The Skinny on Spiked Seltzer...
Have you spotted this peppy box, or one like it, hanging out at the end of your grocery store aisle?
What IS it?
It's Alcoholic Seltzer- and, along with "Frose'" it's become one of the must-try Summer Drinks of 2016!
Is it worth the hype? Will this bring me back to Frat Parties and Fake IDs and taste like a Smirnoff Ice? Is there really a good reason for me to drop $10 on a 6-pack of Alcoholic Seltzer?
Patience, young grasshopper... all will be answered here.
Spiked Seltzer is a direct reaction to the skyrocketing market for seltzer...and the adage that "everything is better with booze, right???"
We'll see...
We compared the top three brands of Alcoholic Seltzer: Truly Spiked & Sparkling, White Claw, and Spiked Seltzer.
Courtesy of Truly Spiked & Sparkling
Truly Spiked & Sparkling:
Flavors: Grapefruit and Pomelo, Cocina Lime, and Pomegranate
Calories: 100 per 12oz
Carbs: 2g
ABV: 5%
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 25mg
Ruminations: This definitely has the strongest flavor on the nose. Our immediate thought was that these would make a great addition to a cocktail. Instead of using regular seltzer, mix in this spiked seltzer! On its own, it kind of tastes like you're drinking a La Criox... but maybe not in the good way...
Favorite Flavor: Cocina Lime
White Claw:
Flavors: Natural Lime, Black Cherry, and Ruby Grapefruit
Calories: 110 per 12oz
Carbs: 4g
ABV: 5%
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 20mg
Ruminations: Ok, so this one seems to have the best nose- not overpowering but definitely anchors the flavor nicely. We really liked that White Claw did not seem to have as much of a "sweet" finish.
Favorite Flavor: Black Cherry
Spiked Seltzer:
Flavors: Cape Cod Cranberry, Valencia Orange, West Indies Lime, and Indian River Grapefruit
Calories: 140 per 12 oz
Carbs: 5g
ABV: 6%
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 25mg
Ruminations: We really liked the variety of flavors and the higher ABV of this one. (Let's be honest!) The nose is very delicate- which I like for drinking it alone but is why I wouldn't mix this one in a cocktail. The lime and orange had a bit too sweet an aftertaste for me.
Favorite Flavor: Indian River Grapefruit and Cape Cod Cranberry
TOP 5 TAKE AWAY:
1) I'm really jazzed to try the Truly Spiked and Sparkling in a cocktail! Maybe a creative take on a Mojito or G&T??
2) If you're looking for a beverage to add to your "drink all day" (session beer, vinho verde, anything with a low ABV) rotation, give this a try!
3) Anyone counting calories, carbs, or sugar should check this out! To compare: 12oz seltzer can be as low as 100 calories, 12oz beer is around 150 calories and 15-22g carbs, 6oz glass of wine (notice the difference in amount) is around 140 calories and 9-16g carbs.
4) If you enjoy beverages like Smirnoff Ice, Bud-Light Lime-a-Ritas, or other pre-mixed drinks...this might be a nice change of pace.
5) Glad I tried it- it was actually better than I thought. Although, I don't think I'll ever buy alcoholic seltzer again...I'm much more likely to add a splash of gin to one of my favorite non-alcoholic seltzers!
Hope this gives you some insight! Let me know how YOU like these! And let me know if you'd like me to review any other tasty beverages you've seen hanging out in your neighborhood shop...