Mineral Water vs. Sparkling Water: Essential Differences

Mineral water or sparkling mineral water is natural spring water that contains minerals, such as sodium, magnesium, zinc, and calcium. Natural mineral water comes from springs or wells and may be carbonated. Artificial mineral water is made by dissolving salts in distilled water, or by aerating distilled water with carbon dioxide.

Sparkling water, also known as seltzer water or soda water, is plain water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas to make it carbonated. Plain seltzer is made using filtered water and contains no added minerals, no sugar, no carbohydrates, and zero calories. Seltzer is similar to regular water in taste. Many seltzers are flavored with natural or artificial flavorings.

There is a variety of carbonated, bubbly water on the market. Some of the most popular kinds of fizzy waters include:

1. 1. Club soda: Club soda is a type of unflavored carbonated water infused with minerals like potassium sulfate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, disodium phosphate, and sodium bicarbonate. These minerals enhance the flavor of the water, giving it a slightly saltier taste than seltzer. Club soda is a key ingredient in many cocktails.
2. 2. Tonic water: Another bar staple, tonic water is carbonated, but unlike most other forms of sparkling water, it contains the additives quinine and a sweetener—usually high fructose corn syrup. Tonic water has a distinct taste, so it doesn’t mix with as many different types of liquor as club soda or even seltzer. The gin and tonic is probably the most famous cocktail to incorporate tonic water.
3. 3. Seltzer: Seltzer, aka sparkling water, is plain water pressurized with carbon dioxide gas. This effervescent, low-calorie water often features natural or artificial flavorings, like lemon or grapefruit.
4. 4. Mineral water: Mineral water is spring water that contains minerals such as magnesium, sodium, zinc, and calcium. Mineral water is bottled at the source. By adding salts to distilled water, or by aerating distilled water with carbon dioxide, you can make artificial mineral water.

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