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Soda varieties can be confusing. At a glance, the drinks look identical, but each has a different flavor profile and is made using different processes.
To find out the difference between the two, Shakedown has put together a complete guide to the types of sparkling water.
Seltzer water
Seltzer (seltzer) is the simplest of waters, obtained by carbonation with carbon dioxide (CO2).
Because of its neutral profile, seltzer is sometimes flavored with natural fruit essences and oils.
Soda water (Club soda)
Club soda is similar to seltzer, but various minerals are added in addition to the CO2, including sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, disodium phosphate, and sometimes sodium chloride.
If a cocktail recipe calls for seltzer water, but you only have soda water on hand, the difference between them is negligible, and you can safely replace one with the other.
Mineral water (Sparkling mineral water)
Carbonated mineral water is rich in dissolved solids such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium.
Unlike soda, these minerals are found in nature and enter it through several layers of underground rocks and sediments.
Mineral water bubbles can be either natural or artificially added.
Each brand of carbonated mineral water contains a certain dose of flavoring minerals, so they all taste slightly different.
This type of water does not pair well in cocktails, but they work wonderfully when paired with wine.
Tonic (Tonic water)
Tonic – artificially carbonated water with a bitter taste, which is achieved thanks to quinine.
This is the only water on the list that contains calories due to its sugar content, however, there are “lighter” versions with a reduced amount of sugar.
What you need to know about sparkling water
History of invention
It is believed that the first person to carbonate water was William Brownrigg, but the official inventor is Joseph Priestley, who in 1767 discovered the method of brewing water with carbon dioxide at a brewery in Leeds, England.
Joseph wrote about the “kind of satisfaction” he experienced after drinking the carbonated drink. And already in 1772 he published an article entitled “Impregnation of water with still air.”
Where to look for natural bubbles
Artesian wells in places such as Mihalkovo in the Bulgarian Rhodope Mountains, Medjitlia in North Macedonia, and especially at Selters in the German Taunus Mountains produce naturally effervescent mineral waters, but this list is far from exhaustive.
Cocktail culture and soda
With the advent of soda in popular culture, people began to mix it with alcoholic beverages more often, which contributed to the growth in sales of cheap alcohol and the emergence of various kinds of ready-made mixes.
Carbonated Retrograde Gadget
If you were born after the 2000s, you are unlikely to have caught that wonderful moment when your grandfather poured you soda from a special siphon.
Now there are modern home installations for refueling such siphons, so if you have the desire and extra money, you should consider buying a device.
Why does carbonated water seem sour?
Carbon dioxide and water react chemically to form carbon dioxide, which stimulates nerve receptors in the mouth.
This causes a slight burning, prickly sensation that can be both annoying and pleasant.
The pH of sparkling water is 3-4, which means that it is slightly acidic.
Interestingly, your kidneys and lungs remove excess carbon dioxide. This maintains a slightly alkaline pH balance of 7,35-7,45 in your blood, no matter what you eat or drink.
Human Health Effects of Carbonated Water
Dental health
One of the biggest concerns with carbonated water is its effect on your teeth as your enamel is exposed to the acid.
There are very few studies on this topic, but one found that sparkling mineral water only damaged enamel slightly more than non-carbonated water.
In addition, mineral water was 100 times less harmful than a sweet soft drink.
Carbonated water can help relieve constipation
People who experience constipation may find that sparkling water helps relieve their symptoms.
In a two-week study, 40 older adults reported a 58% reduction in constipation symptoms.
There is also evidence that sparkling water can help with other symptoms of indigestion, including stomach pain.
Bone health
Many people believe that carbonated drinks are bad for bones due to their high acid content. However, studies show that carbonation is not to blame.
A large observational study of over 2500 people found that cola was the only drink associated with significantly lower bone mineral density. Carbonated water does not appear to affect bone health.
Unlike soda and pure soda, drinks like cola are high in phosphorus.
The researchers suggested that cola drinkers may have been consuming too much phosphorus and not enough calcium, a potential risk factor for bone loss.
Animal studies show that carbonated water may even improve bone health. Supplementing the chicken diet with carbonated water for six weeks resulted in increased leg bone strength compared to tap water.
Heart Health
Research shows that sparkling water can improve heart health, although the evidence is very limited.
One study in 18 postmenopausal women found that drinking sodium-rich sparkling water lowered “bad” LDL cholesterol, markers of inflammation, and blood sugar levels.
In addition, the estimated risk of developing cardiovascular disease over 10 years was 35% lower for those who drank sparkling water compared to control water.
However, since this was only one small study, significantly more data is required for analysis to reach any conclusions.
Relevance: 19.06.2019
Tags: soft drinks