F is for Fizzy Drink
Let’s face it: bubbles are in! People in the United States are drinking a lot more soda water, and there’s no sign that the craze is fizzing out. In fact, within the past four years this category has grown 54% with no signs of slowing down. Soda water, also known as seltzer, club soda, and sparkling water, are all basically the same thing: pure, mineral-free carbonated water.
So, where did the fizz begin? Back in the day, no one knew how to make artificially carbonated water like we do today. Their only option was to drink naturally carbonated water, which flowed from certain parts of the earth, in places we call mineral springs. Not all of this water came out of the earth carbonated, but the ones that did produce bubbly water started to become a destination for health-minded travelers. These areas quickly became known as spa towns, and were sought out by people looking to experience the medicinal effects of bathing in and drinking mineral water. It wasn’t until Joseph Priestley discovered the process of forcing carbon dioxide into water in the late 1700s that we officially entered the age of carbonated beverages. Priestley wrote of the "peculiar satisfaction" he found in drinking the carbonated water, and we have to agree!
Whether flavored or not, soda water just feels good to drink. It’s guilt free, sugar-free, and calorie-free, plus you get a little bubbly sensation in your mouth with every gulp...what’s not to love? Sip it straight from the can or add it to your next cocktail for the perfect fizz. See our recipe below for one of our most refreshing favorites: a Salty Dog Fizz.
This simple grapefruit cocktail recipe takes the classic salty dog to a new level by mixing the tried and true cocktail ingredients with a splash of club soda for added fizz.
Ingredients
Coarse salt (for rimming)
3 ounces vodka
1 ounce St. Germain elderflower liqueur
5 ounces grapefruit juice
Sparkling water
Grapefruit slices, for garnish
Instructions
1. Rim glasses with salt and fill with ice.
2. Combine vodka, St. Germain, and grapefruit juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until chilled.
3. Strain into prepared glasses and top with seltzer.
4. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.