10 Best Hard Seltzer Brands To Keep You Hydrated This Summer

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Summer is in full swing, which means one thing: it's time to drink some hard seltzer! That's right; hard seltzers are taking over the nation for a good reason.

This year, there are a ton of different brands and flavors to choose from. So, which one should you pick? We've compiled a list of the best hard seltzer brands to keep you hydrated this summer!

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: White Claw Hard Seltzer

White Claw is one of the OG hard seltzer brands, and they definitely know what they're doing.

With different flavor options like Black Cherry, Mango, and Tangerine, among others, there's something for everyone. And, they're always coming out with new tastes, so you'll never get bored!

We recommend White Claw among all other seltzers available because it is a staple in the industry and a classic favorite. It is the perfect summer drink if you want to indulge in something that offers rich, fruity flavors with a little bit of booze.

Calories: 100 | ABV: ≈5% | Carbs: ≈1g | Other: Gluten-free, hop-free, with caffeine (Iced Tea variant)

2. Best Intense Flavors: Truly Hard Seltzer

Truly was one of the first brands to hit the market, and they're still going strong. The company believes in a simple philosophy: look forward and recline backward since life is too short to worry that much.

Their hard seltzers have a smooth, juicy, semi-sparkling water taste with softer bubbles that give a better mouthfeel. We love them because they smell like real fruit, boasting more fruit-forward aromas.

We are captivated by Truly's tropical mix pack, and several others also like the mixed berry variety pack since it tastes so good and revitalizing. You can bring them for a summer pool party or drink them anytime.

Calories: 100 | ABV: ≈5% | Carbs: 2g | Other: No artificial sweeteners, gluten-free

3. Best Healthy Option: Vizzy Hard Seltzer

How many times have you looked for an alcoholic drink alternative that can easily fit your keto diet ? Vizzy hard seltzers are 100% gluten-free and have less sugar and carbs.

Vizzy is one of the newest brands on the market that offers a variety of fruit-forward flavors, like Pineapple Mango and Strawberry Kiwi. One can only has 100 calories and zero grams of sugar, so you can feel good about drinking it.

We like the added antioxidant and vitamin C from the Superfruit Acerola, making us feel like we are drinking healthy alcohol. Plus, we love the perfect mix of surprisingly delicious and well-balanced flavors.

Calories: 100 | ABV: 5% | Carbs: 2g | Sugar:1g | Other: Gluten-free with antioxidants and vitamin C

4. Best Seltzer With Added Minerals: Topo Chico

If you want a special twist to the usual seltzer flavors, then Topo Chico is your best choice! This hard seltzer brand is owned by one of the biggest conglomerates, Coca-Cola.

With four tempting and delish flavors, this is the only seltzer brand made and inspired by the legendary Mexican mineral water taste of Topo Chico.

Their fruit flavors are signature Tangy Lemon Lime, Tropical Mango, Strawberry Guava, and Exotic Pineapple—all of which have added minerals for a crisp and tasty flavor.

Calories: 100 | ABV: 4.7% | Sugar: 2g

5. Best Keto-Friendly: Bon V!V Spiked Seltzer

One of the first known spiked seltzer brands, Bon Viv was founded in 2012. The company only uses purified water and a blend of natural flavors to create a fruity and clean taste with surprisingly zero sugar.

Bon V!v offers four refreshing flavors: Black Cherry, Grapefruit, Cranberry, and Mango. We like that these spiked seltzers offer light and subtle fruit flavors that don't throw us out of our diet, making it a keto-friendly drink .

As a gluten-free and zero-sugar hard seltzer, Bon Viv appeals greatly to its fans as it doesn't cause bloating and just tastes like normal sparkling water .

Calories: 90 calories | ABV: 4.5% | Carbs: 1g | Other: Gluten-free, sugar-free

6. Best Vodka-Based: High Noon Hard Seltzer

If you're looking for a hard seltzer with a little bit of a kick, then look no further than High Noon. This seltzer has all the vodka flavor without the calorie overload!

"I am a big fan of the High Noon brand of Sun Sips. The taste is a little different from other hard seltzers because they’re a mix of sparkling water, vodka, and juice. The flavor is a bit closer to a cocktail, but lighter and more refreshing," says Marcus Hutsen, Business Development Manager of Patriot Coolers.

Calories: 100 calories | ABV: 4.5% | Carbs: 2-3g | Other: Made with real vodka, no added sugar, gluten-free

7. Best Mexican Seltzer: Corona Hard Seltzer

With its light and refreshing taste, Corona is perfect for summer days spent outdoors. These hard seltzers are spiked with a splash of natural fruit flavors and come in two variety packs: Tropical and Berry.

We love that this classic seltzer doesn't have an overpowering sweetness and that they're slightly less bubbly than other brands. So if you want the perfect summer drink , Corona is the way to go!

Calories: 90-100 | ABV: 4.5% | Carbs: 2-3g | Other: Gluten-free, zero sugar

8. Best for On-The-Go: Bud Light Seltzer

Move over, hard alcohol and beer—we have a new kid on the block—the Bud Light Seltzer!

This thirst-quenching beverage is a gluten-free option that's easy to drink and enjoy. It is packed in slim cans, so you can easily store and carry them anywhere, making it perfect when heading to the beach or the park.

Bud Light seltzer is made with sparkling water , real cane sugar, and natural fruit flavor with no artificial ingredients.

Calories: ≈100 | ABV: ≈5% | Carbs: 2g | Sugar: ≈0g | Other: Gluten-free, no artificial flavors, no lingering aftertaste

9. Best Vegan: Wild Basin Boozy Sparkling Water

What's the best way to enjoy the great outdoors? A cold hard seltzer in hand, of course!

Wild Basin boozy sparkling water is brewed in Colorado and uses water from the St. Vrain River to create a drink as clean and pure as its Rocky Mountain origin.

For each can sold, the company gives its proceeds to Can’d Aid’s river and beach cleanups to give back to the environment. So if you're hiking, camping, or just chilling in the park, don’t forget to grab a can of this crisp and invigorating beverage!

Calories: 100 | ABV: 5% | Carbs: 1g | Other: Gluten-free, natural flavors

10. Best Sweet & Spicy: Flying Embers Hard Seltzer

Flying Embers is a hard seltzer brand that is brewed with live probiotics. It is a great choice for those looking for a healthy option with imaginative flavors and a modern twist.

This seltzer brand is made with natural ingredients and is brewed with Champagne yeast. Plus, it comes in various exciting and tasty flavors like Watermelon Chili, Guava Jalapeño, and Pineapple Cayenne, among others.

What's more! They’re USDA organic certified, so you're sure you're drinking a quality product. Flying Embers also donate a portion of their profit to first responders and firefighters to give back to the community.

Calories: 95 | ABV: 5% | Carbs: 0g | Sugar: 0g | Other: Gluten-free with antioxidants, vitamin C, and live probiotics

Final Verdict

Hard seltzers are a delicious and growing trend in the beverage industry. They offer an electrifying and sensational alternative to cocktails and beers and have become popular among all age groups, especially the younger generation.

And with so many great brands on the market, like White Claw, Truly, and Bud Light, there's sure to be one that fits your taste preference. So stock up on your favorite hard seltzer and enjoy guilt-free refreshment all season long!

So which brands should you be sipping on this summer?

Best Spiked Seltzers Buying Guide

When it comes to hard seltzers, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, what kind of flavor do you want? Second, how much alcohol do you want? And lastly, what are the health benefits?

• Flavor

The best hard seltzers are crisp and clean-tasting, with no artificial flavors or aftertaste. They are available in various delicious flavors, from fruity to tangy to sweet.

Different brands offer different tastes perfect for hot summer days, including Black Cherry, Blood Orange, Cranberry, Guava, Hibiscus, Kiwi, Lemon Lime, Mango, Passion fruit, Peach, Pineapple, Watermelon, and more.

• Alcohol Content,

The alcohol by volume (ABV) will differ for each seltzer, but they all fall in the range of about 4%-5%, which is just enough to give you a little buzz without being too strong.

• Nutritional Value

If you're watching your weight or trying to cut back on drinking, hard seltzer is a great alternative to sugary cocktails or beer.

All the brands on our list have 90-100 calories per can and 0-3 grams of sugar, which is great news for those watching their waistline.

Hard Seltzer FAQ

1. What is the difference between a hard seltzer and a canned cocktail?

The difference between canned cocktails and hard seltzers is their ingredients. Hard seltzers contain seltzer, a little bit of alcohol, and fruit flavors (other brands use real fruit juice).

On the other hand, RTDs are pre-mixed cocktails packed in aluminum cans and usually contain an ABV of more than 6% but less than 15%.

2. What is the #1 hard seltzer?

The dominating brand in the hard-seltzer market is White Claw, which has been popular for many years. They brew their concoction using fermented sugar, yeast, and other natural flavors to give a delicious zing to every can.

3. What is the most popular hard seltzer flavor?

Black Cherry is the most commonly crafted flavor from major hard seltzer manufacturers.

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