Culture & Lifestyle • Beverages

Club soda

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

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Club soda is a type of carbonated water that typically contains added mineral salts and is used as a drink mixer. It is unsweetened, calorie-free, and distinct from seltzer due to its mineral content. In Canada, the term is commonly used for bottled or canned fizzy water sold for drinking and mixing.

Definition

Club soda is a manufactured carbonated beverage made from water and carbon dioxide, with minerals added to imitate the taste of natural mineral waters and reduce the sharpness of carbonation.

Composition

Typical additives include sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium sulfate, potassium citrate, or sodium citrate. Brand formulas vary, so mineral and sodium levels can differ.

Use in drinks

Club soda is widely used as a mixer in cocktails and other beverages because it adds bubbles without sugar or strong flavour.

Comparison with other sparkling waters

Club soda differs from seltzer mainly because club soda contains added minerals, while seltzer is generally plain carbonated water. It also differs from tonic water, which contains sweeteners and quinine.

Key facts

Club soda is carbonated water with added minerals.
It is often used in mixed drinks and cocktails.
Common additives include sodium bicarbonate and potassium salts.
It is typically unsweetened and calorie-free.
Sodium content can vary by brand.

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Canadian context

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

Frequently asked questions

What is club soda?

Club soda is carbonated water with added mineral salts, commonly used as a mixer. It is usually unsweetened and has a mildly salty or alkaline taste.

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 is club soda made of?

It is made of water, dissolved carbon dioxide, and usually added mineral salts such as sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium sulfate, potassium citrate, or sodium citrate.

Can you drink club soda every day?

For most people, drinking club soda every day is generally fine in moderation, since it is usually sugar-free and calorie-free. People monitoring sodium intake should check the label because mineral content varies.

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.

References

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