Tonic, soda and sparkling mineral water question?

Question

I've seen these drinks sold in the soft-drink aisle at local supermarkets and am not sure what these types of water are for(purpose, such as health benefits?), how do they taste and do people drink them on their own or mix with other drinks? Can someone please tell me about these drink products? Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi Shiv!

These drinks are all carbonated, that is, carbon dioxide gas has been dissolved in them under pressure, so that when the pressure is released it pops out of the liquid as bubbles.

Soda water per se hasn't much flavour and is usually used with scotch whiskey ("scotch and soda").

Tonic water contains quinine which is a treatment for malaria.  It is typically mixed with gin - the famous "G&T".  

Sparkling mineral water is spa water with carbon dioxide added and is supposed to be healthful because of the minerals.  However each spa has different combinations and levels of minerals, so the health effects would be very variable, if they existed at all.  Sparkling mineral water can be great to relieve indigestion.  Some people add mineral water to their wine to reduce the alcohol concentration.

This link is surprisingly informative:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soft_drink

Here's another useful link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbonated_...

Answer 2

I have been tried all. Basic, it is water but the ingredient is not the same. Tonic is used best with ice and salt. Soda is used with sugar, lemon and ice. Mineral water has a lot of mineral and we use it normally.