Old enough to know this by now - what's the difference between soda, carbonated water and tonic water?

[KichenDancefloor]

I feel a bit of a numpty for having to ask. I've always been a beer or wine drinker which is nice and simple when ordering at a bar.

But recently I've been introduced to gin and now I'm given loads of choices with what to have with it.

I always thought it was just a G&T but some places offer soda as an alternative. Is that just fizzy water? Should know this at my age!

Also, do the more seasoned spirit drinkers have any recommendations? Rhubarb gin and elderflower tonic seems to be the winning combo so far.

Soda is fizzy and a little salty
Carbonated is plain water made fizzy with CO2,
Tonic was quinine in, so slightly bitter.

Thanks Faded
I felt too foolish to ask bar staff half my age

IMO soda water tastes the same as fizzy water, especially if it is used as a mixer with something else.

Tonic water is completely different and is the perfect mixer for gin.

My personal preference is for bog standard Schweppes tonic with gin, but the experts on MN will lots of other opinions on their preferences.

Doesn't answer your question but try gin with grapefruit juice (and fizz it up with some soda water/carbonated water/hell even try tonic water if you want) it is delicious!

I used to drink Schweppes until I discovered Fever Tree. I prefer the taste of Fever Tree and the fact that it contains no artificial crap.

Thanks all. I think this calls for a scientific approach. A control sample of basic G&T and then with of different mixers. Could get messy!

Back on the wine tonight though!

OK Kitchen, you've had an hour and forty minutes for your scientific experimentation. Any feedback on your conclusions?
And a proper answer with working out is expected: Object, Method, Results, Conclusion etc.
(Marks will be deducted for spelling and/or calculation errors)

Object: To find out the difference between gin mixers by imbibing them.
Method: Faulty. Conducted on a Friday night at home with no gin in house.
Results: Drank wine.
Conclusion etc. Wine is nice. I like wine. Only mixer to be considered is which box set as accompaniment.
Notes: I heartily recommend a chilled Pinot with 'Billions'
Recommendations for further investigation: invest in gin and mixers before involving mumsnetters in methodology

10/10 for effort. 0/10 for not answering the given question.
Which works out at 50%, so a pass at many levels.
is a good thing, so an extra 20% for using your timely wisely, despite the unfortunate absence of .
Keep up the good work, as we all can benefit from your diligence.