Hard Seltzer, an alcoholic beverage, features unique flavors and alcohol content similar to beer. So, it’s a fun drink for adults, regardless of age.
But with all the hard seltzer brands offering many flavors, which bottles should you opt for?
Luckily, we have this list of the best hard seltzer brands and flavors you should try that’ll surely quench your thirst.
Top 15 Hard Seltzers To Try
15. Press Premium Pomegranate Ginger
Average Price: around $10/6-pack
Alcohol Content: 4% ABV
Why We Like It: Press Premium Pomegranate Ginger is a hard seltzer brand offering distinct flavors. We’ve tried all their fruit flavors, enticing enough to make us want to drink more.
Its low sugar and zero-carbs content also makes it an ideal choice for a low-calorie alternative.
Fact: Most hard seltzers have a base of fermented sugar or cane sugar with added flavorings. But these drinks can also be crafted using malted barley, wine, or grain-neutral spirits.
14. High Noon Vodka & Soda
Average Price: around $29/12-pack
Alcohol Content: 4.5% ABV
Why We Like It: High Noon is one of the most prominent hard seltzer brands in the hard seltzer world. It calls for vodka instead of generic alcohol, each made with real fruit juice.
“Alcohol, taken in sufficient quantities, may produce all the effects of drunkenness.”
― Oscar Wilde, Irish Poet, and Playwright
High Noon tastes similar to the label’s description, but its sugar content is relatively higher than other brands.
But what’s the best low-calorie seltzer today?
13. Two Robbers Craft Hard Seltzer
Average Price: around $20/12-pack
Alcohol Content: 5.2% ABV
Why We Like It: Two Robbers hard seltzer brand doesn’t use added sugar or syrups. Its various flavors are fun, but we really like the watermelon cucumber flavor.
If you’re craving something a bit different, Two Robbers is a good try. It’s almost zero sugar, so it’s ideal for health-conscious drinkers.
Besides, this spiked seltzer is gluten-free. But how long will a hard seltzer last?
12. Flying Embers Hard Seltzer (Cranberry Raspberry)
Average Price: around $13/6-pack
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Why We Like It: Aside from this brand’s hard Kombucha, Flying Embers are popular among adult drinkers. The flavors were infused with botanical extracts, which tasted great.
If you don’t mind the artificial fruit and malt liquor notes, this is a good refreshment for its cranberry-raspberry flavors.
Also, you can try their variety pack for more flavor options, like Black Lime Juniper and Watermelon Chili.
11. Juicy-Hazy-Hopped Superbrew
Average Price: around $13/4-pack
Alcohol Content: 6% ABV
Why We Like It: If you’re a craft brewing fan, then Willie’s Superbrew is the drink for you. Its hard seltzers are made with real fruit and a variety of spices.
If you want something a bit more fruit-forward, try Willie’s Juicy-Hazy-Hopped Superbrew. This sparkling water feels vibrant and delicious.
10. Corona Hard Seltzer
Average Price: around $20/12-pack
Alcohol Content: 4.5% ABV
Why We Like It: Not every beer brand can produce a hard seltzer with the same level of consistency and flavor.
So, we find the Corona hard seltzer an impressive drink, with its tropical and berry spices. It’s a great pairing for a savory meal or a light drink.
9. Bon V!V Hard Seltzer
Average Price: around $18/12-pack
Alcohol Content: 4.5% ABV
Why We Like It: In the hard seltzer game, Bon V!V has created a variety of classy and unique flavors.
Instead of fruit-based drinks, they have more complex options such as clementine hibiscus and pear elderflower.
Champagne yeast is used to produce the alcohol, which adds a touch of floral and light notes to this drink.
8. Mike’s Hard Seltzer
Average Price: around $20/12-pack
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Why We Like It: Mike’s hard seltzer is refreshing sparkling water made with real fruit juices. What we love the most is its low sugar and calorie level.
This is an excellent alternative to Bud Light or Spindrift Spiked hard seltzers if you want more flavor profile options. But how long can Mike’s Hard Lemonade last?
7. Volley Zesty Lime
Average Price: around $14/4-pack
Alcohol Content: 5.25% ABV
Why We Like It: These spiked seltzers are made using the finest ingredients. Actually, it’s made with real fruit juice and agave tequila.
Although their flavors aren’t very different from other brands, we love the quality of these hard seltzers.
Their Zesty Lime flavor is filled with lemon-lime spices, and its carbonation is truly refreshing- excellent sparkling seltzers.
It has over five percent alcohol content, so it has quite the booze.
6. Straightaway Organic Black Tea Vodka Soda
Average Price: around $15.95/4-pack (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 6% ABV
Why We Like It: Straightaway is known for its high-quality canned drinks, and it created a line of spiked seltzers infused with tea.
The flavors include hints of fruit and vodka sodas, which we find very tasty and energizing.
We recommend this hard seltzer brand if you want to drink hard seltzer that’s budget-friendly but wants to look classy.
5. Hornitos Mango
Average Price: around $12/4-pack
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Why We Like It: This mango-flavored hard seltzer from Hornitos is a tasty treat incorporating real agave tequila.
So, the additional flavoring is quite good and sweet. For us, this is a close competitor of White Claw Mango. The real juice flavor is noticeable, which is good.
But, this is not a low-calorie hard seltzer [1] for its added sugar. But do you know what alcohol is in a hard seltzer?
4. Wild Basin Blue Hawaiian
Average Price: around $19/12-pack
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Why We Like It: The water used for Wild Basin’s hard seltzers came from the St. Vrain River in the Rocky Mountains.
Among the best four flavors we’ve tried, we like Blue Hawaiian the most. Other Wild Basin seltzers include Black Cherry and Passionfruit Orange Guava.
The natural fruit juice enhanced the flavors of this drink, making it one of the interesting expressions among other hard seltzer brands. You can try their variety pack to enjoy all flavors.
3. Truly Citrus Squeeze
Average Price: around $11/6-pack
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Why We Like It: Truly hard seltzer is also a favorite beverage within the hard seltzer category for its variety of fruity flavors and perfectly balanced effervescence.
Also, it’s one of the major hard seltzer brands. So, no wonder many drinkers love Truly hard seltzer, particularly the Citrus Squeeze flavor, the perfect choice when you’re torn between orange, lime, and grapefruit.
Since Truly has many flavors to offer, we suggest opting for a variety pack for a more enjoyable drinking experience.
2. Topo Chico Exotic Pineapple
Average Price: around $21/12-pack
Alcohol Content: 4.7% ABV
Why We Like It: We love Topo Chico’s spiked sparkling water for its effervescence characterized by subtle fruit flavors.
We like the light touch of tropical lime, which enhances its flavor—unique from other hard seltzers.
One of our favorites is the exotic pineapple flavor, which is incredibly crushable and not too sweet.
Read: Beer & Hard Seltzer Compared
1. White Claw Natural Lime
Average Price: around $12/6-pack
Alcohol Content: 5% ABV
Why We Like It: White Claw [2] is the official hard seltzer in the US. Our favorite flavor among their hard seltzer line is Natural Lime for its refreshing, real fruit taste.
Besides, among all the hard seltzers, White Claw is very accessible, and it has lots of flavors.
All the White Claw flavors taste good, like the Black Cherry, Tangerine, Yuzu, Pineapple, Watermelon, Iced Tea Lemon, and more.
Note: Other hard seltzers that didn’t make it to the list include:
- Bud Light seltzer
- Maha Organic hard seltzer
- Vizzy hard seltzer
- Spindrift Spiked seltzer
- Ashland Coconut Pineapple hard seltzer
- Michelob Ultra Spicy Pineapple Organic seltzer
*Average prices are based on Drizly online. Prices may vary in local liquor shops.
FAQs Related to What is the Best Hard Seltzer
What’s the sweetest hard seltzer?
The sweetest hard seltzer is Truly, as per our experience. It tastes sweeter than White Claw and Bud Light seltzer [3].
Are hard seltzers healthy?
Hard seltzers can be healthy compared to other alcoholic drinks since they are low in sugar and calories. However, any form of alcoholic beverage may pose risks to our health, especially if consumed in large amounts.
What Makes a Hard Seltzer the Best Choice?
The best hard seltzer is subjective and depends on personal taste preferences. Factors like flavor variety, carbonation level, and alcohol content influence people’s choices.
What Are Some Popular Hard Seltzer Brands?
Brands like White Claw, Truly, Bon & Viv, and Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer are well-known for their wide range of flavors and popularity among consumers.
Does the Best Hard Seltzer Depend on Flavor Preference?
Yes, individuals may have different preferences for flavors, ranging from fruity options like mango and berry to citrusy choices like lemon and lime.
Are There Any Considerations for Choosing the Best Hard Seltzer?
Factors such as calorie count, sugar content, and alcohol by volume (ABV) can influence the selection process, especially for those with dietary restrictions or health-conscious consumers.
Do Some Hard Seltzer Brands Offer Low-Calorie Options?
Yes, many hard seltzer brands offer low-calorie and low-carb options, making them suitable for individuals looking to manage their calorie intake while enjoying a refreshing beverage.
Can the Best Hard Seltzer Vary Depending on the Occasion?
Absolutely! Some may prefer lighter, fruitier seltzers for casual gatherings, while others may opt for higher ABV options for parties or special occasions.
Are There Seasonal Hard Seltzer Flavors?
Yes, some brands release seasonal flavors to align with different times of the year. For example, you might find cranberry or apple flavors during the fall and winter months.
To Sum It Up
We hail White Claw Natural Lime as the best hard seltzer for its revitalizing, fresh fruit taste. It has the right alcohol content, enough to give the booze you deserve any time of the day.
But beyond that, there are more varieties to try—from the Press Premium to the Topo Chico. All are delicious and satisfying in their own way.
Whichever of these cans you choose, one thing is certain–they won’t disappoint.
References:
- https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2022/07/white-claw-hard-seltzer-tastes-bad/670492/
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/white-claw-signs-on-as-the-official-hard-seltzer-of-warrior-dash-300591890.html
- https://www.syracuse.com/business/2020/01/bud-light-seltzer-giant-brewers-new-drink-made-exclusively-in-cny.html
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2021/09/17/history-behind-rise-hard-seltzer/
