of a cinchona tree).

Why is tonic water bitter?

Tonic water used to be very bitter due to the quinine content, but now, manufacturers add high fructose corn syrup, sugar, or artificial sweeteners like saccharin, sucralose, or aspartame, to lessen the bitterness.

How many calories are in tonic water?

Since tonic water is sweetened, it is high in calorie content. 12 ounces or 355ml of tonic water contains 121 calories and 31.4 g of carbohydrate and sugar, each. It also contains a few nutrients in a very small amount- 3% of the Daily Value (DV) of Zinc and 2% of the DV of Sodium and Copper, each.

Where did seltzer water get its name?

Seltzer water gets its name from its town of origin, Selters in Germany. This town was famous for bottling and selling naturally occurring carbonated water. Its flavorless taste made it the most opted drink after water. The European immigrants brought seltzer water with them to America.

Is seltzer water good for you?

For those who are health conscious, seltzer water offers a refreshing yet healthy break from water. Studies have found that it is as hydrating as water and soothes stomach problems such as constipation, pain, or irregular bowel movement. Compared to other fizzy drinks, seltzer water barely does any damage to the teeth and gums.

Club soda

Club soda is water that’s carbonated by injecting it with carbon dioxide gas, or CO 2, then infused with added minerals.

Seltzer

Like club soda, seltzer is water that has been carbonated. Given the similarities between them, you can use seltzer as a substitute for club soda in cocktail mixers.

Sparkling mineral water

Unlike club soda or seltzer, sparkling mineral water is naturally carbonated. Its bubbles come from a spring or well with naturally occurring carbonation.

What is Seltzer water?

Seltzer water is nothing more than water with a little injection of CO2. Basically, it’s what you get if you put water through a soda maker like SodaStream. Its name is derived from Selters, a German town known for its natural mineral waters.

How does club soda get its fizz?

Seltzer, club soda, and tonic all get their fizz from carbonation, a process by which carbon dioxide is dissolved into a liquid. This is the same method used for getting the bubbles into your favorite cans of pop. But from here, the differences start to crop up.

What happens when you mix lime juice and cranberry juice?

When cranberry and lime juice get together, the result is thirst-quenching. Add ice and you’ve got a party in a glass. —Michael Passow, Poughkeepsie, New York

What herb should I add to lemonade?

A friend suggested I add a sprig of rosemary to lemonade. The herb makes the drink taste fresh and light, and it's a pretty garnish. —Dixie Graham, Rancho Cucamonga, California

Where did the wassail drink come from?

This traditional wassail recipe came from a dear friend in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where we lived for many years. Since it's warm, wonderful and non-alcoholic, we've even served it at church. This wassail drink is also perfect for a holiday open house. —Maryellen Hays, Wolcottville, Indiana.

Does tonic water have calories?

Just be warned, because it’s technically a soft drink, it does have calories. If you’re looking for a no-cal (or low-cal) beverage, think twice before guzzling bottles of tonic water. There are plenty of fun ways to incorporate each of these refreshing hydrators into your life.

Is tonic water a soft drink?

A slightly bitter, slightly sweet beverage, tonic water isn’t so much water as it is a soft drink. It was originally enjoyed by British colonists in India as a way to combat malaria. That bitter flavor in tonic comes from quinine, which is derived from the bark of the cinchona tree and is famous for its antimalarial properties. Today, tonic waters now come in a variety of additional flavors, perfect if you want to up your G&T game, though we do love this non-alcoholic raspberry lemonade if gin isn’t your thing. Just be warned, because it’s technically a soft drink, it does have calories. If you’re looking for a no-cal (or low-cal) beverage, think twice before guzzling bottles of tonic water.

What is the least watery water?

Tonic Water. Tonic water is the least water-y of the three. It does contain carbonated water, but it has quinine to give it a bitter flavor and also a sweetener, usually high-fructose corn syrup or an artificial sweetener to make a “diet” tonic water. It’s more of a soda than a water.

Does club soda have sodium?

Club soda is carbonated water that has added minerals like potassium bicarbonate and potassium citrate to enhance the flavor. It can also have added sodium, but not all club sodas contain sodium.

Is seltzer water carbonated?

Seltzer water is also carbonated water, but it doesn’t have any additives, such as sodium. You can purchase flavored seltzers, usually in a citrus flavor, but plain seltzer is simply water that is carbonated.

Can you substitute seltzer water for club soda?

Club soda and seltzer water are interchangeable in beverages, but tonic water will add both sweet and bitter to whatever you’re creating. You shouldn’t substitute tonic water for club soda or seltzer water, nor should you substitute club soda or seltzer water for tonic water.

What is tonic water?

Tonic (see quinine water) is carbonated water containing lemon, lime, sweetener, and quinine, often used as a mixer.

Who invented soda water?

Soda water was invented by Joseph Priestley, the same person who discovered oxygen. It’s fair to say he had some pretty good ideas bubble up in his lifetime. Priestley, inspired by the natural carbonation from beer and Champagne, isolated carbon dioxide and figured out how to put it into water.

Is there a book on the history of Seltzer?

It’s not. There’s a whole book on the history and culture of seltzer by Barry Joseph called “Seltzertopia: The Effervescent Age.”. In it, he talks about the spas in the German town Niederselters in the 1700s. Niederselters bottled the bubbly from their spa and sent it around the world.

Can you use all three drinks interchangeably?

Don’t do that. Suck it up, go outside and buy some tonic. Because while all three drinks are bubbly and perfect for cocktails of some kind, they are not interchangeable. Here’s how each is different, starting with their basic definitions from Dictionary.com.

Is seltzer a mineral?

Seltzer is a naturally effervescent mineral water containing common salt and small quantities of sodium, calcium, and magnesium carbonates. If you live in Brooklyn, you’d be forgiven for thinking that LaCroix recently invented seltzer and the sparkling drink in general is some hot new invented trend. It’s not.

Seltzer

The simplest of all these concoctions, seltzer is simply water blasted with carbon dioxide.

Tonic water

Tonic is basically sparkling water with a little kick in the form of quinine. According to Mixology magazine, the more quinine in your tonic, the more bitter the taste. Quinine comes from cinchona bark and back in the day was used medicinally to treat malaria. These days, it’s most commonly found alongside some gin and lime in a cocktail.

Club soda

Again, it’s just a tiny additive that differentiates club soda from plain old sparking water, this time in the form of added minerals.

What is tonic water?

Tonic is the most unique and distinctive of carbonated waters, and by far the easiest to identify from taste alone. It is sparkling water that has been infused with both minerals and quinine, a powder isolated from the ground bark of the cinchona tree. Quinine has a distinctly bitter, mineral flavor, which is balanced in almost all commercial tonic waters by added sugars or sweeteners. This gives tonic water a balance between bitterness, somewhat resinous notes and corresponding sweetness, which pairs very well with liquor such as gin in the ubiquitous G&T. Tonic waters may contain genuine sugars, while “diet” or zero calorie versions use the same sweeteners present in commercial soft drinks. Several varieties of commercial tonic syrups are also produced, which allow a drinker to customize their preferred level of quinine flavor.

What is a seltzer?

Seltzer. The word “seltzer” implies pure, carbonated water with no additional additives or minerals. For decades, that’s what the term largely meant to consumers—a pure form of carbonated water—although the modern boom of flavored seltzers (La Croix and co.) that have gained popularity as replacements for sugary soda, not to mention hard seltzers, ...

What is sparkling mineral water?

Finally, we have sparkling mineral water, a category that is very similar to club soda, with one major difference: The minerals here aren’t being added by the manufacturer. Rather, mineral water by U.S. definition is water with mineral content that originates at the source —which is to say, the body of water already contains these minerals from the ground. This includes popular sparkling mineral water brands such as Perrier and San Pellegrino. As with seltzer, some of these brands are likewise available in flavored variations, which have their own cocktail applications.

When was tonic water invented?

Tonic water was invented by British naval officials in early 19th century India, who used quinine powder as an anti-malarial, but found the bitter taste difficult to swallow in purely powdered form. The powder was subsequently combined with carbonated water, with added sugar, to create tonic water. Gin was presumably introduced into the equation shortly thereafter, creating one of the world’s most enduringly popular mixed drinks. Modern tonic, it should be noted, is much milder and less intense as far as the bitter quinine is concerned than the historical version.

Is seltzer water a good mixology drink?

In its base form, however, traditional seltzer water (such as La Croix Pure) is simply water + bubbles, and that’s it. This can make it a good choice in mixology when only carbonation is desired, but it’s argu ably less commonly used for this purpose than club soda (which we’ll talk about next).

Is club soda the same as seltzer?

Club Soda. Club soda may seem like the same thing as pure seltzer water at first glance, but this is water that has been enhanced by the manufacturer with additional minerals. As in seltzer, it is infused with CO2, but club soda is also commonly infused with minerals such as potassium sulfate, disodium phosphate, ...

Does tonic water have sugar?

This gives tonic water a balance between bitterness, somewhat resinous notes and corresponding sweetness, which pairs very well with liquor such as gin in the ubiquitous G&T. Tonic waters may contain genuine sugars, while “diet” or zero calorie versions use the same sweeteners present in commercial soft drinks.

What is the flavor of tonic water?

That's because it's less a water and more of a soft drink—it's sweetened (usually with corn syrup) and infused with quinine, an ingredient that hails from the cinchona tree and results in tonic water's signature, slightly bitter taste.

Why are Seltzer water, mineral water, and club soda used interchangeably?

Seltzer water, mineral water, and club soda are often used interchangeably because, to most people, the flavor difference between them is almost undetectable. Still, Rhoda was right to ask: These bubbly waters are not all built the same.

What is the least expensive bubbly water?

Take plain old spring water, carbonate it with carbon dioxide and—science!—you've got seltzer water, a.k.a. "sparkling water.". If you're looking for the bubbles found in soda without any of the extra flavor (or, you know, calories), this is your move. Seltzer is the least expensive bubbly water to buy, but it's even cheaper to make ...

Is mineral water carbonated?

Similar to seltzer water in taste (and absolutely identical in appearance), mineral water is a naturally-carbonated water sourced from springs. (The effervescence comes from naturally-occurring salts and sulfur compounds.)

Is club soda the same as mineral water?

Club Soda. In looks and taste, club soda is very similar to both seltzer and mineral water. It contains many of the same compounds that naturally occur in mineral water, except in this case they're artificially added. Ingredients like potassium-bicarbonate and potassium-sulfate lend a slightly salty taste to the water.