What Makes Sparkling Water Sparkle?

Sparkling water, also known as seltzer or soda water, gets its fizz from a process called carbonation. Carbonation adds carbon dioxide gas to water, which then causes bubbles that make the water "sparkle."

History

• The process of making carbonated water originated in England in 1767 when Joseph Priestley experimented by placing water above a beer vat. As the beer fermented, the carbon dioxide gas infused the water, and Priestley began selling the water as a new drink. Later in the century, J.J. Schweppe used this process to make carbonated mineral water and start the still-going Schweppes company in 1783.

Uses

• Sparkling water, besides being consumed plain, adds bubbles to alcoholic cocktails. In addition, sparkling water soothes nauseated stomachs or helps people get rid of soda from their diets. Sparkling water removes red wine stains and cleans cast iron pots and pans.

The Science

• Carbon dioxide reacts to water by forming carbonic acid. The more carbon dioxide gas in the water, the more sour the drink will taste. Commercial producers sometimes add salt to soda water in order to lower the acidity but keep the fizz. When shaken, the gas rises to the top, especially within airtight bottles. This is why sparkling water shoots out of the bottle if you shake it before opening it.