what is club soda

Club soda is a type of carbonated water that is commonly used as a drink mixer. It is made by infusing carbon dioxide into plain water and adding minerals such as sodium bicarbonate, potassium sulfate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium citrate, or sodium citrate. These minerals are added to replicate constituents commonly found in natural mineral waters and offset the acidity of introducing carbon dioxide gas, which creates low 3–4 pH carbonic acid when dissolved in water. Club soda has a mild salty taste due to the added minerals, which makes it perfect for adding to alcoholic drinks. It is also used as a household remedy for removing stains, particularly those of red wine, due to the dissolved gas in carbonated water acting as a temporary surfactant. Club soda is similar to seltzer water, but in addition to CO2, various minerals are added. The minerals can include potassium bicarbonate, potassium sulfate, disodium phosphate, or other natural flavors depending on the manufacturers specific recipe. The addition of these minerals also increases the sodium content in club soda compared to seltzer or soda water.