The 20 Best Hard Seltzers to Sip All Summer Long
We cracked open 50 alcoholic seltzer cans to find the best flavors (it's a tough job, we know!).
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There's no doubt about it: Hard seltzers are having a moment. Though they first hit shelves years ago, these spiked seltzers have skyrocketed in popularity. Canned alcoholic seltzer sales boomed in 2019, and it's no surprise given how most brands are lower in sugar and calories, gluten-free, portable, refreshing, and available in a wide range of flavors. We love these refreshing and lightly boozy bevs to quench our thirst in the backyard or by the pool all summer long.
But, they are so much more than a warm-weather drink. Ranging from 80 to 120 calories a pop, they're a lighter option. Plus, with tropical flavors like pineapple and coconut, no matter where you are, one sip will transport you straight to the beach, whether or not you can get there.
No matter the occasion, it's important that you pick the best brand of hard seltzer on the market. We cracked open 50 cans of alcoholic seltzer to find the tastiest, most refreshing flavors (it's a tough job, we know!). Here's how our taste test went: Everyone knew which flavor they were sipping on (i.e. grapefruit, lemon-lime, berry), but the specific brands were kept a secret. Tasters commented on the flavor, bubbles, and overall experience of each drink, then chose a favorite from each category. But first, we stashed all the Truly Spiked & Sparkling, White Claw, Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer, Smirnoff Sparkling Seltzer, and Henry's Hard Sparkling Water in the fridge for a few hours at least — because no one wants to sip on a lukewarm boozy beverage. Read on for the best hard seltzers you can buy in 2020.
If you're a fan of a spicy marg, this can is for you. Tasters loved the tongue tingling chili that builds with every sip and the fresh orange flavor.
White Claw Natural Lime Hard Seltzer
Only one word comes to mind when sipping this tart, refreshing drink: classic. White Claw does add a bit of cane sugar to its seltzers, so it's a smidge sweeter than the other limes you'll find out there.
Calling all wine cooler fans: This can is actually made with wine as a base, and gets some extra fruitness from guava, a sweet tropical crop.
When sipped on chilled, this can tastes like your favorite lemon-lime soda, without the added sugar. It has a mildly herbaceous flavor and the smell of fresh lime zest. Pass us a can!
Taking a cue from the trendy acai bowl, this beverage boasts real refreshing (sweet!) berry flavor.
We're huge fans of La Croix's pamplemousse, so it only makes sense that we'd love the boozy take on the flavor as well — especially when it's this nice and light and pleasant.
White Claw Ruby Grapefruit Hard Seltzer
For those who dislike grapefruit's bitter bite, this option has a bit of cane sugar to help mellow everything out.
Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Raspberry Rose
Smirnoff released a line (yes, a whole line!) of rose spiked seltzers that marries summer's two biggest MVP's. Tasters appreciated the floral notes in the Raspberry Rose, but also had good things to say about the Pink Apple and White Peach.
Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer Cranberry
Because it showcases the same tart, classic cranberry flavor people love, we're almost inclined to categorize this one as a low-cal canned cocktail. Almost.
Bud Light Lemon Lime Seltzer
The major beer brand has joined in on the spiked seltzer game with fun flavors like strawberry, mango, and cherry. Our tasters particularly liked the lemon lime flavor for its sweet tartness.
PRESS Blackberry Hibiscus Premium Hard Seltzer
This elegant can is bright and. floral from the addition of fresh berry flavor and hibiscus.
Since it's slightly sweet, mild, and not too boozy, this one reminded tasters of a traditional (read: non-alcoholic) black cherry seltzer.
Henry's Passion Fruit Hard Sparkling Water
Think of this as a lighter, bubblier, more refreshing take on a fruit punch.
Smirnoff Seltzer Variety Pack
If you like pina coladas — but they give you a stomachache — opt for this alternative. All the pineapple and coconut flavors you love, none of the heavy coconut cream.
White Claw Mango Hard Seltzer
Of all the mango options out there, this brand was the clear favorite. The sweetness overpowers the mangoes slightly, but it's refreshing and delicious all the same.
Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer Prickly Pear
Its subtle pear essence makes this flavor ideal for packing on a picnic, along with a cheese board.
Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer Cranberry-Lime
With its fun, fruity notes and subtle citrus flavor, this one is a great grab-and-go option for anyone who's go-to drink order is a vodka soda with a splash of cranberry or lime.
Truly Pomegranate Spiked & Sparkling Water
Fact: Pomegranate seeds (a.k.a. arils) are only available a few months of the year. Good news, these cans are around all-year-long and taste as if you sprinkled seeds in a cold glass of sparkling water.
Henry's Hard Sparkling Strawberry Kiwi Water
Some spiked seltzers taste, well, a little fake. Not this one. Tasters remarked on how authentic the strawberry kiwi flavors seemed.
Wild Basin Lemon Agave Hibiscus Boozy Sparkling Water
Slightly sophisticated, this one has a more complex flavor profile than the others. While still refreshing, this floral-meets-citrus option isn't one you can throw back easily.
Trish (she/her) is the deputy food editor at Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things food, from cooking trends and delicious recipes to top-tested kitchen products and grocery finds. She has more than a decade of experience writing about food for GH, Women’s Health, Prevention, Redbook, Woman’s Day, The Daily Meal and Food Network. When she’s not at the supermarket or trying out a new recipe, you can find her at the beach, in her backyard or on the couch — typically with a glass of wine in hand.
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