23 Best Hard Seltzer Brands in 2025
Hard seltzer brands seem to have taken over shelves and social media feeds in recent years. Everywhere you go, you see adverts pushing sleek-looking cans with appealing flavors and promising a lighter nutritional profile than beer or sugary cocktails.
As a result, these hard seltzer brands appeal especially to younger drinkers looking for modern options and a range of tastes without the guilt. Millennial and Gen Z consumers, in particular, have helped fuel the rise of this beverage category, with data from YouGov showing the highest interest among adults aged 21 to 44.
For many, these drinks hit that sweet spot: ready to grab, easy to drink, and just light enough to feel like one is making the "better" choice.
This trend goes beyond taste and looks, though. Hard seltzer brands have leaned into the health and wellness movement, often marketing their products as low-calorie or even antioxidant-packed alternatives to traditional alcohol.
Although some claims, such as the vitamin C push in Vizzy, have drawn criticism from public health groups like the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the demand shows no sign of slowing down.
But how does one choose when faced with this dizzying array of options? Let's make things simpler and deep dive into what works and what doesn't in this surprisingly competitive market.
This guide to the 23 best hard seltzer brands rounds up the ones that actually deliver so that you don't waste time and money sorting out the ones that don't.
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The 23 Best Hard Seltzer Brands
1. VMC
One of the many hard seltzer brands with a celebrity tie-up, VMC has a sports pedigree and is promoted by the boxing world champion Saul “El Canelo” Álvarez. This seltzer is super sweet, which, when combined with some of the added flavors, may not be to everyone’s liking. We found the margarita flavor to be the best of the lot, though. Other options include paloma, jamaica (hibiscus) and tamarind.
2. Hornitos
It really is no surprise that Hornitos would be one of the better hard seltzer brands, as it uses real agave tequila in its hard seltzer. Another good thing about it is that it doesn’t have that malt flavor that is common to some of the other hard seltzers on the market.
Flavors available include natural lime, pineapple, mango and passion fruit. We found that the flavorings used were on the sweet side, so if that’s not your jam, avoid this brand. But, if you’re looking for hard seltzer with tequila and tropical fruit flavors, Hornitos is hard to beat.
3. White Claw Surge
The OG among the many hard seltzer brands, White Claw spoils you for choice with over 30 different flavors to choose from. With White Claw Surge, we did find the flavors to be a bit on the artificial side, but it is one of the best hard seltzers if you were to consider just the ABV, which stands at 8%. This brand is also widely available, likely being for sale anywhere you can buy hard seltzer.
4. Vizzy
As hard seltzer brands go, Vizzy stands out from the crowd with its fruit flavors and added vitamin C. The latter is in the form of acerola, and the flavors on offer are different combinations of fruits, such as peach and orange, cherry and lime, to name a few.
The combinations, although unusual, seem to work well. Our favorite flavors were from the mimosa series, very similar in taste to the classic cocktail, and easily one of the best-tasting hard seltzers around.
5. Wild Basin
Wild Basin is a hard seltzer brand that proclaims itself as one of the pioneers of craft beer and the maker of the world’s first craft seltzer. The seltzers are made from a clean alcohol base derived from cane sugar, and a portion of each sale goes to Can’d Aid, which helps to keep the rivers clean.
The flavors are exciting for sure, including grapefruit, lemon, passion fruit with orange, and pomegranate with açaì. We found it to be ideal to sip by the poolside or at the beach.
6. Flying Embers
Well-regarded for its hard kombucha, this is a brand that has seen mixed response to its hard seltzer products. The flavors are interesting and infused with real fruit and no added sugar, which is a major plus for many.
We did find the malt liquor taste to be a bit on the strong side, but with a 10% ABV, there is no real reason to complain. The high alcohol content makes it a favorite for parties and popular with students.
7. Truly
Truly is one of the hard seltzer brands that followed White Claw’s entry into the market. We found this hard seltzer to be easy on the palate, almost as easy as a can of club soda. Flavors include wild berry, cherry, watermelon, grapefruit and strawberry lime among other fruit-filled options.
The flavors are very mild, with just a hint coming through. We found the effervescence to be great, not too bubbly, and it is probably one of the reasons for its popularity.
8. Two Robbers
Based out of Philadelphia, Two Robbers is one of the better hard seltzer brands if you’re looking for a vodka hard seltzer that is made with real fruits and has no added sugar. The flavors, such as lemon lime and sweet gold pineapple, are quite refreshing and are ideal for a hot summer’s day, especially if enjoyed by the poolside.
9. Press
Founded in 2015 by Amy Walberg, Press is one of the premium hard seltzer brands in the market. The brand’s first flavor was pomegranate-ginger and aimed to create an elevated seltzer experience for the “discerning consumer”.
This it did with the help of some unique flavors, the use of natural fruits and the “gluten-free” tag. The watermelon and sea salt combination and peach with rosemary were our personal favorites, worth trying for sure!
10. NÜTRL
Made from real vodka and real juice, this is one of the hard seltzer brands with a known pedigree, that of Anheuser-Busch. These are the good folk behind brands such as Stella Artois and Golden Road.
In our opinion, the best hard seltzer shouldn’t be too sweet, and the flavoring should be just enough for you to identify the fruit. In the case of NÜTRL, we think the flavors could be a bit stronger, but the fact that they go down easily makes them one of the better hard seltzer brands around.
In terms of flavors, almost all the popular fruits associated with hard seltzer are available, from lime and strawberry to orange and pineapple. There are also lemonade versions, which are a little sweeter than the plain fruit varieties.
11. JuneShine
JuneShine is one of the hard seltzer brands with a difference. Crafted in San Diego with premium ingredients, the range of products includes kombucha and hard kombucha, alongside its line of hard seltzers.
It uses real juice and sparkling water with an ABV of 5.9% to 10% and no added sugar. The flavors are cocktail-inspired, with options like vodka mule and watermelon mezcal margarita. Our favorite was the Rum Mai Tai with an ABV of 10%. The Tequila Ranch Water is also one of the best hard sparkling waters around, and we think it’s one of the most refreshing drinks for the summer.
12. Melograno
Melograno positions itself as a cut above the regular hard seltzer brands. Referred to as an alternative to hard seltzers, wines and spirits, the brand uses nitrogen infusion, creating a smoother texture with smaller bubbles as compared to traditional carbonation.
This leads to an enhanced experience of both taste and aroma. When we tried it, we found that the drink was very smooth, minus the bite of a regular seltzer. The flavors on offer are those of regular cocktails such as mojitos and margaritas, but they weren't too distinctive, leaning more toward a fruit flavor like lime than a strong replica of the original beverage.
13. Bud Light Seltzer
Fans of Bud Light will be interested to learn that the company is also one of the best hard seltzer brands. Even with Bud Light losing its top spot as America's favorite beer, its hard seltzer is gaining lots of popularity.
However, we found that there was a slightly bitter taste to some of the offerings, like the Retro Tie Dye Twisted Berry. Others, like the Black Cherry and the Hard Orange Soda, had a lovely, balanced flavor, which we could really get behind. They even have hard cola flavors, offering a taste of classic soda with an alcoholic hit.
14. Calidad Agua Fresca
Calidad debuted its line of hard seltzers in 2022. Since then, it has become one of the more popular hard seltzer brands with its simple combination of fruit juices, sugar and water.
The flavor combinations were created by a pair of specialists from Mexico City, and we just loved the hibiscus-watermelon variety. It’s utterly refreshing to have on a hot summer’s day, though we did feel that the seltzer could do with a little more fizz.
15. Straightaway
Based out of Portland, Oregon, Straightaway is a hard seltzer brand that makes high-quality cocktails and takes pride in using ingredients of the finest quality. Options include Negroni, old-fashioned and margarita. There’s even a nitro espresso martini.
While these do lean more toward canned cocktails than hard seltzers, they offer a similar experience to hard seltzers (although some options are a little higher in alcohol at around 25% ABV per can), and are well worth trying if the higher alcohol content isn’t a concern.
Our favorite was the 8% ABV Cascade Spritz made from Sparkling Northwest Pinot Gris with touches of mint, lemon balm and chamomile. It would be our choice to give any pool party that classy touch.
16. Volley
A relative newcomer and a brand that grew out of a desire to have “good, clean fun” by declaring all the ingredients that go into its making. The use of organic fruit juice and 100% agave tequila makes it one of the hard seltzer brands to be taken seriously.
Options include spicy ginger, grapefruit and tropical mango. The taste and flavors shine on their own and are reminiscent of what a real cocktail tastes like. It is possibly one of the best hard seltzer brands that we have tried, especially if you’re looking for a hard seltzer with tequila rather than vodka.
17. Spindrift Spiked
Spindrift Spiked Sparkling Waters is a hard seltzer brand that started off making non-alcoholic sparkling waters. The hard seltzers on offer come in at 4% ABV, making them a good choice for anyone searching for low-alcohol hard seltzer, and are made from fermented cane sugar.
All flavors are derived from real fruit juice, and each 12-ounce can is under 100 calories, perfect if you’re keeping track. The flavors are quite classic, which can be a pro or a con, and include mango, lime, grapefruit and pineapple. We felt that the colors were a bit too bright, but the taste more than made up for it.
18. Saint Spritz
Saint Spritz is one of the hard seltzer brands that uses only natural ingredients with no added sugars, chemicals or additives and is gluten-free. The flavors bring to you a whiff of the Italian coast, and the cans provide you with the visual images of the Italian Riviera.
The Saint Spritz Amalfi, made from orange wine with its bittersweet orange flavors, was our favorite. It was very similar in taste to a classic Aperol Spritz. With other flavors inspired by places in Italy, there’s sure to be a fruit flavor that makes you feel like you’re on vacation.
19. Corona Refresca Hard Tropical Punch
Of all the hard seltzer brands out there, Corona Refresca has some of the most attractive cans, brightly colored with the fruit taking centre stage, like you were on some tropical island. In our opinion, the flavoring is just right, neither too sweet nor too mild.
We liked the sweetness of the guava the most, but that is a personal choice. The effervescence, too, is just right, and the low alcohol levels (4.5% ABV) mean you can enjoy a couple of cans without it going straight to your head.
20. Twisted Tea
While technically not one of the hard seltzer brands, as its beverages are not carbonated, Twisted Tea makes this list because any iced tea lover will love these drinks. They taste like a freshly brewed cup of tea that has been poured over ice, the different flavors coming through refreshingly.
We absolutely love the original flavor, which tastes like brewed tea with a twist of lemon and has an ABV of 5%. Yet, with 12 different flavors, there is something there to satisfy everyone.
21. Topo Chico
It is one of the better hard seltzer brands in the market, especially if you are a fan of its sparkling water. Topo Chico has a very skillful way of blending the flavors and offers a subtle taste profile and a lack of heavy-handedness that some other brands have.
Crafted with added minerals to deliver a refreshing, clean taste, we found it to be the ideal cooler for a hot, sunny afternoon.
The Topo Chico flavors available include strawberry guava (both as a combination and as standalone flavors), margarita and tropical mango. Our favorite was the mango hard seltzer, the 4.7% ABV levels going down easily without giving us a heavy head.
22. Lunar
One of the best examples of hard seltzer brands that are homegrown, Lunar began in its creators' homes as a tribute to Asian-American tastes. Using premium fruits from Asia such as yuzu, Korean plum and lychee, Lunar is striving to create a brand that is representative of a growing segment of American society.
The lychee flavor, with its delicate sweetness and flavor, was our favorite, followed by the passion fruit. However, as there are currently only four flavors available, it's easy to try them all and choose your favorite.
23. Lone River
One of the few hard seltzer brands that crafts its beverages from organic agave nectar, Lone River makes ranch water that tastes fresh and natural. The original ranch water has a touch of lime flavor and was one of our favorites.
For those who don’t mind a slight bite to their seltzer, the spicy ranch water with its hint of jalapeño might be just the thing to introduce you to the flavors of West Texas. The prickly pear ranch water is also delicious. There’s even a hot honey lemonade hard seltzer to try.
What Is the Best Hard Seltzer?
Picking out the best hard seltzer brand in the market is no easy task. After all, taste is ultimately a personal opinion, and we would be remiss to suggest a one-size-fits-all decision.
That said, there are some hard seltzer brands known for their bold cocktail-inspired flavors (if that’s your vibe), while others focus on offering a lighter, more refreshing drink. Others impress upon the use of all-natural ingredients, so it comes down to what you prioritize and what the situation demands.
A few hard seltzer brands, however, do consistently stand out. JuneShine has made a name for itself with hard kombucha drinks and inventive seltzer flavors that feel more elevated than your usual bubbly drink in a can.
Volley’s use of real agave tequila makes it one of the few that taste like a not-watered-down cocktail. And finally, if you are fond of something easy to drink and refreshing, the crowd favorite is Topo Chico, which continues to win over people with its clean taste and crisp bubbles.
What Is the Best Hard Sparkling Water?
Just like any other consumer product, labeling one "the best" is not an easy task. Personal tastes, budgets and requirements all determine what item comes out on top. When it comes to the hard seltzer brands, it's no different.
Like with most drinks, the best hard sparkling water depends on what you are after. If you are looking for bold or fruit flavors versus clean and crisp, there are specific hard seltzer brands you need to look out for.
With a long list of the best sparkling water on the market, with each one overlapping in ingredients and flavors, the lines can blur, but on the bright side, it means there's also so much more to choose from. For the sake of this list, though, there are a few standouts that need mentioning.
When it comes to the best hard sparkling water on the market, Topo Chico flavors almost always come up in conversation. The brand's signature bubbles and subtle salinity seem to make it a top choice for those looking for a drink that is light yet flavorful.
JuneShine's Tequila Ranch Water also hits the mark if you prefer a more spirit-forward beverage with refreshing citrus notes. When it comes to the best-tasting hard seltzer water options in the market, it's more about the balance of flavors and less about sugary or fizzy profiles.
What Is the Best Vodka Seltzer?
When choosing the best vodka seltzer brands, you have to ask yourself: Do you prefer something that tastes like a cocktail? Or are you looking for a drink that has a hint of flavor but is more refreshing and fizzy?
Personal taste plays a big role in determining the best hard seltzer brands as well as the best alcoholic seltzer. Luckily, several hard seltzer brands are making vodka-based options that cater to both ends of the spectrum.
Straightaway is one of the few that nails the balance. The brand's white tea-infused vodka seltzer is pleasantly nuanced, with layers of fruit and herbal notes that make each drink feel a little more elevated.
If, on the other hand, you're looking for something crisp and clean, Two Robbers also offers vodka seltzers with real juice and no added sugar. This vodka seltzer is a top choice for those who want something flavorful yet not overly unhealthy. And, with so many hard seltzer brands branching into vodka territory, there’s bound to be one that hits your sweet spot.
The key to finding the right one for you is to sort through the many hard seltzer brands available and discover which one hits the right note for you. From bold tropical flavors to subtle tea infusions, we believe that the sheer variety on offer makes it easy to find your go-to.
The one exceedingly clear thing, though, is that hard seltzer brands are continuing to evolve, and half the fun is trying the various options for yourself to determine the best of the best.
For even more ways to explore your favorite food and drinks, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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