Is it sparkling or fizzy water and why does it matter?

When we were putting together our Maslow’s Hierarchy of Sparkling Water, we weren’t expecting quite such a row about whether this product should be known as sparkling or fizzy. But, these things happen. And as so many of you cared about this matter, it seemed fair to explore it a little.

The simple distinction is that fizzy sounds as if you’ve added the bubbles artificially, whereas sparkling sounds as though the fizz naturally occurs. Not all sparkling waters are naturally carbonated, and even the mighty San Pellegrino is given a helping hand, but there’s a certain prestige associated with the natural stuff.  

Also, sorry, but fizzy sounds kind of juvenile. Fizzy drinks are those served in novelty cups at five-year-olds’ parties along with party rings. The product you want for your grown-up dinner party or business meeting is sparkling water. And let that be an end to it.

Flickr: Guillaume Brialon

Comments

[europhile]

Perlant or pétillant?

[Geraldine]

Sparkling is the MC version. The Upper classes say "fizzy"!

[Samantha]

Frizzante o gassata?

[J J Carter]

I travel in first class, and anyone who asks for 'fizzy' from the trolley dolly immediately marks themselves as travelling on some sort of bargain deal purchased using coupons clipped from a tabloid newspaper.

[europhile]

Would they not usually be ordering Diet Coke or Red Bull?

[Rich Liv]

Or Tennant Extra? Or Aldi lager?

[europhile]

I don't think British Airways carries those products yet. But give them time.