What is the difference between tonic water and club soda?

Tonic Water:

* Flavor: Bitter, slightly sweet, and often has a distinct quinine flavor.

* Ingredients: Carbonated water, sugar (or other sweeteners), quinine, and sometimes citric acid.

* Purpose: Primarily used as a mixer for gin in a gin and tonic, as the bitterness of quinine complements the gin's flavor.

Club Soda:

* Flavor: Slightly salty and mineral-like, but generally neutral.

* Ingredients: Carbonated water with added minerals, such as sodium bicarbonate and magnesium sulfate.

* Purpose: Used as a mixer for various spirits and cocktails, as well as to add fizziness to non-alcoholic drinks.

Here's a table summarizing the key differences:

| Feature | Tonic Water | Club Soda |

|--------------|-------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|

| Flavor | Bitter, sweet, quinine | Salty, mineral-like, neutral |

| Ingredients| Carbonated water, sugar, quinine, citric acid| Carbonated water, minerals (sodium bicarbonate, etc.) |

| Purpose | Primarily for gin and tonic cocktails | Mixing various drinks, adding fizz |

In short, tonic water is bitter due to quinine and is best known for gin and tonic, while club soda is neutral and can be used in a wider range of drinks.