What is the difference between Club Soda and Seltzer?

[JVS]

Also, why is Vintage brand selzer so much better than other brands, how can you make carbonated water that doesn't taste the same?

Where can I find good club soda/ seltzer in Europe? Having a scotch and mineral water is not fun. Especially with some of the more flavorful german mineral waters.

[populistmom]

1. I think Club Soda has a bit of salt

but not totally sure of that.

[JVS]

2. I've seen some with and others without.

I once had 2 bottles from schweppes one of CS and the other of S and everything was identical.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

3. You drink one if you grew up on the east coast and the other if you

grew up on the west coast..as far as I know..I am from New York originally and we ALWAYS called it seltzer..here in California, I have NEVER heard a prunepicker call it that.

[JVS]

4. In the store I see two different labels by the same manufacturer.

That seems really strange

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

5. then it beats the stuffing outta me!

:shrug:

[truthseeker1]

6. What's a prunepicker?

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

8. Slang for a native Californian

no one says it much anymore though

[truthseeker1]

7. One and the same: carbonated water

At least....according to Dictionary.com:

Effervescent water, usually containing salts, charged under pressure with purified carbon dioxide gas, used as a beverage or mixer. Also called club soda, seltzer, soda, soda water.

It's probably the degree of salt that's used that makes them taste different.

[VOX]

9. They used to be different...

Genuine seltzer used to have a natural fizz, rather than artificial carbonation.

http://www.jsonline.com/onwisconsin/dining/dec03/193574.asp

"...True seltzer water is naturally effervescent and comes from the town of Niederselters in Germany..."

[Kellanved]

10. Schweppes Soda is probably what you're looking for.

But there are pretty tasteless (in the positive sense) German mineral waters that can be used. Not to mention Bonaqua, the Coca-Cola carbonated tap water. Why people are paying money for carbonated tap water is still beyond me.

[JVS]

11. I sometimes bought Bonaqua when I was thirsty and it was in the machine

I remember seeing Schweppes Ginger ale and Tonic, but they were expensive, something like 2,50 DM for 0,7 Liters. Over here we get 2 Liters for around $1. Never saw the soda. I'll have to look more carefully next time I'm there.

[Kellanved]

12. expensive and hard to find

Come to think about it: I haven't seen it lately. (It was in black bottles).