Skip to content
Still and Sparkling Water
  • Intro
  • Still Water
    • 10 of the Best Infused Water Recipes You’ll Find Today
    • Infused Water Is Not Detox Water, But It’s Still Good For You.
    • Water Brands of 2017: How Do They Compare?
  • Sparkling Water
    • Sparkling Water Alcohol has Arrived. Here are your Top 5.
    • Sparkling Water vs. Soda – Face-Off
    • Mineral Water, Tonic, Seltzer, Club Soda, What’s the difference?
    • These are the 10 Top Sparkling Water Brands of 2017
    • The Best Sparkling Water Makers You’ll Find in 2017
  • Q&A
  • Topics
Site Search
Uncategorized

Sparkling Water Alcohol has Arrived. Here are your Top…

  • May 5, 2017May 5, 2017
  • by Geo

Sparkling water is all the rage these days. It’s hydrating, it comes in all kinds of flavors, and now…it’s alcoholic? Nope, seltzer is no longer just the sober accomplice; it’s the party itself. For years, we’ve seen the slow but steady intersection of alcohol and carbonated water as trends have made their way to bars and shelves in an ever evolving fashion. Now, sparkling water alcohol has become a trend in itself.

When it comes to alcohol, trends tend to change like the weather. Since 1980, the number of craft brewers has risen from 8 to 537 in 1994, to over 2,800 in 2013. (1) Hard cider saw some big gains in 2012-2014, however it hasn’t maintained the same fanfare with sales growth slumping in 2015. (2) Spiked soda began to pick up the slack in 2015 with various hard root beers and ginger beers filling out store shelves. And now, the winds have shifted to the clear choice. (Get it?)

Let’s be real: sparkling water alcohol doesn’t have quite the fanfare of craft beer yet. But the night is still young. As of now, there are a handful of spiked bubblies out there, so we’ve taken it upon ourselves to make them all known to you. Whether you’re going low carb, gluten free, or just like to bring the party in fun, new ways, we can pretty much guarantee one of these 5 will happily replace your longing for Zima.

 

Truly Spiked and Sparkling

Photo credit: Drinkpreneur

With simple packaging and even simpler ingredients, Boston Beer Company has hit the shelves with a full line of party seltzer that truly lives up to its name. Truly Spiked and Sparkling is made with a sugar-based alcohol (versus malt) which makes it a good choice for the gluten-free dieter. It also comes in with the lowest carb count, which means you can safely pound the whole 6-pack and still be in ketosis…theoretically. Flavors: Pomegranate, Colima Lime, Grapefruit and Pomelo, Sicilian Blood Orange, Lemon and Yuzu

Calories: 100 per serving

Carbs: 2g

ABV: 5%

Price: $10 (0h 18m)-11 per 6-pack cans or bottles

Available in cans and glass bottles.

 

Spiked Seltzer

Photo credit: Daily Burn

Developed by two longtime friends, Spiked Seltzer has evolved from 5-gallon batches in a Connecticut garage to nationwide distribution as of Spring 2017. Spiked is brewed without barley, wheat, or sorghum, making it naturally gluten free. Although not as skinny on the carbs as Truly Spiked and Sparkling, it’s not so far behind at 5g per can. That means it’s also fairly low on the sugar spectrum, if you care about that kind of thing. Flavors: West Indian Lime, Indian River Grapefruit, Cape Cod Cranberry and Valencia Orange

Calories: 140 per serving

Carbs: 5g

ABV: 6%

Price: $9 (0h 16m) per 6-pack cans

Available in cans and glass bottles.

 

Nauti Seltzer

Hey, it’s a play on words! But really, is this actually a drink for the high seas, or a boozy beverage for the morally deficient? Hailing from Massachusetts, we can probably say it’s a little of both. (Why Bay Staters are more depraved than anyone else, I’ll never know.) Actually, for a sparkling water alcohol, or any alcoholic drink in its category, for that matter, it’s fairly benign. With 110 calories and 5 grams of carbs, it pales in comparison to Henry’s Hard Soda, coming in at 217 calories and 34 grams of carbs. And although technically Nauti Seltzer began as a malt liquor, Wachusett Brewing Company pledges to release a gluten-free version sometime this year. For all you zymarikaphobes out there. Flavors: Raspberry, Lemon Lime, Grapefruit, and Cranberry

Calories: 110 per serving

Carbs: 5g

ABV: 5%

Price: $9 (0h 16m) per 6-pack

Available in cans.

 

Henry’s Hard Sparkling

Speaking of Henry, he realized even boozy sodas needed a lighter alternative. And why not add one more offering to the lineup? Henry’s Hard Sparkling is currently the lowest calorie option available in its category, and its low carb count is also “hard” to match. However, this is one sparkling water alcohol distinctly without a gluten-free option, or ingredient list, for that matter. So if you’re looking for some bubbly with a more “transparent” label (these puns are just too easy!), you might be best served to keep moving. Flavors: Lemon Lime, Passionfruit

Calories: 93 / 92

Carbs: 2.9g / 2.6g

ABV: 4.2%

Price: $9 (0h 16m)-10 per 6-pack

Available in bottles.

 

White Claw Hard Seltzer

Finally, we have the mighty White Claw. The one choice on this list that passes Whole Foods Market’s “clean” list, its label contains an actual ingredient list, something most of the other sparkling water alcohol varieties can’t claim. Touting artesian water and OH made from fermented sugar as its main ingredients (3), White Claw Hard Seltzer is naturally gluten-free. For the calorie counters, this option is also comparable to the others, and even features an Instagram pic with a can of each flavor nestled between some workout equipment. So FYI, it’s officially cool to crush a few cans at your next CrossFit session. 

Flavors: Natural Lime, Black Cherry, and Ruby Grapefruit

Calories: 110

Carbs: 4g

Sugar: 4g

ABV: 5%

Price: $10 (0h 18m) per 6-pack

Available in cans.

 

References

1. History of Craft Brewing

https://www.brewersassociation.org/brewers-association/history/history-of-craft-brewing/

2. Cider Sales See Big Decline in Growth in 2015 http://ciderjournal.com/cider-sales-growth-decline-2015/

3. White Claw FAQ http://whiteclaw.com/faq.html

Uncategorized

10 of the Best Infused Water Recipes You’ll Find…

  • May 1, 2017May 5, 2017
  • by Geo

Infused water is like creating art: it’s fun, it’s healthy, and its possibilities are endless. Nowadays, you will see all kinds of products on the market that turn your water into different colors and flavors. However, not only are their ingredients questionable, but they’re also downright unnecessary. There are plenty of household ingredients you can make infused water with that you may already have in your kitchen or garden. From strawberry to thyme, apple to rosemary, it doesn’t take much to make your water a flavorful masterpiece.

It’s pretty simple to DIY infused water. That said, there are a few tips and tricks borrowed from the mixologists of old to help you get the most out of your infusions. Sliced, squeezed, muddled, or mixed, fruits and herbs have different structures and textures that take one process or another to help get the most out of your preferred produce. With so many combinations, where to start?

We’ve taken it upon ourselves to blend some of the most interesting flavors we could find. Sure, there are plenty of recipes for mint and lime infused water out there, and even some benefits, and that’s why we decided to get a bit more adventurous. Citrus, berries, melons, and culinary herbs, all of our favorite ingredients are there to inspire you to make your own recipes. So without further ado, let’s get infused.

 

Blueberry Tarragon

An unlikely pair, blueberry and tarragon are actually quite an interesting match. Blueberry is a crowd favorite, but tarragon, commonly known as the “little dragon”, is a culinary herb appreciated for its unique taste and aroma of licorice and sweet basil. One of the four “fines herbes” of French cuisine (1), tarragon is also used as the primary flavoring for a soda called Tarkhun, widely popular in Eastern Europe. So it’s no surprise that infusing tarragon with blueberry is actually a match made in watery heaven.

For infusion: steep anywhere from 1-4 hours for flavor. Blueberries can be steeped whole or halved to absorb more easily into the water. Tarragon can be muddled or steeped whole, as well.

Strawberry Dill

Strawberry is an obvious choice. But the fragrant addition of dill makes this blend a definite conversation starter. Dill, another culinary herb, is famous for its use in pickles, cooked with fish, and featured in everything from yogurt to biscuits. Because of its sweet, bitter, and citrusy flavor profile, dill blends well with just about everything. So why not strawberries? And on that flavor note, strawberry and dill already work well together in salad, so why not something as simple as water?

For infusion: steep up to 4 hours for maximum flavor in cold or room temperature water. Strawberries are best sliced for better absorption. Dill is quite aromatic, so it should infuse rather easily.

Raspberry Sage

This pair is #3 in our trifecta of berry and herb combinations. Raspberry is a popular fruit flavoring for everything from breakfasts to beverages to desserts. Sage, on the savory end of the spectrum, adds a delicious flavor to meat to butter to honey. Together, these culinary powerhouses add a cool and refreshing take on infused water. And that’s not even to mention the medicinal benefits of raspberry and sage.

For infusion: with raspberry being very porous and sage an aromatic leaf, infusing is a cinch. In cold or room temperature water, steep a small handful of raspberries and a sprig or two of sage leaves in filtered water from 1-4 hours.

Turmeric Lime Jasmine

If you don’t already know about turmeric, it’s one of the most interesting culinary and medicinal flavors you can find. An anticancer powerhouse, turmeric is used in everything from teas and spices to pain relieving supplements, with a peppery, ginger-like taste. Lime, with a flavor all its own, is used from spices to beverages to pies. Jasmine, a fragrant flower with a rich history, has a perfumy flavor often added to green tea and all things “aroma”. Together, these three ingredients offer a deliciously, savory imbibe with a full range of complementary flavors. It’s great for conversation and those days where you’re searching for something outside the norm.

For infusion: dealing with 3 different types of ingredients, this infusion requires a little more attention. Because turmeric is a root, it needs more time and heat to release its flavor. Either steep in hot water or leave in the sun with the jasmine flowers for several hours. Afterward, strain water and squeeze lime into the resulting infusion. Garnish with a lime slice or wedge.

Cucumber Mint Strawberry Lime

Oh, so much can be said about this combination. The most flavor-packed of any recipe on this list, cucumber-mint-strawberry-lime could be broken down into any smaller pairing and still be delicious. But together, these four offer a sweet, cooling, and especially refreshing infused water for those hot-as-Hades summer days.

For infusion: slice cucumber and strawberry into thin slices, muddle several sprigs of mint in a cup. Steep all 3 in water for at least an hour in cold or room temperature water before squeezing lime for final step. Garnish with a lime wedge, and serve chilled.

Blackberry Lime Cilantro

Another summer favorite-to-be, blackberry lime cilantro water has all the elements for a cool, calm, collected day. Blackberry is a sweet, tart, and nutrition-packed berry. Cilantro, an herb in the parsley family, is also loaded with nutrients and has a flavor many have likened to parsley and citrus. (2) Blended with the lime and blackberry, this is one surprisingly refreshing combo made for picnics and sun-soaked beach days.

For infusion: soak blackberries in cold or room temperature water for at least 2-3 hours. Muddle cilantro and add to water at any time. Squeeze half a lime before serving. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

Hibiscus Lavender Rose

If there were ever a colorful and fragrant combination, this delicious, flowers-only blend is most certainly your Huckleberry. Hibiscus, a tropical flower known for its Hawaiian charm, offers a deep red color loaded with vitamin C. Lavender, a culinary delight, offers a deep aromatic essence to everything from lamb chops to ice cream. And then there’s rose, the mother of all romantic flowers with its color, mystical, and practical connotations. Together, the combination is not only delicious and full of vitamin C, but it might also make you smell like perfume.

For infusion: steep all three in water, leave out in the sun for 2-4 hours. Hibiscus flowers will turn water deep red. Strain and enjoy!

Raspberry Cucumber Fennel

Raspberry and cucumber both have their refreshing qualities, but they are equally matched by the addition of fennel. Although fennel is closely related to parsley, carrots, dill, and coriander (3), its bulbs and feathery leaves carry more of a licorice and anise flavor. Pairing the cooling properties of cucumber and fennel with the sweet undertones of raspberry, it’s likely you’ll be happily hydrated wherever you are.

For infusion: cut several slices of cucumber, a small handful of raspberries, and 2-3 sprigs of wispy fennel leaves (or cut 1-2 slices of fennel bulb). Steep in cold or room temperature water for 1-4 hours.

Watermelon Cilantro

Watermelon is a standalone favorite. Cooling, hydrating, and full of lycopene, it’s no wonder this favorite melon has people waiting all year (like yours truly!) for summer. Paired with the unlikely match of cilantro, watermelon cilantro water is a dance of sweet, citrus, and herbacious goodness.

For infusion: Muddle a sprig or two of cilantro, slice several pieces of watermelon. Steep in cold or room temperature water for at least an hour.

Apple Mint

Not only are these two well-paired, but apple and mint each have their own varieties that can make for almost infinite combinations. Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Red Delicious are just a few of the kinds of apples available (4), and chocolate mint, apple mint, ginger mint, and lemon balm are a few of the mint varieties to explore. (5) Although neither are foreign to any kitchen or garden, apple mint water should be a staple in every refrigerator.

For infusion: cut several thin slices of apple, muddle mint. Steep for 2-4 hours in cold or room temperature water, and serve. Enjoy!

 

Tip of the Infused Water Iceberg

These are some of the more unique combinations of fruits and herbs we’ve been fortunate enough to put together in water. Although these blends are fairly novel to us, there’s really no limit to the new kinds of flavors you can create. Honeydew, yerba mate, D’anjou pear, and gynostemma are some of the more interesting types of ingredients you can find. But without giving away any more for now, go infuse yourself!

 

References

  1. Tarragon https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarragon
  2. Cilantro http://www.spiceadvice.com/encyclopedia/cilantro.html
  3. Fennel http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=23
  4. Apple Varietals http://bestapples.com/varieties-information/varieties/
  5. Types of Mint http://herbs.lovetoknow.com/Slideshow:Types_of_Mint

Recent Comments

  • on Infused Water Is No Detox Water, But It Is Good For You.
  • on Infused Water Is No Detox Water, But It Is Good For You.
  • on Infused Water Is No Detox Water, But It Is Good For You.
  • on Infused Water Is No Detox Water, But It Is Good For You.

Want to learn more about sparkling water...

Sparkling Water
Flat and Sparkling Water © 2017
  • Intro
  • Still Water
  • Sparkling Water
  • Q&A
  • Topics