Is Soda Water the Same as Sparkling Water? Expert Explains
Bubbles are bubbles – until someone asks the question: soda water or sparkling water?
To most people, it feels like the same thing. They’re both fizzy, they both come in similar bottles, and they both do a great job of making a drink feel crisp and refreshing. It’s easy to assume they’re interchangeable.
But step behind the bar and ask a bartender mid-service, and you’ll get a very different answer. Professionals know that while they may look alike, soda water and sparkling water are not the same, and choosing the right one can make all the difference.
Because while both have carbonation, they behave differently in a glass. One simply adds fizz, while the other adds structure to your favourite serves. So, what’s the real difference, and does it actually matter? The short answer is yes, especially when cocktails are involved.
To break it down, we turned to Tom Cicala, our very own Global Brand Ambassador, who explains what every bartender and curious drinker should know.
Soda Water vs Sparkling Water – What’s the Difference?
Although they look similar, the real difference between sparkling water and soda water comes down to minerals.
“Sparkling water is simply water carbonated with carbon dioxide. Soda water, however, is a curated recipe containing minerals such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, and potassium sulphate,” Tom explains. “Scientifically, these minerals perform two jobs: they replicate the mouthfeel of natural spring waters, and more importantly, they act as a buffer.”
“Because CO2 makes water slightly acidic, these alkaline minerals round off the harshness, giving soda water a thicker mouthfeel that plain sparkling water lacks.”
Soda water’s minerals subtly influence flavour, texture, and balance, giving it a fuller, smoother feel compared to sparkling water’s lighter and sharper profile.
How Do They Change the Balance of a Cocktail?
When it comes to cocktails, soda water doesn’t just add bubbles – it shapes the whole of the drink.
Tom explains: “I like to think of soda water as the salt and pepper of the drink’s world. Just as seasoning can bring food to life, the sodium in soda water suppresses bitterness and makes the aromatics of a spirit, like the juniper in gin or the peat in whisky, pop.
“Frankin & Sons 1886 Soda Water for example, provides a structural backbone that carries the spirit rather than just diluting it – whereas plain sparkling water can often make a drink taste thin.”
It’s a subtle but important difference. Sparkling water can lighten a drink, but soda water can elevate it by lifting aromatics and giving the serve a more rounded finish.
Tips for Getting the Best out of Soda Water
When it comes to getting the perfect fizz, it’s not just about what you pour, it’s how you pour it. Tom’s top tips are simple, but they make all the difference:
- “Always keep your soda water ice cold. Cold liquid holds carbonation better, so the bubbles stay in the glass instead of disappearing instantly”.
- “Pour gently down the side of the glass. If you throw it in too fast, you’re knocking the fizz out before you even take a sip.”
- “Use large, clear ice wherever you can. Small cubes melt faster, which dilutes the drink and causes CO2 to escape more quickly, whereas larger ice cubes slow the process and keep drinks fresher.”
- “Don’t over-stir. One gentle fold from bottom to top is enough. If you stir too much you will flatten the drink before the first sip.”
If you’re looking for inspiration, we’ve made it even easier. Here at Franklin & Sons, we’ve just launched a brand-new Cocktail Finder tool, designed to help you discover your next perfect serve.
Simply select your chosen soda, whether it’s a classic 1886 Soda Water, one of our signature flavoured sodas such as Pink Grapefruit Soda, or our latest Yuzu Soda launch, and explore a range of cocktail recipes and serving suggestions created to bring out the best in every bottle.
