It’s been over 250 years since the English chemist Joseph Priestley invented seltzer after discovering a method he referred to as “impregnating water with air” (sounds kinda kinky, but go off, Joseph). And while we’ve been slugging the fizzy stuff for centuries, only within the last decade did human beings come up with the bright idea to brew carbonated water infused with alcohol.
The current hard seltzer boom traces its origins back to 2013 when Nick Shields, a manager for a small beer brand, and his business partner, Dave Holmes, created SpikedSeltzer. Anheuser-Busch noticed the beverage’s popularity and acquired SpikedSeltzer, rebranding it as Bon & Viv in 2016. In that same year, White Claw and Truly emerged on the scene, dominating the marketplace, but also opening the door for the proliferation of dozens upon dozens of competitors, from heavyweights like Bud Light Seltzer and Corona Hard Seltzer, to more craft-oriented brewers like Wild Basin and DC Brau, to hard seltzer brands targeting health-conscious consumers like Vizzy and Maha.
The explosion of brands demonstrates hard seltzer’s staying power, with new players getting into to capitalize on a wide variety of market segments. As more customers turn away from beer’s bloat, wine’s higher barrier to entry, and liquor’s propensity to deliver a punishing morning-after, they’re finding a lower-calorie beverage for the most part lacking in pretension and focusing on drinkability.
Setting out to try every hard seltzer on the market is a fool’s errand. Then again, you need to feel comfortable with a little bit of foolishness to get on the hard seltzer journalism beat in the first place. Inspired by Shakespeare, who is said to have written King Lear when he was under quarantine in the early 17th century, I decided to tackle my own personal King Lear: trying as many hard seltzers as I could in hopes of compiling a definitive power ranking.
Not all hard seltzers are created equal, which is why I pursued this undertaking with a monk-like fervency. If we set aside 5 minutes for each of the 75 individual hard seltzer variations I imbibed, that would bring us to roughly 6 hours and 15 minutes of taste-testing. Of course, I taste-tested many of my favorites on this list more than once, and when you factor in the mild buzz prompted by such painstaking reporting, which prompted several 30-second walks to the kitchen to make popcorn and 10-minute diversions to find a specific version of “Satellite” by Dave Matthews Band on Spotify, we come to an official clinical total of 10 hours spent drinking (and thinking) about hard seltzer.
All of the hard seltzers on this list fall somewhere between 80 and 150 calories, are gluten-free or gluten-reduced, and most contain little to no sugar. And while experts say hard seltzer’s appeals to wellness are dubious at best, they’re still a lighter alternative to many cocktails and beers.
We decided to rank the best hard seltzers using three criteria: Crushability (how easy it is to drink?), Craveability (how much did I find myself wanting another days later?), and Creativity (was there something surprising and delightful?). So without further adieu, here is our ultimate hard seltzer power ranking, featuring the best (and…not best) hard seltzers you can drink.
1
Arctic Chill Ginger Lime Hard Seltzer
While many of the best hard seltzers function most directly as replacements for vodka drinks or light beers, this flavor has more in common with a whiskey ginger or mule. But where the acidity of those two cocktails might keep you from knocking back more than one, Arctic Chill (formerly known as Arctic Summer) has maintained a balanced flavor profile that allowed for a consistent drinking experience, from the first sip to the 20th (okay, I may have had a few…).
Crushability: 4.5
Craveability: 4.5
Creativity: 3.5
Overall: 12.5
Calories: 110
Sugar: 0g
ABV: 5%
2
Bud Light Seltzer Strawberry
It’s surprising that strawberry is a bit of an outlier flavor, especially amongst the most popular purveyors. Bud Light nails its fresh strawberry nose (a quick whiff transports you to a bramble) and eases up just enough on the sweetness to avoid any artificial aftertaste.
Crushability: 4
Craveability: 4.5
Creativity: 3.5
Overall: 12
Calories: 100
Sugar: <1g
ABV: 5%
3
DC Brau Full Transparency Passionfruit Orange Guava Hard Seltzer
dcbrau.com
BUY IT HERE
This DC brewery made its name concocting flavorful, often complex beers. Their pivot to hard seltzer demonstrates an emerging trend among smaller industry players, with this tropical infusion of flavors best demonstrating how craft ingenuity can elevate a beverage that’s often derided for being too simple.
Crushability: 4
Craveability: 4
Creativity: 4
Overall: 12
Calories: 100
Sugar: <1g
ABV: 5%
4
Two Robbers Watermelon and Cucumber Craft Hard Seltzer
tworobbers.com
BUY IT HERE
We’ve already discussed ginger’s ability to bring down the sweetness without neutralizing the true flavor of the fruit. This is a nicely surprising combo from a beloved craft seltzer brand from Philadelphia.
Crushability: 3.5
Craveability: 3
Creativity: 3
Overall: 9.5
Calories: 110
Sugar: 0g
ABV: 5.2%
5
Truly Hard Seltzer Blueberry & Acai
Some of the best hard seltzer flavors come from two different tastes placed in opposition. Here, it’s the earthiness of the acai tempering the more saccharine blueberry.
Crushability: 4
Craveability: 3.5
Creativity: 3
Overall: 10.5
Calories: 100
Sugar: 1g
ABV: 5%
6
Best Black Cherry Hard Seltzer
Bud Light Seltzer Black Cherry
Smoother and less sweet than White Claw’s version, with a flavor profile hewing closer to Black Forest Cake than hard candy.
Crushability: 3.5
Craveability: 4
Creativity: 3
Overall: 10.5
Calories: 100
Sugar: <1g
ABV: 5%
7
DC Brau Full Transparency Raspberry Limeade Hard Seltzer
dcbrau.com
BUY IT HERE
Pairs great with salty french fries.
Crushability: 3.5
Craveability: 3.5
Creativity: 3.5
Overall: 10.5
Calories: 100
Sugar: <1g
ABV: 5%
8
Best Watermelon Hard Seltzer
White Claw Watermelon Hard Seltzer
It isn’t one of White Claw’s original flagship flavors, but it sticks to what the brand does best: fruity, simple, boozy hard seltzer. Free tip: Add vodka.
Crushability: 4
Craveability: 3
Creativity: 3
Overall: 10
Calories: 100
Sugar: 2g
ABV: 5%
9
Arctic Chill Raspberry Lime Hard Seltzer
Even though people think of hard seltzer as mainly a summer drink, this flavor is primed for all-year-round enjoyment.
Crushability: 4
Craveability: 3
Creativity: 3
Overall: 10
Calories: 110
Sugar: 0g
ABV: 5%
10
Best Lemon Hard Seltzer
Wild Basin Lemon Agave Hibiscus Hard Seltzer
Wild Basin, which is made by the celebrated craft brewery Oskar Blues, skews toward the more ambitious end of the spectrum when it comes to flavor choices. It’s a polarizing brand, but if you’re a fan of floral cocktails, you’ll dig this seltzer.
Crushability: 2.5
Craveability: 3.5
Creativity: 4
Overall: 10
Calories: 100
Sugar: 0g
ABV: 5%
11
Best High-ABV Hard Seltzer
Social Club Seltzer Old Fashioned
On paper, an Old Fashioned-flavored hard seltzer sounds like it should be a disaster. But this hits all the right notes, with a slightly higher alcohol percentage than most mainstream offerings.
Crushability: 2.5
Craveability: 3.5
Creativity: 4
Overall: 10
Calories: 150
Sugar: 2g
ABV: 7%
12
Best Hard Seltzer Under 100 Calories
BON V!V Spiked Seltzer Pear Elderflower
Light, unassuming, and the elderflower notes make you feel classy AF.
Crushability: 3
Craveability: 3
Creativity: 4
Overall: 10
Calories: 90
Sugar: 0g
ABV: 4.5%
13
Best Pineapple Hard Seltzer
Truly Hard Seltzer Pineapple
Truly has a tendency to turn up the sweetness factor with some of its other flavors, but their vibrant and juicy take on pineapple is just right.
Crushability: 4
Craveability: 3.5
Creativity: 2.5
Overall: 10
Calories: 100
Sugar: 1g
ABV: 5%
14
Social Club Seltzer Sidecar
All the zesty citrus kick of a classic Sidecar without having to have bartending skills (or a nasty hangover the next morning).
Crushability: 3
Craveability: 3
Creativity: 4
Overall: 10
Calories: 150
Sugar: 0g
ABV: 7%
15
Two Robbers Pineapple with Ginger Craft Hard Seltzer
tworobbers.com
BUY IT HERE
We’ve already discussed ginger’s ability to curtail sweetness without neutralizing the true flavor of the fruit. This is a nicely surprising combo from a beloved craft seltzer brand from Philadelphia.
Crushability: 3.5
Craveability: 3
Creativity: 3
Overall: 9.5
Calories: 110
Sugar: 0g
ABV: 5.2%
16
Natural Light Seltzer Aloha Beaches
Day-drinkers, beware: The higher ABV will catch up to you if you’re not careful. But it’s a delicious mango-and-peach one (okay, maybe two) and done.
Crushability: 4
Craveability: 3
Creativity: 2.5
Overall: 9.5
Calories: 133
Sugar: 1.9g
ABV: 6%
17
Corona Hard Seltzer Cherry
A little more sour than your run-of-the-mill black cherry counterparts. Drink slowly and savor (chug at your own peril).
Crushability: 3.5
Craveability: 3.5
Creativity: 2.5
Overall: 9.5
Calories: 90
Sugar: 0g
ABV: 4.5%
18
10 Barrel Brewing Clean Line Mango Hard Seltzer
10barrel.com
BUY IT HERE
This Oregon brewery makes some awesome IPAs, and it turns out they’re not half-bad at making hard seltzer, too. Easy to knock back thanks to a cleaner-than-clean finish.
Crushability: 4
Craveability: 3
Creativity: 2.5
Overall: 9.5
Calories: N/A
Sugar: N/A
ABV: 5%
19
White Claw Mango Hard Seltzer
I think it’s the tanginess of the mango that does it for me.
Crushability: 3.5
Craveability: 3.5
Creativity: 2.5
Overall: 9.5
Calories: 100
Sugar: 2g
ABV: 5%
20
Best Pure Lime Hard Seltzer
Corona Hard Seltzer Tropical Lime
What makes the lime “tropical,” you may be asking? Probably just branding—but there may be something to a slightly more citrusy aftertaste.
Crushability: 4
Craveability: 3.5
Creativity: 2
Overall: 9.5
Calories: 90
Sugar: 0g
ABV: 4.5%
21
Henry’s Strawberry Kiwi Hard Sparkling Water
A little less malty than some other Henry’s flavors. It’s relatively mild in the sweetness department, if that’s what you’re into.
Crushability: 3.5
Craveability: 3.5
Creativity: 2.5
Overall: 9.5
Calories: 88
Sugar: 0g
ABV: 4.2%
22
DC Brau Full Transparency Black Cherry Hard Seltzer
dcbrau.com
BUY IT HERE
Simpler than the craft brewery’s other options, but well-executed nonetheless. Gives off a more jellied cherry nose.
Crushability: 3.5
Craveability: 3
Creativity: 2.5
Overall: 9
Calories: 100
Sugar: <1g
ABV: 5%
23
High Noon Sun Sips Watermelon
The best hard seltzer for enjoying at a summer BBQ while noshing on burgers, dogs, and potato salad.
Crushability: 4
Craveability: 3
Creativity: 2
Overall: 9
Calories: 100
Sugar: 2.6g
ABV: 4.5%
24
Wild Basin Cucumber Peach Boozy Sparkling Water
You know when you cut up some fresh fruit and veggies and properly infuse a glass of ice-water and then you make that “AH” sound after you swallow? This gave me major vibes in that department. Paris well with goat cheese.
Crushability: 2
Craveability: 3.5
Creativity: 3.5
Overall: 9
Calories: 100
Sugar: 0g
ABV: 5%
25
Corona Hard Seltzer Mango
One of the most refreshing entries, making it ideal for poolside or beach-blanket summer sipping.
Crushability: 3.5
Craveability: 3
Creativity: 2.5
Overall: 9
Calories: 90
Sugar: 0g
ABV: 4.5%
26
Best Cranberry Hard Seltzer
BON V!V Spiked Seltzer Cranberry
Is vodka-cran your go-to, but you’re willing to try something new? This won’t push you too far outside your comfort zone.
Crushability: 3
Craveability: 2.5
Creativity: 3.5
Overall: 9
Calories: 90
Sugar: 0g
ABV: 4.5%
27
Bud Light Seltzer Mango
I’m impressed by how they were able to distill the essence of mango fragrance (raise the can, or better yet a glass, to your nose and you’ll see what I mean).
Crushability: 3.5
Craveability: 3.5
Creativity: 2.5
Overall: 9
Calories: 100
Sugar: <1g
ABV: 5%
28
Corona Hard Seltzer Blackberry Lime
Lip-smackingly tart, which actually is great on hot summer days.
Crushability: 3
Craveability: 3
Creativity: 3
Overall: 9
Calories: 90
Sugar: 0g
ABV: 4.5%
29
Vizzy Blueberry Pomegranate Hard Seltzer
Sweet at first sip and sour on the swallow thanks to nice harmony between the berry and pomegranate.
Crushability: 3
Craveability: 3
Creativity: 3
Overall: 9
Calories: 100
Sugar: 1g
ABV: 5%
30
BON V!V Spiked Seltzer Mango
Refreshing and inoffensive to the palate.
Crushability: 3.5
Craveability: 3.5
Creativity: 2
Overall: 9
Calories: 90
Sugar: 0g
ABV: 4.5%
31
Best Organic Hard Seltzer
Maha Tangerine Yuzu Organic Hard Seltzer
You might get a side eye from your more basic friends when they ask what you’re drinking and you say “oh, it’s just this USDA certified organic tangerine yuzu hard seltzer,” but points for trying to elevate the libation nonetheless. It would be better if there was a little more tartness of the yuzu as opposed to the sweetness of the tangerine.
Crushability: 3
Craveability: 3
Creativity: 3
Overall: 9
Calories: 110
Sugar: 6g
ABV: 4.2%
32
White Claw Natural Lime Hard Seltzer
You get the lime rind on the nose and a boozier bite on the finish.
Crushability: 3.5
Craveability: 3
Creativity: 2
Overall: 8.5
Calories: 100
Sugar: 2g
ABV: 5%
33
Social Club Seltzer Citrus Gimlet
I wish this was a little less citrusy and more loyal to the original flavors of a Gimlet cocktail. Still, it’s a worthy alternative if you don’t feel like whipping out your shaker.
Crushability: 3
Craveability: 2.5
Creativity: 3
Overall: 8.5
Calories: 150
Sugar: 2g
ABV: 7%
34
White Claw Black Cherry Hard Seltzer
You never forget your first, right? This White Claw varietal broke my hard seltzer cherry (sorry, I was contractually obligated to write that) and set me off on a hard seltzer adventure. Despite the sentimental attachment, this black cherry lands further down the sweetness continuum than some of it’s more mild-mannered competitors.
Crushability: 3.5
Craveability: 3
Creativity: 2
Overall: 8.5
Calories: 100
Sugar: 2g
ABV: 5%
35
Bud Light Seltzer Lemon Lime
There’s a trace of Sprite somewhere in there, which will either entice you or repulse you.
Crushability: 3.5
Craveability: 2.5
Creativity: 2
Overall: 8
Calories: 100
Sugar: <1g
ABV: 5%
36
Truly Hard Seltzer Mango
More like a mango dessert than sliced fresh mango.
Crushability: 3.5
Craveability: 2.5
Creativity: 2
Overall: 8
Calories: 100
Sugar: 1g
ABV: 5%
37
White Claw Lemon Hard Seltzer
Less candied than competitors, but still boozy enough to distinguish itself from a non-alcoholic LaCroix.
Crushability: 3.5
Craveability: 2.5
Creativity: 2
Overall: 8
Calories: 100
Sugar: 2g
ABV: 5%
38
Truly Hard Seltzer Lime
It’s like that old cliché: Keep it simple, stupid. It’s not going to win a medal for style points, but it’s expectedly easy to consume.
Crushability: 3.5
Craveability: 2.5
Creativity: 1.5
Overall: 7.5
Calories: 100
Sugar: 1g
ABV: 5%
39
Bold Rock Hard Seltzer Cucumber Melon
boldrock.com
BUY IT HERE
You’re either going to love it or you’re going to hate it. Surprisingly lacking in sweetness from a renowned Virginia cidery, but complex enough to warrant further inspection. Heavier on cucumber than melon, and I think that’s to the drink’s benefit.
Crushability: 2
Craveability: 2.5
Creativity: 3
Overall: 7.5
Calories: 82
Sugar: 1g
ABV: 4%
40
Vizzy Black Cherry Lime Hard Seltzer
Vizzy pushes its antioxidant vitamin C as a major selling point. I wouldn’t necessarily fall for that, but there’s something to this combo of two extremely popular hard seltzer flavors for something that tastes distinct from many of the other drinks I tried.
Crushability: 2
Craveability: 2.5
Creativity: 3
Overall: 7.5
Calories: 100
Sugar: 1g
ABV: 5%
41
Smirnoff Seltzer Raspberry Rosé
I, personally, would rather just throw a couple frozen strawberries and a spritz of soda in a glass of rosé. However, if you don’t have those components, this will do just fine (but prepare for a little more maltiness than if you were drinking the real thing).
Crushability: 3
Craveability: 2
Creativity: 2.5
Overall: 7.5
Calories: 90
Sugar: 0g
ABV: 4.5%
42
Vizzy Strawberry Kiwi Hard Seltzer
Tartness of the kiwi is understated and the strawberry flavor is turned all the way up to 11. I couldn’t have more than one in a single drinking session.
Crushability: 2.5
Craveability: 2
Creativity: 2.5
Overall: 7
Calories: 100
Sugar: 1g
ABV: 5%
43
Two Robbers Peach Berry Craft Hard Seltzer
tworobbers.com
BUY IT HERE
The acidic tang of the peach doesn’t smoothly lock in with the berry right away, but it’s a rewarding sipper if you persevere past that harsh first impression.
Crushability: 2.5
Craveability: 2
Creativity: 2.5
Overall: 7
Calories: 110
Sugar: 0g
ABV: 5.2%
44
Natural Light Seltzer Catalina Lime Mixer
You kinda sorta forget you’re drinking seltzer, which could be a good thing if you’re missing more sugary mixed drinks.
Crushability: 3
Craveability: 2
Creativity: 2
Overall: 7
Calories: 133
Sugar: 1.9g
ABV: 6%
45
Wild Basin Classic Lime Boozy Sparkling Water
Easily the least ambitious flavor of a very ambitious seltzer brand, but it’s a good basic lime seltzer if you’re in a pinch and hankering for something familiar.
Crushability: 3
Craveability: 2
Creativity: 2
Overall: 7
Calories: 100
Sugar: 0g
ABV: 5%
46
High Noon Sun Sips Lime
High Noon
High Noon is unabashed in asking vodka-soda lovers to cross the cocktail barricade and give into the hard seltzer wave. It’s got a little more alcohol bite than other lime seltzers.
Crushability: 3.5
Craveability: 2.5
Creativity: 1
Overall: 7
Calories: 100
Sugar: 2.6g
ABV: 4.5%
47
Best Grapefruit Hard Seltzer
Truly Hard Seltzer Grapefruit
Sweeter than White Claw, so this may come down to personal preference when it comes to a hard seltzer flavor staple.
Crushability: 2.5
Craveability: 2.5
Creativity: 2
Overall: 7
Calories: 100
Sugar: 1g
ABV: 5%
48
Vizzy Pineapple Mango Hard Seltzer
Very juicy and full-bodied. Wish there were more bubbles.
Crushability: 2.5
Craveability: 2
Creativity: 2.5
Overall: 7
Calories: 100
Sugar: 1g
ABV: 5%
49
Maha Raspberry Organic Hard Seltzer
It’s a little too puckery and would benefit from a decrease in tartness.
Crushability: 2
Craveability: 2
Creativity: 2.5
Overall: 6.5
Calories: 110
Sugar: 6g
ABV: 4.2%
50
Wild Basin Melon Basil Boozy Sparkling Water
One of the most savory seltzers available, if you’re into that sort of thing. Those who love this flavor love it.
Crushability: 1.5
Craveability: 1.5
Creativity: 3.5
Overall: 6.5
Calories: 100
Sugar: 0g
ABV: 5%
Spencer Dukoff
Deputy Editor of Content Strategy
Spencer Dukoff is the deputy editor of content strategy at Men’s Health where leads audience development efforts across all platforms for the magazine.
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