Fork Lift A Blog for Food, Fun, and Drink

What's In A Name? by Roger Berkowitz

What’s the difference between carbonated water, club soda, seltzer water, soda water and sparkling water? Apparently not much. Those are all, according to at least one definition, synonyms for water that has been charged with CO2. Which helps explain why, whenever I order seltzer water, I have to call it by at least three different names before a light bulb goes on and the waiter understands what I am asking for.

In my experience, if you are at a bar and ask for soda water, they will generally give you carbonated water from a soda gun or dispenser, at a nominal charge. But if you ask for sparkling water...beware! It seems there’s a certain cachet in the word “sparkling,” and you’re apt to get an expensive bottle added to your tab. Now if you’re on a plane, save yourself the aggravation and just ask for carbonated water. It doesn’t sound too sophisticated, but trust me - it’s better than coming up with three or four alternative names before the flight attendant understands.

By the way, those of you who are “carbonated water” enthusiasts like me will enjoy Polar Beverages’ line of flavored seltzers, which includes favorites like pomegranate and new flavors like orange vanilla. The latter is actually a pretty good topping for a vodka tonic.


Welcome to our new commenting system









Happy Commenting,

The Boston Herald staff


