Club Soda substitute

Best substitute

Sparkling Water

Use the same amount as the club soda you are replacing

Best for cocktails

Close match

The best substitutes for club soda are sparkling water, seltzer water, tonic water, or plain water with baking soda, depending on the use.

Other club soda substitutes

Ranked, with the exact amount to use

2Seltzer Water
Close match
Use the same amount
Plain carbonated water, often with added carbonation
What changes
Best for
cocktails, drinks, baking, batter
Very similar to club soda, just without added minerals
3Tonic Water
Different taste
Use the same amount
Carbonated water with quinine and sweeteners
What changes
Best for
cocktails, drinks
Adds sweetness and bitterness, not ideal for baking
4Plain Water + Baking Soda
Different texture
1 cup water + ¼ tsp baking soda
Water with added alkalinity to mimic club soda's mineral content
What changes
Best for
baking, batter, cooking
Best for baking when you need the leavening effect
5Ginger Ale
Different taste
Use the same amount
Carbonated beverage with ginger flavor
What changes
Best for
cocktails, drinks, baking
Adds sweetness and ginger flavor
6Sprite or 7-Up
Different taste
Use the same amount
Lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
What changes
Best for
cocktails, drinks
Adds sweetness and citrus flavor
7Plain Water
Taste and texture differ
Use the same amount
Still water without carbonation
What changes
Best for
cooking, baking
Use when carbonation isn't needed

What is Club Soda?

Club Soda is Carbonated water with added minerals, commonly used in cooking, baking, and cocktails.

Cooking tips

Club soda adds lightness to batter for fried foods
The carbonation helps create a crispy texture in tempura and fish batter
Use club soda in cocktails for a clean, refreshing taste
Club soda can help tenderize meat when used in marinades
The minerals in club soda can affect the taste of baked goods
For baking, club soda provides leavening power similar to baking powder

Frequently asked questions

Can I substitute sparkling water for club soda?

Yes, sparkling water is the closest substitute for club soda. The main difference is that club soda has added minerals, while sparkling water is just carbonated water.

What's the difference between club soda and seltzer water?

Club soda has added minerals (like sodium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate) for flavor, while seltzer water is just plain carbonated water.

Can I use tonic water instead of club soda?

Tonic water can work in cocktails but adds sweetness and bitterness due to quinine. It's not ideal for baking or cooking where you need neutral flavor.

Why is club soda used in batter?

Club soda adds carbonation which creates air bubbles in the batter, resulting in a lighter, crispier texture when fried.

Can I substitute club soda for baking soda?

Club soda can provide some leavening power due to its carbonation, but it's not a direct substitute for baking soda in recipes that specifically call for it.

What's the best substitute for club soda in a mojito?

Sparkling water or seltzer water work best in mojitos as they provide the carbonation without adding unwanted flavors.

Related substitutes

More beverages substitutes

Club Soda substitute

Other club soda substitutes

2Seltzer Water

3Tonic Water

4Plain Water + Baking Soda

5Ginger Ale

6Sprite or 7-Up

7Plain Water