Did you know that for 2019 alone, the US soda water sales amounted to $2.74 billion? An impressive demand for a drink so plain as carbonated water, right? Back in time, however, carbonated water was far from being a mainstream drink. 

When was carbonated water invented?

In 1772, the British chemist Joseph Priestley realized that if you infuse water with carbon dioxide (CO2), you’ll get what today we call ’sparkling water’. He managed to carbonate water with the help of an animal bladder and called the process “impregnating the water with still air.”

His process was later improved by the soda machine of Johann Jacob Schweppe (yes, as in Schweppes soda - one of the standard setters in the industry) and bubbly water mass production exploded.

Carbonated water became so popular at the turn of the twentieth century that many entrepreneurs started their own fizzy water production. Canada Dry founders were one of those who caught up early on and started manufacturing their delicious zero-calorie club soda as early as 1890.

What Is Carbonated Water

Carbonated water contains dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2). The CO2 is usually infused under pressure into still water, however, on certain occasions, mineral water can also come as naturally carbonated water. This extra bubbly clear drink is also known as sparkling water or fizzy water.  

What Is Seltzer Water

Seltzer is the most basic alternative to carbonated water. It became popular in the 1820s when Americans developed a taste for carbonated mineral water. Today, the seltzer comes as flat water with added carbon dioxide - a delightful clear drink with no added flavors like Hal’s NY Original or Boylan Seltzer Classic

Check out all of our Seltzer Water Brands

What Is Club Soda

Unlike Seltzer, club soda is further enriched with minerals like sodium citrate,  sodium bicarbonate, disodium phosphate, and occasionally sodium chloride. As a result club soda has a unique rather saltier taste. 

Bartenders often prefer using club soda when mixing drinks for their signature cocktails. . Boylan Heritage club soda would perfectly complement your alcoholic beverage of choice. Of course, you could go with more mainstream club soda alternatives like Schweppes club soda, Canada Dry club soda, or East Imperial soda water. 

Club soda just like seltzer is an unflavored carbonated water drink. Take for instance Fever Tree club soda - it comes with no artificial sweeteners and zero calories. 

What Is Sparkling Mineral Water

As the name suggests sparkling mineral water contains natural spring or mineral water. Such carbonated water drinks enjoy natural mineralization and are rich in dissolved solids like potassium, sodium, and magnesium. 

The minerals that occur naturally in sparkling mineral water sometimes give the water natural carbonation. Often, companies would add more carbon dioxide to make the water extra fizzy. Each type of sparkling mineral water has a distinct signature flavor, depending on the spring it is produced from. It might taste heavier than seltzer or club soda but it’s ideal for the thrill-seekers. To experience the utter pleasure of some outstanding sparkling mineral brands, go for the  Icelandic Glacial Sparkling Water and Vichy Catalan Sparkling Mineral Water. 

What Is Tonic Water

Tonic water or Indian tonic water is a carbonated soft drink that contains quinine. Quinine was used as a prophylactic substance against malaria. Tonic water was first created at the beginning of the 19th century by British officials stationed in India, who had to take quinine preventively.  The taste of the substance was so bitter that they had to mix it with soda water and sugar to take it. In the process, they discovered a pungent drink that today we enjoy as an excellent refreshment. Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water is a wonderful example of such an exquisite drink.  

Water is life. Whether you just want to feel the tingling sensation of the seltzer or to dive into an ocean of flavors with tonic water it’s up to you which path you’ll take. Carbonated water is a long time source of pleasant experiences, simply enjoy it.