Soda

It can mean a sweetened fizzy soft drink, but “soda water” or “club soda” means carbonated water, usually without sugar. If the menu just says soda, ask which one is meant.

Seal the bottle straight away and keep it cold; less air in the bottle helps it retain its fizz. A can is best finished soon after opening because it cannot be resealed.

Yes. Sweetened soda can flavour a barbecue glaze or a cake, but its sugar makes sauces reduce and brown quickly, so keep the heat gentle and watch the pan. For batter that needs lift, use plain sparkling water rather than sugary soda.

Citrus-flavoured soda works with lime or lemon wedges, while cola-style soda is often served with ice and can be mixed with citrus. For a simple mocktail, pour soda over ice with a squeeze of lemon and a little fruit juice.

Use sparkling water when a recipe needs bubbles but not sweetness, such as a light batter or a non-alcoholic drink. It will not replace soda’s sweetness or flavour, so those need to be supplied separately if the recipe relies on them.

“Soft drink” is the broader term for a non-alcoholic drink, including fizzy and still drinks. Soda usually refers to a carbonated drink, though the word can also mean unsweetened soda water.