Sparkling water has taken over the beverage aisle, with more options than ever to quench your thirst.
Not all fizzy waters are the same, though. A can of seltzer for an afternoon pick-me-up, club soda for your favorite highball, or tonic water for a perfect G&T, each type has traits that set it apart.
The main distinctions between these types of sparkling water are the source of carbonation (natural vs. artificial), the presence of minerals (naturally occurring or added) and addition of flavors or other ingredients.
Sparkling mineral water and club soda tend to have more mineral content, while seltzer is the purest form of carbonated water. Tonic water stands apart due to its unique bitter flavor and added ingredients.
Below, we outline the differences between types of sparkling water, highlighting notable brands and their uses:
7 Types of Sparkling Water and Differences Explained
The generic appellation: Soda Water
Soda water refers to any type of carbonated water, whether naturally occurring or artificially created. It is a broad category that includes sparkling, seltzer, and club soda – all of which we’ll talk about later in this article. Some people confuse soda water with specific types like club soda, so clarifying the type when ordering in restaurants or bars can help avoid misunderstandings.
Natural Sparkling Water
Natural sparkling water is naturally carbonated water that contains minerals. The intensity of the bubbles and the flavor profile vary depending on the source and mineral content. Some sparkling waters have subtle carbonation and clean flavors, while others feature stronger effervescence and distinctive mineral notes, ranging from stony to slightly sulfuric.
Examples: San Pellegrino, Perrier, Gerolsteiner.
Uses: Enjoyed on its own as a refreshing beverage or paired with meals to cleanse the palate.
Mineral Sparkling Water
Mineral sparkling water, often used interchangeably with sparkling water, refers to naturally water, naturally carbonated or not, with a defined mineral content. It shares the same variations in bubble intensity and flavor as sparkling water. In this case, the bubbles can either be natural or artificially added.
Examples: Evian (lightly carbonated), Apollinaris, Topo Chico
Uses: Typically consumed on its own due to its distinct mineral flavor. Mineral water with pronounced minerality is often used in premium cocktail recipes.
Flavored Sparkling Water
Flavored sparkling water is carbonated water infused with natural or artificial flavors. It often comes in fruit-forward varieties, including citrus, berry, or tropical notes, but may also feature herbal or exotic options. Flavored sparkling water typically contains little to no calories or sweeteners, making it a popular choice for those seeking a healthier alternative to soda. Some brands use real fruit essences, while others rely on synthetic flavorings.
Examples: LaCroix, Spindrift, Bubly.
Uses: Enjoyed as a refreshing standalone drink, it can also be used as a base for mocktails or light cocktails when paired with spirits like vodka or gin.
Club Soda
Club soda is a type of carbonated water with added minerals and carbonation, making it different from naturally occurring sparkling or mineral water. Its consistent level of fizz and minerality makes it reliable for mixing drinks. Unlike seltzer, which is plain carbonated water, club soda includes added minerals like sodium, giving it a distinct taste and texture.
Examples: Schweppes Club Soda, Canada Dry Club Soda.
Uses: Commonly used as a mixer in cocktails like Whiskey Highballs or Vodka Sodas.
Craft soda, also known as artisanal soda or small-batch soda, is produced in smaller quantities with an emphasis on unique flavors, high-quality ingredients, and innovative recipes. Unlike mass-produced sodas, craft sodas are often made by independent producers who focus on creativity and natural components rather than artificial additives and high-fructose corn syrup.
Seltzer Water
Seltzer is plain water that has been carbonated through mechanical means. It does not contain added minerals, sodium, or other ingredients. This distinguishes it from sparkling water, which is naturally carbonated and retains natural minerals.
Examples: Polar Seltzer, Canada Dry Seltzer.
Uses: Mixes well with flavored syrups, juices, or spirits for cocktails.
Hard Sparkling Water
Hard sparkling water, also known as Hard Seltzer, is a carbonated water infused with alcohol, typically achieved through fermentation or by adding neutral spirits. It contains a light alcohol content, usually between 4% and 6% ABV. Hard sparkling water is often flavored with fruit or other natural flavors and is marketed as a low-calorie alternative to beer or sugary cocktails. It is popular as a standalone drink for casual settings and comes in both standard and low-sugar options.
Examples: White Claw, Truly, Bon & Viv.
Uses: Enjoyed as a refreshing alcoholic beverage or as a light alternative to traditional mixed drinks.
Tonic Water
Tonic water is a unique type of carbonated water used mainly as a mixer for cocktails or nonalcoholic drinks. It contains carbonation, added minerals, sweeteners, and quinine, which gives it a citrusy and slightly bitter flavor. Tonic water is the only carbonated water type with calories and carbohydrates due to its sugar content. Low-sugar and sugar-free versions are also widely available.
Examples: Fever-Tree Tonic Water, Schweppes Tonic Water.
Uses: Perfect for cocktails like Gin & Tonic or Vodka Tonic.
Artesian Sparkling Water
Artesian sparkling water is sourced from natural underground aquifers, where the water is naturally filtered through layers of rock. It may be naturally carbonated due to pressure within the aquifer or carbonated after extraction. Artesian sparkling water is valued for its purity and mineral-rich taste, which varies depending on the source’s geology.
Examples: Waiakea (Hawaii), Antipodes (New Zealand), VOSS Artesian Sparkling (Norway).
Uses: Typically enjoyed as a premium standalone beverage, it’s often chosen for its clean, refreshing taste.
Health Considerations
The healthiest sparkling waters are those with no added sugars, sweeteners, or artificial ingredients.
- Seltzer is a top choice because it is plain carbonated water with no additives, making it calorie-free and ideal for hydration.
- Sparkling Mineral Water is another excellent option with natural carbonation and beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can support overall health.
- Flavored Sparkling Water can also be a healthy option if it uses natural flavors without added sugars or sweeteners.
Tonic water and hard sparkling water are less healthy due to their sugar and alcohol content, respectively, but are still lighter alternatives than most other sodas & commercially available alcoholic beverages.
Should You Make Your Own Sparkling Water?
If you’re a fan of sparkling water and drink it regularly, making your own at home could save you money and reduce waste. With a soda maker or DIY setup, you can enjoy unlimited fizz while skipping the hefty price tag of store-bought bottles.
For example, we realized our household was spending nearly $1,000 a year on sparkling water alone—mainly grabbing bottles of Perrier and cans of Spindrift. The recycling pile was piling up, and so were the costs. We decided to invest in a soda machine (the most famous brand being SodaStream, but a lot of other brands offer their own version as well), which cost less than $100 upfront for a basic SodaStream. In just a couple of months, it had already paid for itself.
Now, we make sparkling water exactly how we like it, experimenting with flavors like fresh lemon, mint, or cucumber. We use cold filtered water, but if your tap water tastes good, that works too. You can customize the fizz level—light bubbles for sipping all day or bold carbonation for a cocktail mixer.
If you’re tired of the expense or waste of store-bought sparkling water, going DIY is simple, eco-friendly, and budget-conscious. It’s also fun to try new flavors and carbonation levels that you can’t always find in stores!
