Known as seltzer in the U.S. and Canada, soda water is carbonated with carbon dioxide and is used to dilute cocktails and alcohols.

Soda water is also used on its own with spirits like whisky or Campari.

Although it can be drunk on its own, soda water is a very common ingredient for mixing cocktails, making it an essential ingredient for a cocktail bar. Its bubbles add fizz to a cocktail, while its slightly 'salty' taste complements the sweetness of other ingredients very well.

Depending on the location, the word 'soda' on its own can mean carbonated water (in Europe) or carbonated soft drinks more generally (in the U.S.).