What's a substitute for sparkling water?

December 19, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Serious Eats, sparkling water, club soda, and seltzer, while all bubbly, possess key differences in mineral content and carbonation methods. Choosing the right alternative depends heavily on your desired flavor profile, mineral content, and whether the substitute is for drinking or mixing.

Quick Summary

This guide details various bubbly and still alternatives to sparkling water, from plain seltzer and mineral-enhanced club soda to fruit infusions and kombucha, based on taste and application.

Key Points

Seltzer vs. Club Soda: Seltzer is plain carbonated water with no added minerals, offering a neutral taste, while club soda has added minerals for a slightly salty flavor.
DIY Infusions: Still water can be infused with fresh fruits, herbs, or vegetables like cucumber and mint for a naturally flavored, non-fizzy alternative.
Beyond Carbonation: Other non-sparkling options include coconut water for electrolytes or unsweetened iced tea for a complex, cool drink.
Functional Alternatives: Kombucha offers probiotics and a tangy effervescence, making it a healthy substitute for both sparkling water and sugary sodas.
Flavor Profiles Matter: The ideal replacement depends on your use case; a neutral seltzer works best for clean mixes, while club soda's salinity is better for certain cocktails.
Sugar-Conscious Choices: When picking bottled substitutes, check labels, as some tonic waters and flavored options can contain high levels of sugar.

The Bubbly Contenders: Seltzer vs. Club Soda

When seeking a direct, fizzy substitute, seltzer and club soda are the most common options, each with distinct characteristics. While they both provide carbonation, the key difference lies in their mineral content.

Seltzer Water: The Clean Carbonation

Seltzer is simply plain water infused with carbon dioxide (CO2) for carbonation, with no added minerals. This gives it a clean, neutral taste profile that many find appealing. Because of its blank-slate flavor, it's an excellent vehicle for adding your own natural flavors without any underlying mineral taste interfering. This makes it ideal for mixed drinks where you want the other ingredients to shine through.

Club Soda: The Mineral-Enhanced Fizz

Club soda is carbonated water with added minerals, such as sodium bicarbonate, potassium sulfate, and sodium phosphate. These added minerals give it a slightly salty or tangy taste that differs from plain seltzer. This distinctive flavor profile is why it is often preferred in specific cocktails, as it can complement or cut through the sweetness of other mixers.

DIY Infusions: Flavor Without the Fizz

For those who enjoy a milder, non-fizzy alternative, infusing still water with fruits, vegetables, and herbs is a simple and healthy solution. This method allows you to control the ingredients and sugar content entirely.

Cucumber and Mint: A classic spa water combination that is incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot day.
Lemon, Lime, or Orange Slices: A simple slice of citrus adds a zesty, uplifting flavor to plain water.
Berries and Rosemary: For a more complex, adventurous flavor, muddled berries and a sprig of rosemary can create a sophisticated drink.

Making Your Own Fruit-Infused Water

To create your own infused water, simply place your choice of washed, cut fruits and herbs in a pitcher of water and refrigerate for a few hours. The longer you let it sit, the more potent the flavor will be. This is a low-calorie, hydrating option that can be endlessly customized.

Alternative Beverages Beyond the Bubble

If you are looking for alternatives that offer more than just flavor, several options provide additional benefits.

The Tangy Twist of Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage that offers a tangy, slightly vinegary flavor and often comes in a variety of fruit flavors. It contains probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. While it does contain a small amount of sugar and caffeine, brands like Humm offer zero-sugar options. Its unique taste and health benefits make it a robust sparkling alternative.

Naturally Sweet Coconut Water

For a hydrating, naturally sweet option without the fizz, coconut water is an excellent choice. It is packed with electrolytes and minerals, making it a great natural sports drink alternative.

Unsweetened Iced Tea

Chilled, unsweetened herbal or black tea provides a sophisticated, calorie-free alternative to sparkling water. Many brands offer cold-brew options, making preparation simple. Adding slices of citrus or mint can elevate the flavor further.

Substitute Comparison Table


Attribute	Seltzer Water	Club Soda	Kombucha	Fruit-Infused Still Water
Flavor Profile	Neutral, clean	Slightly salty/tangy	Tangy, effervescent	Subtle, natural fruit/herb
Mineral Content	None added	Added minerals (e.g., sodium)	Varies, depends on tea	None added
Carbonation Method	CO2 added artificially	CO2 and minerals added	Natural fermentation	None (Still)
Best For...	Clean mixers, DIY flavors	Cocktails, enhancing spirits	Probiotic benefits, unique flavor	Everyday hydration, low-sugar
Best Used In...	Mojitos, Spritzes (lighter)	Gin and Tonic, highballs	As-is, healthy soda swap	Drinking straight, pitchers

Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal Replacement

Ultimately, the best substitute for sparkling water depends on your specific needs and preferences. For a direct, fizzy swap, seltzer is your purest option, while club soda offers a distinct, mineral-enhanced flavor for cocktails. If you're looking for a healthier, flavor-rich beverage without the carbonation, homemade infused water is simple and highly customizable. For those seeking functional benefits, kombucha provides probiotics and a tangy taste. By considering these options, you can easily find the perfect alternative to keep your drinks exciting and your hydration on point. For more information on the subtle differences, a resource from America's Test Kitchen can be helpful in understanding substitution in recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for most drinking purposes and many recipes, club soda and seltzer can be used interchangeably, although the added minerals in club soda will result in a slightly different, saltier flavor.

For mocktails, a great non-fizzy option is homemade fruit-infused still water. You can also use unsweetened iced tea or coconut water, depending on the flavor profile you desire.

Yes, seltzer water (with no added flavors) is naturally calorie-free. You can also create calorie-free, flavored water by infusing still water with fresh fruits and herbs.

For recipes like tempura batter where carbonation is needed, seltzer or club soda are the best substitutes, as sparkling mineral water often has lower carbonation levels.

Kombucha is a healthy, tangy, and fizzy substitute that offers probiotics, but it contains some sugar and caffeine, so read the label carefully if you are monitoring your intake.

You can add slices of lemon, lime, orange, cucumber, or sprigs of fresh mint or basil to plain water. You can also use a small amount of fruit juice for a hint of flavor.

Sparkling mineral water is naturally carbonated from a spring and contains a minimum level of dissolved minerals. Generic sparkling water can be made from any source and has carbonation and minerals added artificially.