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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Everyday Life • Food & Drink

Club soda

Club soda is a type of carbonated water that usually contains added mineral salts and is commonly used as a drink mixer.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Club soda is carbonated water with added mineral salts, typically unsweetened and calorie-free, used mainly as a mixer in drinks. It's a common term in Canada for bottled or canned fizzy water.

What it is

Club soda is a manufactured carbonated beverage made from water and carbon dioxide, with minerals added to imitate natural mineral waters and reduce the sharpness of carbonation. Typical additives include sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium sulfate, potassium citrate, or sodium citrate. Brand formulas vary, so mineral and sodium levels can differ.

Why it matters

Club soda is widely used as a mixer in cocktails and other beverages because it adds bubbles without sugar or strong flavour. It differs from seltzer mainly because of its added minerals, and from tonic water, which contains sweeteners and quinine. For most people, drinking it daily is fine in moderation, but those monitoring sodium intake should check labels.

Key details

Club soda is typically unsweetened and calorie-free, with a mildly salty or alkaline taste. Common cocktails using it include the Tom Collins, Gin Rickey, Whiskey Highball, Vodka Soda, Mojito, Gin Fizz, Tequila Soda, and Aperol Spritz. In Canada, the term is standard for this type of carbonated mixer.

In short

  • Club soda is carbonated water with added mineral salts.
  • It is often used as a mixer in cocktails and is unsweetened.
  • Sodium content varies by brand; check labels if needed.
  • It differs from seltzer due to added minerals.
Canadian angle

The term club soda is commonly used in Canada for a carbonated beverage sold as a mixer or soft drink.

Quick questions

What is the difference between club soda and seltzer?
Both are carbonated water, but club soda usually contains added minerals such as sodium bicarbonate or potassium salts, while seltzer is generally just water and carbon dioxide.
Is club soda healthy?
Club soda is usually calorie-free and sugar-free, but it is not a health food. The main consideration is sodium content, which varies by brand and may matter for low-sodium diets.
What cocktails use club soda?
Club soda is used in many cocktails, including the Tom Collins, Gin Rickey, Whiskey Highball, Vodka Soda, Mojito, Gin Fizz, Tequila Soda, and Aperol Spritz.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Club_soda
    Supports: Definition of club soda as carbonated water with added mineral salts; use in North America.
  2. Wiktionary — https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/club_soda
    Supports: North American usage; distinction from soda water and note that additional minerals are often present.
  3. Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/club-soda
    Supports: Club soda as fizzy water often mixed with alcoholic drinks.
  4. WebstaurantStore — https://www.webstaurantstore.com/blog/2450/what-is-club-soda.html
    Supports: Typical ingredients, zero calories, sodium variation, and example cocktails.
  5. Healthline — https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/club-soda-vs-seltzer
    Supports: Comparison of club soda and seltzer; mineral content and taste differences.
  6. BinWise — https://home.binwise.com/blog/what-is-club-soda
    Supports: Common cocktail uses and general composition.