We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Beverages

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Club Soda?

By Matt Brady
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 27,411
Share

Club soda is one of the many names for carbonated water, which is also referred to as sparkling water, fizzy water and seltzer water. Carbonated water is a simple concoction of carbon dioxide gas mixed with plain water. Carbon dioxide is scientifically known as CO2 and water as H20; combining them creates H2CO3. Almost all carbonated drinks use club soda, including soft drinks, Italian sodas, many bar drinks and flavored water beverages.

People sometimes confuse club soda with tonic, another clear, carbonated mixer. Tonic, however, contains quinine, an ingredient which gives it a special flavor that plain soda water does not possess. Tonic is also sweet. Both clear, fizzy mixtures are essential staples of any bar, where club soda and tonic water are mixed in with a variety of drinks. When not mixed in a well drink or cocktail, or adding bubbles to juices and soft drinks, club soda is often served on ice with a slice of lime.

People use carbonated water for more than quenching their thirst. It's a well-known stain remover as well. It can also help alleviate an upset stomach, especially with a dash of bitters mixed in; the mild, carbonated mixture can have a soothing effect on gassy, irritated bowels. Carbonated water and bitters is also said to be a heartburn remedy.

Its stain-removing powers have led many to use club soda as an all-purpose cleaning agent. Some people add an extra sheen to their jewelry and silverware by soaking them in carbonated water. Others use the drink to help remove most stains found on carpet and clothes. It can also help clean counter tops and remove rust. Restaurants, most of which are never without an abundant supply of carbonated water, often use it to clean numerous tools and appliances.

Difficult as it may be to imagine, there was a time when club soda didn't exist, or rather hadn't yet been discovered. It was invented in 1767 by Joseph Priestley, one of Benjamin Franklin's English compatriots. Priestley was a multi-talented individual—a scientist, philosopher and inventor. Priestley created the drink when he placed a bowl of water over a container of fermented beer. The carbon dioxide given off by the beer mixed with the water, carbonating it. Priestley found that his friends enjoyed the drink's flavor. Although he never manufactured carbonated water for a profit, he wrote a paper describing how club soda was made, elaborately titled, Directions for Impregnating Water with Fixed Air.

Share
DelightedCooking is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By lovelife — On Mar 17, 2011

@donna61--Yes! You can go on-line or to any specialty kitchen shop and buy a soda maker. A friend of mine has one of these and absolutely loves it!

It just carbonates regular tap water, so you don't get any crazy additives -- just what's in your water normally. It's also good for reducing your carbon footprint, since you can use fewer plastic bottles.

By donna61 — On Mar 14, 2011

I love the fizz of club soda! I don't like that there are so many additives in it when bought from the grocery store, or that we waste the bottles. Is there a way for me to make club soda or carbonated water at home?

Share
https://www.delightedcooking.com/what-is-club-soda.htm
Copy this link
DelightedCooking, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

DelightedCooking, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.