I don’t know exactly when it started, but I jumped onto the hard seltzer bandwagon at some point in 2020. My husband and I were trying out a low-carb diet, and since wine wasn’t a part of that diet, I had to pivot.
Cue the hard seltzers.
Soon enough, every alcohol brand was catering to this new hard seltzer audience and a different variety seemed to arrive every week. It became a running joke on my Snapchat stories that I would buy it and rate it later that night every time I saw a new variety. Four years later and I’ve tried so many that I’ve lost count at this point.
I feel the need to say that I don’t consider myself a fancy gal. My husband’s drink of choice is Busch Light, and I’m known amongst my friends as the resident Jello Shot maker. We are just some good ol’ Iowa folks looking for a fun time and an affordable adult beverage to boot. If you’re looking for tips on choosing upscale beverages or how to look stylish and cool while sipping on a seltzer, this is not that kind of article!
This list might ruffle a few feathers because if I’m being honest, two of my least favorite kinds of seltzers are White Claw and the regular Truly varieties. *Half of the audience audibly gasps*
So what are the judging criteria for hard seltzers, you ask? I’m taking into consideration three things: taste, cost, and low carbs/calories.
Here are my top five hard seltzers, in descending order:
5. Ranch Water
I have to just get it over with and say… I think they could’ve chosen a better name for this seltzer. I get that it’s supposed to mean a cowboy ranch. But in the Midwest, ranch is an actual food group and as much as we love it here, nobody wants it in beverage form. But if you can get past that connotation, I’ve got a great hard seltzer for you to try!
What makes this one unique? It’s made with tequila as opposed to malt beverage. The result is a delicious flavor that is sure to satisfy. Other hard seltzer brands have tried the tequila thing (looking at you, High Noon) but this is the only one I’ve found that succeeded.
Ranch Water has slightly more calories than the typical seltzer, but the added flavor makes it worth it. Hidden Valley, look out!
4. Truly Iced Tea and Lemonade Seltzers
So…. the regular Truly seltzers are not my favorite. But when they came out with a Lemonade and Iced Tea variety, I was intrigued. I’m glad I tried them because the flavor is fantastic and it’s something different from just a standard seltzer. Think Mike’s Hard Lemonade or Twisted Tea, with much less sugar and wayyyy fewer carbs, and not such an overpowering sweet taste. Truly, hats off to you for starting the lemonade and iced tea seltzer trend that every other brand jumped on within months. Respect.
3. Mike’s Hard Lemonade Seltzers
I’ve gotta hand it to the creators of Mike’s Hard Lemonade for this pivot into the seltzer market. I haven’t had a Mike’s Hard Lemonade in years because they seem a bit too sweet now that I’m not in college anymore… but the seltzer version is a perfect mix of nostalgia (was MHL anyone else’s first drink?) and grown-up.
With less calories and sugar than the original lemonade, Mike’s Hard Seltzers still bring the flavor. The Pineapple version is actually the highest selling variety in Q1 of 2024, so they must be doing something right! Thank you, Mike, for changing your drink style to accommodate us as teenagers, wild college kids, and now full-grown women. Looking forward to the next bevvie you come out with in my golden years.
2. Nutrl
This is the most expensive brand in my Top Five, as I tend to shy away from hard seltzers that retail for anything above $2 per 12 ounce can. I still need money left over for food, ya know? But if you’re willing to spend the extra few dollars, the taste of this brand is just SO fresh and pure and smooth. These come in an 8 pack instead of the standard 12. Nutrl tastes very similar to Simply Spiked Lemonade (which is fantastic), but with less calories, carbs, and sugar. Mango, peach lemonade, and blackberry lemonade are instant classics.
1. Vizzy Hard Seltzer
Antioxidants? Vitamin C? Sounds healthy, count me in! Aside from the perceived health benefits of this brand, I found the taste to be exceptionally unique. Like their motto goes, “Iz A Vibe”.
Last year, Vizzy came in at #2 on my seltzer rankings. With new additions recently like a Watermelon, Hard Lemonade, and Mimosa pack, and a typically economical price tag, Vizzy slides into the top spot.
Low carbs, low calories, gluten-free: check, check, check! And with a 5% alcohol content, you’re getting a little more bang for your buck with these.
Of all the varieties, my favorite flavors are Pineapple Mango, Papaya Passionfruit, Peach Orange Mimosa, and Raspberry Lemonade. And I would be remiss if I did not mention their Orange Dreamsicle pack. It’s worth writing home about… or on your mom blog, either way.
{Honorable mentions}
-Bud Light Seltzers {check out the hard Cola flavors. It’s like being a kid again… a kid who is old enough to buy and drink seltzers}
–Fruit Smash by New Belgium {made with real juice so it’s easier on your stomach}
–Mom Water {I’m going to be honest, I didn’t care much for the taste, but the branding is so genius that I’ll still buy these on occasion. I’m kind of a Linda myself. Also, justice for Karens everywhere}
-White Claw Surge {more flavor… but check the alcohol content because these will GET YA}
–Press seltzers {because my mom loves these and I love my mom so I need to mention them}
–Truly Fruit Punch {mostly delicious, but one of the flavors tastes a bit like cough syrup, and I couldn’t get past that enough to make it Top Five}
–Vista Bay {For my Aldi lovers, this is their store brand. Frugality meets fruity, you won’t regret it}
{Least favorites}
White Claw, Michelob Ultra Organic, Smirnoff. To me, all three of these brands had the least amount of taste. I was PUMPED to try the Michelob Ultra Spicy Pineapple flavor, but it was about as spicy as the little moist towelettes you wipe your mouth with after eating wings. So, not at all. Sorry, Mich Ultra, but I still enjoy your light beer.
If you’re someone who orders extra ice in their soda at restaurants, or if you’re big into La Croix, you may like these brands a lot. But for me, if it starts to taste watered down at all, I’ll struggle to enjoy it.
Alani. This hard seltzer doesn’t lack flavor at all, just lacks GOOD flavor. Was the only seltzer I couldn’t bring myself to finish. Don’t let a more expensive price tag fool you, bigger isn’t always better!
I need to put some respect on White Claw’s name for starting this whole seltzer craze.
Although there ARE still laws while you’re drinkin’ claws, we appreciate what you’ve done for all us folks out here who never knew what to order at a restaurant because beer seemed too heavy, liquor seemed too aggressive, and a glass of wine seemed too expensive.
Hard seltzers solve these problems and provide a fun conversation piece as well.
