Hard Seltzer is all the rage right now. Drinks brands have woken up to the millennials shift from preference for standard beers in various ways, including introducing a more extensive range of craft and special label beers. This has also been beneficial to smaller breweries who have profited from younger customers’ desires to find something different. But as beer sales continue to decline the world over, a surprising new trend has gained popularity amongst that trendier set looking for something cooler and healthier than a traditional bar drink. 

Hard seltzer seems to be the answer many are looking for – sparkling water infused with fruit juices in many different flavours and viewed by consumers as a healthier, lower calorie option to beer and other canned drinks. They are the choice of the summer and beyond. Here are the best to choose from.

High Noon Watermelon Sun Sips Hard Seltzer (4-Pack)

Pitched as containing real Vodka and fruit juices and – vitally – no additional sugar, High Noon is the trendy millennials preferred way to kick back and have fun by the beach or lake house. Available in a variety of mouth-watering flavours (Lime for a little kick? Black Cherry for pure juice explosion?), and multipacks to satisfy every taste all summer long, it could well be the best hard seltzer out there.

PRESS Premium Hard Seltzer (12-Pack)

Clearly pitched as a high brow alternative to more fun-focused seltzers for a more discerning customer, Press comes in a variety of intriguing flavours, as preferred and mastered by female founder Amy Walberg. Online, Seltzer brands like Press are also attuned to the fact you’ll be searching for their product specifically, and feature a ZIP code feature to find your nearest distributor.  Pomegranate Ginger and Grapefruit Cardamom are worth searching for.

BON V!V Spiked Seltzer Variety Pack (12-Pack)

Zero sugar, zero gluten, 80 calories. A rebrand has seen this seltzer producer up their game in terms of health benefits, whilst clearly being the go-to option for those seeking a good time whilst having inspired conversation around the barbeque table. Made with natural ingredients and available in botanical flavours, Bon Viv is a cool way to enjoy summer in slow motion.

Cutwater Spirits Fugu Cucumber Vodka Soda

Hard Seltzer brands are always looking for an edge, and Cutwater means business. One look at their website and you’ll find they run the gamut from whisky and tequila products to the other end of the spectrum where ‘adult’ ice pops in various alcoholic fruit flavours look like real fun. But things get really interesting with its canned soda products – everything from Rum Mint Mojito to Tiki Rum Mai Thai. Being experts in the liquor field helps ensure 100% taste. We’ll opt for the super smooth cucumber Vodka Soda, made from the brand’s own meticulously crafted Vodka.

Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Raspberry Rosé Seltzer

Yes, Smirnoff is where it all began with its Ice lines so many years back, but that product was and is a heavily sugar laden product. It’s new line of Seltzers are a whole different product, some of them kicking in at a mega low 72 calories per can (Rhubarb and raspberry anyone?). Smirnoff’s Rose series includes White Apple, Strawberry and White Peach options. Expect these to be shelf-fillers and shelf clearers in summers to come, with fascinating new flavours to follow too.

White Claw Hard Seltzer Variety Pack (12-Pack)

The concept of White Claw is taken from surfing mythology – when three waves come together to form the perfect surfing crest. Obviously, in Soda terms we’re talking about flavours coming together: seltzer water, distilled spirit and a hint of fruit flavours. Alternatively, it could refer to the three simple flavours available – Raspberry, Lime and Cherry – also available in multiple packs. Plus, the can looks fantastic.

Henry's Hard Sparkling Water Variety Pack Spiked Seltzer

Keeping it simple, whilst also keeping it light on the calories and (relatively) light on the alcohol count, Henry’s may sound and look like an upmarket variant, but has fun to spare in a variety of fruity flavours including Blueberry Lemon and Peach Mango. Clearly aimed at fun-loving millennials, we like the no-nonsense approach to delivering full flavour with health benefits to boot.

Truly Hard Seltzer (Berry Mix 12-Pack)

Truly wins on a number of counts – most inspiring website (encouraging customers to share their stories … could be interesting), some truly wonderful can designs that make it look like you’ve just arrived from the world’s best party, and flavour options that also feature half lemonade and half seltzer variants. We’re keeping things pure here with berry flavours, but with Truly, no fruits are forbidden. 

Arctic Summer Variety Pack (12-Pack)

Arctic summer encourages you to think again if you believe soda is the same thing as real Seltzer. Of course, they offer the real thing – Polar Seltzer – plus are confident they sell the best tasting product on the market. One sip of Ruby Red Grapefruit and it’s hard to disagree.