Hard Seltzers Made Easy

These bubbly hard seltzer brands seem to be everywhere these days and with summer on its way, they aren’t going away anytime soon. But what makes a hard seltzer a hard seltzer?

There is a difference between hard seltzers and malt beverages. Hard seltzer is made like beer but cane sugar is fermented instead of malted barely, and the flavoring comes from real fruit.  As frequent hard seltzer consumers, the Molly’s Marketing Department decided to look into the options we have at the store, and it was during our exploration that we discovered what’s NOT in hard seltzers is just as important as what’s in them.  Our top three picks contain no artificial flavors and no gluten. We’re also digging the 12 oz cans they come in, making them perfect companions for summer activities whether you’re planning to hit the trail or park a seat on the patio. Mix with your favorite spirit to create a fruity, bubbly cocktail! You can find our hard seltzer collection chilling (literally, they are chilled and ready to go) in Cooler #7.

Here’s a breakdown of our top 3 hard seltzer picks:

1) Truly Spiked & Sparkling

Truly Spiked & Sparkling is a gluten-free spiked sparkling water and does not contain any liquor or spirits. The alcohol comes from fermented cane sugar and a hint of fruit. No artificial flavors or sweeteners.

Flavors found at Molly’s: Colima Lime, Grapefruit & Pomelo, Pomegranate, and Wild Berry
Packaging: 6pk and 12pk 12oz. cans. Canned variety 12pks are also available at Molly’s
Nutritional facts per 12oz.: 100 calories, 2 grams of carbs, 1 gram of sugar, gluten free, 5% ABV (we reached out to Truly for the sodium content, but haven’t received a response)
Price: $9.49/6pk | $18.49/12pk

2) White Claw Hard Seltzer

White Claw Hard Seltzer delivers a fresh surge of refreshment using what they call a proprietary BrewPure™ process. This gives White Claw the cleanest, gluten-free alcohol base possible. To keep it pure, no crystalline fructose, dietary fiber or preservatives are added; only natural flavors, nothing artificial. White Claw varieties are sweetened by adding a small amount of cane sugar to achieve the balanced taste.

Flavors found at Molly’s: Black Cherry, Grapefruit, and Lime
Packaging: 6pk 12oz. cans. Canned variety 12pks are also available at Molly’s
Nutritional facts per 12oz:
Grapefruit: 110 calories, 4 grams of carbs, 20mg sodium, 4 grams of sugar, gluten free, 5% ABV
Lime: 110 calories, 4 grams of carbs, 20mg sodium, 4 grams of sugar, gluten free, 5% ABV
Black Cherry: 100 calories, 2 grams of carbs, 20mg sodium, 2 grams of sugar, gluten free, 5% ABV
Price: $8.99/6pk | $17.99/12pk

3) SpikedSeltzer

SpikedSeltzer is a non-malt beer made from purified water and all natural ingredients. The fresh fruit flavors are derived from cold-pressed citrus essence from a variety of fruits. Fermentation of this citrus essence and sugar naturally produces 6% alcohol (the highest ABV in our hard seltzer group). With no wheat, barley, or no sorghum, SpikedSeltzer is naturally gluten-free. Simple ingredients. No sulfites, no artificial sweeteners, no preservatives.

Flavors found at Molly’s: West Indies Lime and Indian River Grapefruit are available in 6pks. Those two flavors plus Cape Cod Cranberry and Valencia Orange are available in a canned variety 12pk.
Packaging: 6pk 12oz. cans. Canned variety 12pks are also available at Molly’s
Nutritional facts per 12oz.: 140 calories (120 calories from alcohol), 25mg of sodium, 5 grams of carbs, 5 grams of sugar, gluten-free, 6% ABV
Price: $9.49/6pks | $18.49/variety 12pk

Here’s how our favorite sparklers stack up against each other:

If you are looking for a low calorie alcoholic seltzer…

Henry’s Hard Sparkling

Not to be confused with Henry’s Hard Soda, Henry’s Hard Sparkling is a low-carb spiked sparkling water malt beverage with no sugar and natural fruit flavor.

Flavors found at Molly’s: Lemon Lime
Packaging:  6pk 12oz. cans.
Nutritional facts per 12 oz.: 88 calories, 1.7 grams of carbs, 0 sugar, 4.2% ABV
Price: $8.99/6pk

Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer

Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer is a premium malt beverage crafted to remove the gluten, and made only with natural flavors. No artificial sweeteners.

Flavors found at Molly’s: Orange Mango, Cranberry Lime, and Watermelon
Packaging:  6pk 12oz. cans. Canned variety 12pks are also available at Molly’s.
Nutritional facts per 12 oz.: 90 calories, 1 gram of carbs, 0 sugar, 4.5% ABV
Price: $8.99/6pk | $16.99/12pk

And there you have it folks! We hope this helps you and your quest for your go-to summer beverage!

All prices are limited to stock on hand. Molly’s Spirits reserves the right to limit quantities. Prices are subject to change.