WordGarden.ioseltzer
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɛltsə/
US
- /ˈsɛltsər/
Meanings
Noun
carbonated water; sparkling water
a carbonated soft drink; soda
Beyond the definition
Seltzer is plain water with carbon dioxide added under pressure, which gives it bubbles. Think of it as sparkling water with no sugar and usually no added minerals. People often drink it on its own or use it as a mixer. It is different from club soda, which usually has added minerals, and tonic water, which has quinine and a bitter taste. If you want something fizzy but not sweet, this is a common choice. You might order it with a slice of lemon or mix it with juice for a light drink.
For many years, it was sold by "seltzer men" who delivered heavy glass bottles from door to door. Today, many people buy cans or make it at home with a carbonation machine.
Imagine a hot summer day, and you're craving something refreshing but don't want a sugary soda. That's where seltzer comes in. Seltzer water is created by dissolving carbon dioxide gas into water, creating those signature bubbles we all love. In its purest form, it's essentially just bubbly water; it doesn't contain the added sodium or minerals found in club soda, nor the bitterness of tonic water.
The name "seltzer" is a genericized derivation of the German town Selters, which was famous for its naturally carbonated mineral springs. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, seltzer was marketed as a health drink, believed to aid digestion and soothe the stomach. It became a staple of New York City culture, delivered to apartments in iconic pressurized glass bottles by "seltzer men."
Today, seltzer is enjoying a massive resurgence as people move away from sugary beverages. While classic seltzer is plain, the market is now filled with "flavored seltzers" that offer a hint of fruit essence without the calories. Whether you're looking for a crisp drink on its own, a healthy mixer for cocktails, or a nostalgic taste of the past, seltzer is a versatile and bubbly beverage that's sure to quench your thirst!
Examples
- 1
Drink order
Can I get a seltzer with lime, please?
- 2
Health choice
She switched from soda to plain seltzer because it has less sugar.
- 3
Alcoholic drink
They brought a few cans of hard seltzer to the barbecue.
- Phrasehard seltzer
an alcoholic sparkling drink
See also
Similar
- sparkling water
- carbonated water
- soda water
Shades of meaning
- fizzy water
- mineral water
Contrast
- still water
- flat water
Do not confuse
- club soda
Used with (collocations)
- plain seltzer
- flavored seltzer
- seltzer with lime
- hard seltzer
Explore
- carbonation
- sparkling beverage
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- seltzernoun
Forms
- seltzerspluralnoun