Cocktail Mixer Matters: Sparkling, Seltzers, Sodas vs Tonics & More

Adding a bubbly mixer to your cocktail can truly make it shine. The extra effervescence allows for a full-sensory experience — a delight for the palate, nose and eyes. But do you know the key differences among them? From club soda to soda water, here’s a full breakdown.

What are easy vodka mixers?

A mixer is technically just anything you mix with a spirit. The best mixers for vodkas are nearly limitless. Mixers can be juice, soda, espresso — pretty much any liquid. But the mixers we’re focusing on here are the more typical carbonated ones: soda, soda water, club soda, seltzer water, sparkling water and tonic water.

Definitions of different carbonated waters

Fizzy mixers are a great way to bring effervescence to your cocktails. But what are these mixers called exactly? Here’s a breakdown of common terms so you can keep them all straight:

• Soda or soda water: Carbonated water, or water that has been made bubbly by injecting it with carbon dioxide gas (CO2). No strong taste. Note: In some parts of the world, “soda” can mean a sweet, flavoured carbonated beverage.
• Seltzer or seltzer water: Same as above — carbonated water. It just has a different name.
• Sparkling water: Also same as above — carbonated water. It just has a different name.
• Sparkling mineral water: Naturally carbonated water from a spring or a well. It has a subtle taste that can be salty, bitter or sweet depending on the minerals involved.
• Club soda: Carbonated water + added minerals = slightly salty taste.
• Tonic water: Carbonated water with added minerals, including quinine, which gives it a bitter taste. This bitterness is cut by adding high fructose corn syrup or sugar.

What is tonic water vs soda water?

Soda water and tonic water are quite different. Soda water is simply carbonated water, so it has the same taste as plain water. Tonic water, on the other hand, is carbonated water that contains quinine and most often a sweetener. This gives it a slightly bitter taste that adds complex depth to cocktails. That’s why it’s often mixed with vodka or gin.

If you want a dash of bitterness, but not too much, you can try making a Vodka Sonic with both soda and tonic water.

What is club soda vs. sparkling water?

Club soda and sparkling water are both types of carbonated water, but they’re a little different in taste. Sparkling water may be naturally or artificially carbonated, and it typically has a very neutral or clean taste with little to no added minerals. On the other hand, club soda is artificially carbonated water and has added minerals, giving it a slightly salty, mineral-forward flavor. Both bring their own character to cocktails, depending on whether you're looking to elevate flavor or keep things crisp and refreshing.

Can I substitute tonic water for soda water?

We wouldn’t recommend substituting tonic water for soda water in your cocktail recipes. This is because the added bitterness of tonic water can really alter the flavour profile of your drink. That could spell disaster for a sweeter drink, like the GREY GOOSE® L’Orange Flavoured Vodka and Sparkling Water.

Is tonic water or soda water good for you?

Staying hydrated with water is always a good idea. Soda water is simply Calorie-free carbonated water, so it’s just as hydrating as regular water. Tonic water, on the other hand, often contains sweeteners (and thus Calories), so you’ll want to keep that in mind.

What is a spritz or spritzers?

Spritzers or spritzes are not mixers at all, but rather vodka cocktails made with soda water or something else bubbly, served over ice.

Do your mixers matter?

Mixers can matter a lot when you’re concocting a cocktail. Make sure you choose the highest quality mixers, and always pair them with a premium vodka with a nuanced taste.

You can search through all our recipes and have fun experimenting with different kinds of mixers. How will you mix things up?