Seven Sparkling Spiked Seltzers You Need To Try ASAP
It’s no surprise that hard seltzers have taken off here in the UK after their immense success across the pond. The simple combination of combining a chosen spirit to stand out against the background of carbonated water and natural flavourings is pure genius. Spiked Seltzers, also know as Hard Seltzers are popping up across the country with inclusions from well-known brands, Smirnoff and WKD and International superstars Whiteclaw with space for independent brands to make their name known in this brand-new exciting fizzy space. Each one either mimicking a favourite flavour-cocktail experience in a ready to drink can or highlighting one prominent flavour but are all hoping you’ll put down the hard stuff and pick up their lightly sparkling cans to enjoy sipping in the sunshine, socially distancing at garden parties or relaxing at home in front of Netflix. We’ve cracked open the top cans gracing the shelves in the UK and spiking sales in the drinks sector so you don’t have to. Here’s our top picks.
White Claw
White Claw
The cult US drinks brand, White Claw, is finally available in the UK after pioneering their home-space and could be a direct link to the spiked interest in the UK’s own seltzer space as they continue to be the leader in the Hard Seltzer category - and we can see why. It really is simplicity done at it’s best. White Claw (Tesco £2.50), which comes in three delicious flavours uses a gluten-free alcohol base and just tickles your tongue with a hint of natural flavouring to allow the spirit and sparkles to do their job. The Black Cherry was a firm favourite amongst the Consommé Magazine team although it was a very difficult job to pick. Other flavours include Raspberry and Natural Lime.
Clean & Press
Clean & Press
BrewDog Distilling Co has done it again, this time expanding into the hard seltzer scene with their version of this American classic. Leading the wave of hard seltzers in the UK and going up against the big bad US boys - Clean & Press (Tesco £2.50) takes the purest sparkling Scottish Water and spikes it with a single malt craft Rogue Wave vodka and instead of like some of the other brands, this one doesn’t shy away from punchy fruit flavours. Their Cactus and Lime flavour offering a refreshingly light and zingy drink with notes of lychee, their White Peach and Mango has vanilla notes before flavour-bombing you with its tropical flavours whereas their Crushed Black Cherry is sweet and sticky and reminiscent of an-all time classic summer cherry pie. They are definitely uncompromising on flavour - and a great round hit.
Served
Served
This brand-new company comprised from two restauranteuring brothers is starting strong with a delicious take on this Summer’s Seltzer trend. But how do they set themselves apart from the rest on the market? Well, their four-times distilled ServedPure™ to start with. Plus they infuse all their cans with wonky, sustainable sourced fruit that would have otherwise been thrown in the trash: and speaking of trash - the cans are also fully recyclable AND 5% of all profits gets invested in saving critically endangered species- so not only do they taste good, but they also do good - so they get a whole bunch of extra bonus points for that. These beautifully crafted cans come in two flavours: Raspberry or Lime. With our hands reaching for the lime every time. Its subtle but got that acidic kick you need to break through. ServedDrinks from £10
Keepr’s
Keepr’s
Once an unknown brand to us here at Consommé and now a regular word (and drink) on our lips, the British Honey Company once known for their premium British honey-infused spirits has entered into the seltzer market with their ready-to-drink cans which are clean on the palate and made with only 100% natural ingredients - sticking true to their ethos. Each can contains a hint of the company’s signature 100% British honey from their fully traceable hives which has become a unique selling point on all their products, seltzers and beyond (keep an eye out for their inclusion in our No and Low article with their take on a G+T). With a nod to the British countryside you can expect to see familiar flavours including Elderflower and Rose with Pear leading our favourite that comes with a punchy kick of ginger - something we are yet to see across the seltzer world. These are more on the sweeter side than other brands but most definitely worth adding to your list. Not sure what to start with - Pear & Ginger - all the way. From £2.75 at British Honey
Berczy
Berczy
Promising to bring a positive experience to the seltzer world, this independent British start-up has created an all NATRL hard seltzer free from excessive sugar and waste. Their duo of seltzers, which include a subtle Lemon and Lime and a fruity Peach and Raspberry have been made using low-calorie alcohol so you can feel good about drinking. The flavours are pretty on par with the rest of the seltzer category so how do they achieve this while keeping their promise? The answer - sugar beet. They use filtered alcohol derived from sugar beet and natural fruit flavours to keep them low in sugar without compromising on the taste - and trust us - you wouldn’t know the difference. Each one is full of flavour and naturally bubbly. The only downside is that they are only currently available in a 12 pack (mixed is possible £25.95 from Berczy Drinks) although to be honest we know you’re going to love them just as much as we do, so it’s all good.
Smirnoff
Smirnoff - Raspberry and Rhubarb
Smirnoff has also jumped on the seltzer trend - we told you it was going global with their innovations including Raspberry and Rhubarb and an Orange and Grapefruit, the latter not quite to our taste but the Double R proving one of our favourites out of the entire bunch. Best served chilled this subtly sweet and mellow seltzer made using Smirnoff No.21 Premium Vodka, sparkling water and natural fruit flavours this ultimate Summer variant is an easy late-afternoon drink as the sun goes down, humming along to a virtual festival or alongside your favourite picnic food. Available from Tesco £1.80
DRTY
DRTY - White Citrus
Another seltzer brand who thinks they have brought the big guns to the market are DRTY - who launched their duo of hard seltzers late last year: White Citrus and Raspberry Rose and pride themselves on their clean contents regardless of their DRTY name. Wanting people to celebrate the DRTY, real life in all it’s glory without having to worry, these hard seltzers have everything you want, not the things you pretend to like - like that second glass of port at Christmas your Nan’s been hoarding since she was your age. It was super hard to choose a favourite out of these two, but with a lot of seltzer brands favouring the red fruits we loved the citrus difference and the crisp finish of this one and we believe you will too. £2.20 at drtydrinks.com