If you're like us, you've likely noticed more and more alcoholic seltzers popping up. It makes sense, everyone's drinking more water these days—in fact, bottled water consumption recently outpaced soda—thanks, in part, to the meteoric rise of the dry, fizzy variety. Well, these adult-only sparkling waters are like LaCroix's boozy older brother. And just like those other cans, these make for a refreshing and low-guilt reward. They tend to clock in around 100 calories, with a few grams of carbs and just a touch of natural sugar. Similar to a light beer, but unlike beer, these come in a variety of flavors.
Another bonus? Because hard seltzer is so low in sugar, it's less likely to lead to killer hangovers. Not to mention, they're easier to mix into cocktails and sneak into places like pools and beaches (or offices) that frown upon open containers. Not that we recommend breaking any rules this summer. But if you're curious about how the most popular brands stack up, we took the liberty of trying half a dozen options on the market today. Herewith, our four favorite cans that we recommend you crack open.
Truly Spiked & Sparkling
Truly Spiked
& Sparkling
Alcohol By
Volume
5%This brand, from the makers of Samuel Adams and Angry Orchard, offers the most unique flavor combinations in the round-up (making them great on their own, but also ideal for mixing into cocktails). We particularly liked the citrus pack: Lemon and Yuzu, Grapefruit and Pomelo, and Colima Lime (made with limes grown in volcanic soil).
$14.99 for a 12-pack, at Village Wine & Spirits
$14.99 for a 12-pack, at Village Wine & Spirits
HRD WTR
HRD WTR
Alcohol By
Volume
5%Produced by MIA Brewing out of Miami, this represents the first real craft entry into the category. With simple, but straightforward flavors, they come in bigger 16-ounce Tallboy cans. The driest of the bunch, it has a refreshing crispness similar to LaCroix, with more subtle fruit flavors.
$9.99 for a 4-pack, at Total Wine
$9.99 for a 4-pack, at Total Wine
SpikedSeltzer
SpikedSeltzer
Alcohol By
Volume
6%The original hard seltzer, it was first to market in 2013 and also happens to be both stronger and a touch sweeter than most of the newer offerings. They come in bold flavors such as Cape Cod Cranberry, West Indies Lime and Prickly Pear—all derived from cold-pressed fruit without any artificial sweeteners or preservatives.
$14.99 for a 12-pack, at Total Wine
$14.99 for a 12-pack, at Total Wine
White Claw
White Claw
Alcohol By
Volume
5%This popular entry, from the makers of Mike's Hard line of malt beverages, dubs itself the "purest hard seltzer in the world," as it's made from only essential fruit juice, sugar and water. The Ruby Grapefruit has a delicious and more authentic flavor (slightly sweet with a touch of bitterness) than the other brands' offerings.
$9.99 for a 6-pack, at Malloy's Finest
$9.99 for a 6-pack, at Malloy's Finest
A Responsible Warning
They are clear and refreshing, but these alcoholic seltzers should not be confused with regular seltzer in regards to their hydrating properties. They are very much still booze and can knock you on your ass if you drink too many, especially in the hot summer sun.
They are clear and refreshing, but these alcoholic seltzers should not be confused with regular seltzer in regards to their hydrating properties. They are very much still booze and can knock you on your ass if you drink too many, especially in the hot summer sun.
