Mixer Essentials: Comparing Sparkling Waters, Sodas, and Tonics

While a lot depends on the cocktail recipe you want to practice, checking classic combinations will certainly kickstart your exploration journey:

• Soda vs tonic vs sparkling water — as simple as it sounds, all you need for an awesome combo of flavors on the palate is vodka and a sparkling non-alcoholic beverage. Consider top-quality options like LEX by Nemiroff for the best outcome possible. Quick, simple, and straightforward this will allow you to get the best taste of your vodka
• Lemonade is where the variety of matching options is second to none. Enjoy the refreshing and crisp vodka blend with rose, grapefruit, or lime lemonade. With so many options available on the market it's easy to come up with new combinations to try.
• Limoncello — advance your DIY line-up with unique tastes in one go. It is an easy yet refreshing fusion to mix and taste. Add an interesting garnish and you have your summer drink ready.

Such drinks appeal to many for how fizzy and refreshing they are. The production and carbonation peculiarities of the most common kinds of sparkling water will also have an impact on the fizziness of cocktails as well as the taste and feel of the palate and finish. Let’s look at these in more detail.

Soda Water vs. Tonic Water

Are tonic water and club soda the same? In practice, they are quite distinctive drinks in the market. Soda water is known for its neutral flavor with no additions like sweeteners and sugar. On the contrary, tonic water often comes with quinine and other added aromas, which contribute to its slightly bitter flavor profile.

Club Soda and Its Characteristics

This type of mixer for vodka cocktails stands out for its origin — it was intended as an analog of natural mineral water and undergoes an artificial carbonation process. The content varies from brand to brand, including mineral compounds like sodium, potassium, and so on. Compared to other sparkling water versions, it has a generally neutral taste with hints of saltiness and minerality.

Sparkling Water: Seltzer vs. Mineral

Seltzer is another example of artificial carbonation on the list. However, in comparison with club soda, it features a more plain combination of aromas since it doesn’t contain any added minerals.

Mineral sparkling water is naturally carbonated, so the level of carbonation and mineral composition varies from spring to spring. On top of its health benefits like hydration support, it adds a distinct touch to the taste of a vodka-based cocktail.

When it comes to LEX by Nemiroff Vodka, due to its smoothness and taste profile, it pairs best with tonic water. Here, the combinations are endless - depending on which type of tonic water you will use, that will bring out these or those notes in your drink. For instance, a citrusy tonic will bring out yuzu shades, whereas a crispy classic tonic will emphasize the classic vodka character. Add a garnish of your choice - rosemary, thyme, grapefruit, or strawberries - and ice and enjoy a refreshing drink.

You don’t have to be a professional bartender to introduce up-market cocktails at your home. Here are a few methods to boost your expertise and skills:

• Don’t hesitate to use blenders for an unparalleled texture of your drink, increasing the harmonious blend of ingredients. This technique will come in handy if you want to add a creamy texture to a vodka-and-sparkling-water cocktail with a hint of fruits.
• Shake it! That’s how you make ingredients with distinctive textures and densities work together
• Get rid of any seeds and other undesired components in your cocktail by using the straining technique.
• If you are ready for a challenge, try layering. The wow effect is guaranteed!
• Taste the cocktail before serving. It helps you to ensure its overall quality without any oopsies in front of your guests.

If you still need help with the decision of club soda vs tonic water for cocktails, practice comes next. Invite your friends and create a great atmosphere for the DIY bartender class at home. Pairing it up with LEX by Nemiroff will leave zero chances for failure. Enjoy responsibly!