SPIKED SELTZER IS NOW THE HOTTEST LOW CALORIE BUZZ. WE TEST THE BEST

BY TIA KIM

WHITE CLAW HARD SELTZER
Described by its Chicago based maker as “the purest hard seltzer in the world,” this is made using a proprietary Brew Pure Process, giving it a crisp, clean taste as well as a gluten free alcohol base and without crystalline fructose or preservatives. Ingredients include artesian water and natural flavors like Black Cherry, Ruby Grapefruit, Natural Lime, and Raspberry, all at 5% alcohol by volume (ABV). “Alcoholic beverages and healthy alternatives don’t always go hand in hand, but our seltzer fuses convenience, refreshment, and subtle flavor to deliver something that’s considerably lighter than a cocktail or beer,” said Sanjiv Gajiwala, the company’s vice president of marketing. “White Claw is a shift into a lighter, all natural, better for you alcoholic beverage defining a new category for those who want to enjoy life and have fun while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”
100 calories, 2 grams of carbohydrates

White Claw Hard Seltzer

SMIRNOFF SPIKED SPARKLING SELTZER
Just in time for summer, Smirno ’s newest hard seltzer flavor, Raspberry Rosé, was available across the country as of June, joining a malt seltzer stable that includes Berry Lemonade, Cranberry Lime, and Watermelon. A bubbly blend of raspberry and rosé flavors, it’s 4.5% ABV, has zero sugar, and no artificial sweeteners.“America’s love affair with rosé is still going strong, so our Raspberry Rosé is a natural addition to the portfolio,” said Krista Kiisk, Smirno brand director for flavored malt beverages. “Whether you’re someone who enjoys a crisp cocktail with dinner or just the perfect summer drink.”
90 Calories, 1 gram of carbohydrates

Smirnoff-Spiked-Sparkling-Seltzer-Watermelon-Front

AUZA AGUA FUERTE
Launched in May, this tequila based spiked sparkling water available in Lime, Grapefruit, and Mango is made using Sauza Silver Tequila (and its profile of fresh, green notes and natural fruit) to create a light, refreshing result, with no artificial flavors or sweeteners. It taps into a rising demand for ready to drink cocktails, and is gratifyingly light in sweetness and calories yet full of agave taste. Five percent ABV, it’s best enjoyed chilled, and is packaged in slim cans with traditional Mexican sugar skull artwork on the exterior.

Sauza Agua
“We’re excited to introduce something truly new,” said Malini Patel, vice president of tequila and premium growth platforms at Sauza parent company Beam Suntory. “With a tequila spirit base and a focus on fresh, natural flavors, this is perfect for tequila fans seeking something light and refreshing.”
112 Calories, 1 gram of carbohydrates

VJ SPREAD

SPIKED SELTZER
This brand was created in 2012 by Nick Shields, who began by formulating five gallon batches out of his garage in Westport, Connecticut. The founder, an entrepreneur with an MS in Food Science from Cornell and a resume that includes stints at Pepsi, Ocean Spray, Nantucket Nectars, and Wölffer Estate, wanted to focus on, as he described, “simple and natural ingredients… to create a clean, crisp, bubbly drink that lacks the sugary sweetness of wine and the heaviness of beer.”

After refining nearly 100 batches, his original hard seltzer was born. It pack a slightly bigger punch at 6% ABV, and is available in Indian River Grapefruit, West Indies Lime, Cape Cod Cranberry, and Valencia Orange flavors using no sulfites, artificial sweeteners, or preservatives. A bit more taste heavy than the others in our list, but fresh and pleasant.
140 calories, 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Spiked Seltzer