There may have been an instance when you hear the words "tonic water" and "soda water" in movies or bars. It gets confusing since they are both labeled as water yet they are different. So, what is the difference?
Tonic Water
Tonic water and soda water are both carbonated waters. However, the main difference between the two is the quinine which is a compound extracted from the bark of cinchona trees. The reason why tonic water is paired with alcoholic drinks is because quinine is a flavor enhancer. The bitter alkaloid goes well with liquior like gin, thus, creating the famous "gin and tonic."
Although, unlike soda water, tonic water can be pretty bitter on its own. It has a distinct taste that is unmistakable. According to Spoon University, it is a good alternative to soda. This does not mean, however, that it does not have sugar, carbs, or calories, because it does. Sugar or high fructose corn syrup is used to sweeten teh water a bit. When you order one too many cocktails, your sugar intake tends to pile up.
In 12 ounces of tonic water, it has 120 calories, 31 grams of carbs, and 31 grams of sugar. This means that other than worrying if you'll be able to walk home, you should also think about how much calories, carbs, and sugar you're drinking.
The usual alcoholic drinks that are paired with tonic water are the following:
Gin
Vodka
Whiskey
Tequila
Rum
St. Germain
Blood Orange Gin
Lillet
White Port
Soda Water
Soda water, or also known as club soda, is close to tonic water. Both are carbonated drinks, except that soda water doesn't have that distinct bitter taste. It also has zero calories, carbs, and sugar. Other than carbon dioxide gas, it is infused with minerals such as potassium sulfate, sodium chloride, disodium phosphate, and sodium bicarbonate, as mentioned by Healthline.
Of course, the amount will vary, depending on the manufacturer. Since the minerals give off a slightly salty taste, it can be paired well with sweet alcoholic drinks, kind of like salt to caramel. Although, you can still use soda water as a substitute for tonic water, but you won't get the flavor enhancement that you'd like.
Club soda is usually in alcoholic drinks like:
Classic Mojito
Gin Rickey
Vodka Soda
Gin Fizz
Tequila Soda
Southside Fizz
Whiskey Highball
White Wine Spritzer
Vodka Spritzer
Aperol Spritz
Hugo Cocktail
Ranch Water
Americano Cocktail
Fun fact, did you know that it's a common household technique to use soda water to remove fresh stains? According to Apartment Therapy, blot the fresh stain and apply salt generously.
After that, pour in club soda until all the stained parts are covered. Leave it overnight, blot up the extra moisture, and vacuum up the salt. Your stained fabric will be good as new without having to use harsh chemicals, just carbonated water and salt.
