Today, sparkling water is a staple in many households. It is a great source of hydration and delicious on its own or as a mixer in a cocktail. But few people realize that sparkling water has gone through some changes over the years. When it was first invented in the late 18th century, it was considered medicinal. Today, the word "sparkling" refers to the bubbles that appear when carbon dioxide comes out of the solution. But before carbon dioxide and water, it was known as fizz, which was an early sweet drink. It was originally being used to treat upset stomachs and made from minerals such as chalk.