Many brands of this fizzy, “healthier” alcoholic beverage have fewer calories than beer and wine.
But it’s also tough to avoid the bloating that comes with their high-calorie counts.
This refreshing drink alternative with fewer calories has been getting some buzz as a health-conscious alcoholic beverage.
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Because hard seltzer is low in sugar, it’s less likely to lead to severe hangovers.
So what is hard seltzer?
Keep reading to learn more about the carbonated beverage and the health benefits it offers.
What Is Hard Seltzer?
Think of hard seltzer as the alcoholic version ofsparkling seltzer water, like a boozy La Croix or Waterloo.
It’s basically carbonated water mixed with an alcohol base of fermented cane sugar.
The drink came on the scene in 2013 with the creation of Spiked Seltzer.
Its immediate popularity spawned other brands, such as White Claw, Nauti, and Truly Spiked & Sparkling.
It’s safe to say this trend is here to stay.
Is Hard Seltzer Healthy?
The good news is that less sugar doesn’t mean more artificial sweeteners or other artificial ingredients.
Hard seltzer is lower in sugar and calories than a lot of other alcoholic drinks.
Many hard seltzers also have a lower alcohol content.
That said, hard seltzer is still an alcoholic beverage, which is never truly healthy.
Just remember to drink in moderation.
What’s the Difference Between Hard Seltzer and Beer?
The main difference between hard seltzer and beer comes down to what is being fermented.
Hard seltzer is made similarly to beerthrough fermentation.
However, it is cane sugar, not malted barley, that is fermented.
Hard seltzer is gluten-free while beers are not.
A close second is Truly’s Lime (totalwine.com), which had small, fizzy bubblesreminiscent of champagne.
Coming in third is High Noon (totalwine.com), with top flavors of watermelon and pineapple.
Ways to Drink Hard Seltzer
Hard seltzers make excellent cocktail mixers without diluting your drink.
Toss in some cubed watermelon with a lime seltzer or a sprig of mint with a black cherry seltzer.
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