What's The Difference Between Seltzer Vs Sparkling Water?

Even water — the most indispensable beverage to humans — comes in nuanced culinary forms. It's an ideal vessel for cooking many foods. And it's typically the greatest constituent in liquids, which means it's especially important in drinks. Whether you're tailoring your aqueous source for brewing coffee or cocktail-making, the composition makes a big difference. Not to mention the contents influence the many types of carbonated waters.

So the next time you're making a bubbly beverage, you may be wondering if it's better to reach for seltzer or sparkling water. After all, both are carbonated and unflavored, typically contained in metal cans. Well, as it turns out, the nuances are all in the details. While seltzer only has artificial carbon dioxide for its bubbles, sparkling water has a whole range of naturally occurring minerals. These compounds are palpable to the taste, and therefore entail different uses, too. So although both are labeled as water, you'll want to keep their differences in mind.

When you think seltzer, alcoholic and flavored versions like the Kirkland brand likely come to mind. While such modified versions are possible, seltzer at its most basic form is simply a neutral unflavored water with added carbonation. Indeed, an artificial element is relevant; producers add the carbon dioxide industrially.

The history of artificial sparkling water is older than the United States of America. Forced carbonation dates back to the 18th century, when an English scientist employed beer production to imbue water with gas. It wasn't much later that Johann Jacob Schweppe — a name you may recognize — developed a commercial-viable way of replicating the process. The invention went on to heavily influence both cocktail and soda culture, making seltzer the backbone of flavored carbonated beverages. As a result, seltzer water became an easy-to-find blank slate for experimentation. No surprise so many modern delicious bubbly creations have seltzer in their name.

The most prominent quality of sparkling water is evinced by its name: It's also a carbonated water beverage. However, this liquid type comes naturally from the earth, collected from springs or wells. Hailing from many layers of rock deep underground, the water is safe to drink, but not completely pure. The liquid contains many minerals, which include calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. The textural carbonation may be naturally occurring, although some producers add it artificially like in seltzer.

Nevertheless, the numerous mineral components do impact the taste of the water. Most frequently, there's a hint of acidity due to the additions. However, minerals like sodium can impart a salty taste, while a bottle with more magnesium will taste slightly sweet. Most often, sparkling water distributors will include mineral content on the bottle label, helping you ascertain the specific breakdown. The quantity and types of minerals are a tangible aspect of sparkling water, making it a quality worth paying attention to.

The inclusion of minerals is the principal distinction between the two waters, and thereby influences their uses. Seltzer is better suited for mixed drinks, as it offers a more dependable palate with only the contained carbon dioxide. It'll craft a tall and bubbly creation with a consistent flavor, sparing you concerns about mineral interactions. Such a quality is why you'd consider employing seltzer, tonic water, or club soda in a cocktail. Nevertheless, there are a few exceptions when the minerals are wanted, such as the Topo Chico in a Ranch water.

On the contrary, sparkling water's inclusion of minerals is beneficial in certain situations. There's merit to tailoring the water content to specific wine pairings. And you may have noticed some coffee shops serve a shot of sparkling water alongside espresso; the beverage offers excellent refreshment between sips. Plus, some even pair extra savory foods with higher mineral waters, thereby increasing flavor intersections. Although it may seem nuanced, there's lots to explore in water composition, making it a characteristic worthy of consideration.