Not all bubbles are created equal 🫧

The Fizzy Breakdown of Club Soda, Sparkling Water, Seltzer & More

If you've ever stood in the fizzy water aisle wondering whether to grab club soda, sparkling water, or seltzer for your cocktail—or just your afternoon sip—you’re not alone. While these carbonated drinks may look and sound similar, the differences lie in their source, flavor, and how they play with your favorite spirits.

Let’s break it down:

Carbonation occurs when carbon dioxide gas is dissolved into water under pressure. Those gas molecules are released as bubbles once you open the bottle or can. In cocktails, bubbles lift your ingredients, brighten, and amplify flavors, making a drink feel even more refreshing. It’s also a great way to make the drink longer, which is my way of saying you can have ‘more’ cocktail by spritzing it up. Yes, you can spritz a margarita. Bubbles are one of my favorite ways to turn a cocktail into a mocktail. Just omit the spirit and top with bubbles instead!

Click here to shop all things bubbles

Here’s our Bubbly Cast

Which bubbles are better?

Top: Club Soda, Middle: Sparkling water, Bottom: Seltzer

1. Club Soda, the best strong bubbles

Club soda is carbonated water with added minerals like sodium bicarbonate, potassium sulfate, or sodium citrate. These minerals give it a slightly salty, mineral-forward taste. It’s made to be mixed—especially in cocktails—and the carbonation is usually quite strong and punchy.

Bubble Quality:
Tight, firm bubbles that last longer than seltzer or sparkling water. Great for keeping a cocktail lifted and crisp.

Best For:

• Highballs like a Whiskey Highball or Vodka Soda

• Tom Collins or John Collins

• Aperitivo-style drinks when you want a dry, structured bubble

2. Seltzer

Seltzer is just plain water that's been artificially carbonated—no minerals, no sweeteners, nothing extra. It’s neutral and ultra-clean in taste, making it super versatile.

Bubble Quality:
Moderate bubbles—crisp and clean, but can fade faster than club soda. Some brands are more aggressively carbonated than others.

Best For:

• Cocktails you want flavorless bubbles, this won’t effect flavor as much

Not Ideal For:
When you need longer-lasting carbonation or a mineral backbone.

3. Sparkling Water, the perfect spritz

Naturally carbonated water (sometimes with boosted carbonation), often sourced from a spring. It has subtle minerals that give it a unique taste depending on origin—think San Pellegrino or Perrier.

Bubble Quality:
Softer, more elegant bubbles. Less aggressive than seltzer or club soda, but often longer-lasting.

Best For:

• Low-ABV cocktails like Vermouth & Sparkling Water

• Negroni Sbagliato (if using instead of prosecco for a lighter take)

• Spritz’s

• Sipping on its own as a palate cleanser between cocktails, or coffee!

4. Tonic Water

Carbonated water with added quinine (which gives it a bitter, almost medicinal edge) and sugar or sweeteners. Tonic water is a flavor ingredient on its own, not just a fizzy mixer.

Bubble Quality:
Medium to strong bubbles. Because of its sugar content, tonic holds carbonation well and feels smooth on the palate.

Best For:

• Gin & Tonic (obviously)

Not Ideal For:
Subbing into recipes that call for seltzer or soda water—it’ll completely change the flavor.

5. Mineral Water (Still or Sparkling)

Water sourced from natural springs with a rich profile of dissolved minerals. Some are still, some are naturally sparkling (or lightly carbonated). Mineral water often has a “terroir” similar to wine, meaning its taste reflects where it comes from.

Bubble Quality:
Gentle and fine, sometimes barely fizzy. Think of it more as a subtle texture than a major carbonation lift.

I don’t really recommend this for cocktails, though it can be used. It’s just ideal for mixing into cocktails that need strong carbonation or a fizz-forward texture.

Choosing the Right Bubbles for Your Drink

When building a cocktail, bubbles can:

• Brighten heavier ingredients (like fruit juice or cream)

• Dilute without watering down (hello, fizz!)

• Add lift to herbal, citrusy, or bitter components

• Make a simple drink feel special

If you want:

• Bold fizz & body: Go with club soda or Topo Chico

• Clean and neutral: Seltzer

• Refined and elegant: Sparkling water

• Sweet and bitter complexity: Tonic

• Fun and flavorful: Flavored sparkling

Bonus: 3 Bubbly Cocktail Recipes to Try

1. Grapefruit Ranch Water

• 2 oz tequila blanco

• ½ oz fresh lime juice

• Top with grapefruit sparkling water

• Garnish: Lime wedge

2. Classic Gin & Tonic

• 2 oz London dry gin

• Top with tonic water

• Garnish: Lime wheel + sprig of rosemary

3. Campari Soda (Low-ABV)

• 1.5 oz Campari

• Top with club soda

• Garnish: Orange slice
  (Simple, bitter, effervescent—chef’s kiss.)

Have a question? Send me a message!

Xoxo, cheers