Once a modest mixer, club soda has undergone a renaissance in recent years. What was once merely a carbonated filler is now evolving into a central element in drink culture. As consumers increasingly appreciate simpler yet sophisticated flavors, club soda has emerged as a versatile foundation for creativity, wellness, and refined drinking experiences. This article explores how club soda is reshaping drink menus, influencing consumer preferences, and unlocking fresh opportunities for beverage professionals.

1. From Supporting Role to Showstopper

Previously relegated to a supporting role—used to dilute spirits or lighten classic cocktails—club soda is now claiming center stage. Beverage industry data shows that about 42% of city-based cocktail bars now feature premium sodas with mineral enhancements or flavor infusions. Brands such as Candid Mixers have met this demand by crafting small-batch club soda characterized by clean taste, elevated carbonation, and no chemical aftertaste, the making it a preferred choice for those aiming for taste and elegance in every pour.

2. Leading the Alcohol-Free Movement

There’s a surge in demand for alcohol-free options: from 2020 to 2024, the desire for zero-proof beverages jumped by 200% globally. In the U.S., nearly 35% of consumers aged 21 to 35 favor low or no-alcohol drinks when dining out. Club soda supports this shift perfectly. Unlike sugary sodas or overly sweetened tonics, it delivers texture and refreshment without calories or additives. Candid Mixers boasts that its club soda appears in over 160 non-alcoholic bar menus worldwide, demonstrating its role in the growing sober-curious trend.

3. Hospitality’s Growing Emphasis on Clean and Custom

Hospitality venues are stepping up their beverage game, offering drinks that emphasize quality, sustainability, and bespoke experiences. Club soda fits this model admirably:

Clean Label Appeal: free from sugar and artificial ingredients.
Eco-Friendly Production: often locally sourced and minimally packaged.
Base for Custom Creations: pairs well with house-made syrups, bitters, and botanicals.

In high-end bars, even the serving glass and carbonation level are now selected to heighten the sensory experience, highlighting an attention to detail that goes beyond the cocktail itself.

4. Functional, Fresh, and Fizzy

Club soda’s neutral profile makes it a carrier for functional ingredients. The rise of functional beverages—like sparkling drinks infused with CBD, adaptogens, or electrolytes—has catapulted club soda into a new realm. Functional sparkling sales increased by 22% globally in 2023, signaling strong consumer interest. Botanical flavors like ginger, rosemary, or yuzu have become top picks among premium mixers.

Candid Mixers is even experimenting with botanical infusions, creating a pH-stable base that retains carbonation and delivers fresh, vibrant flavors.

5. Everyday Accessibility with Elevated Usage

Today’s consumers seek beverages that suit daily routines—club soda caters perfectly. Whether it’s former soda lovers trying dry herb-infused mocktails or home mixology students experimenting with ingredients like basil or lemongrass, club soda supports a wide range of uses:

Herbal Digestifs at home or after meals.
Brunch Spritzers in daytime gatherings.
Educational Use for beverage students and DIY enthusiasts.

Its zero-calorie profile makes it appealing for everyday consumption without guilt.

6. The Influence of Cocktail Clubs and Gourmet Bars

Premium soda is gaining traction in specialized settings. Industry reports highlight:

68% of premium bars now serve their own branded or quality club soda.
Half of UK and Australian cocktail bars now include a dedicated “sparkling cocktail” category.
Craft cocktail kit sales rose by 73% in 2023, often featuring high-quality club soda.

By incorporating premium sodas like Candid’s, cocktail venues can enhance their offerings and boost perceived value naturally.

7. What Defines a Premium Club Soda?

Here are the hallmarks:

Elevated carbonation of around 4 volumes of CO₂.
Balanced mineral blends, providing subtle complexity.
Meticulous filtration, ensuring taste purity.
Cold-pressurized CO₂ for crisp, fine bubbles.

Candid Mixers uses a triple-filtration system and cold carbon dioxide infusion to deliver that silky mouthfeel and fine sparkle essential to premium drinks.

8. The Visual Edge of Fizz

Appearances matter—sparkly drinks are visually enticing. Research shows sparkling beverages get 2.4 times more engagement on social media platforms than still drinks. This visual appeal helps beverage stores and educators craft both sensory and visual narratives that resonate online.

Club soda has come a long way—from a supporting mixer to a cornerstone of modern beverage innovation. With its clean label, functionality, and adaptability, it delivers value not just in cocktails but also in sober-curious beverages, wellness trends, and education settings. For beverage professionals—whether bartenders, educators, or retailers—club soda offers an opportunity to elevate experiences, enhance menus, and align with consumer values. Embrace the effervescence and let the bubbles do the storytelling.

Sparkle Strategy: Club Soda’s Redefinition of Beverage Culture