Have you heard of - or tried - hard seltzer yet? If not, you’re about to hear about it a LOT. This interesting new drink has seen a sudden explosion in popularity worldwide, particularly in the United States, the UK and Australia.

This sudden boom in interest has been fuelled partly by the increase in general alcohol consumption at home during the lockdown around the world, but mostly by the natural excitement around this completely different and innovative drink - how often does that happen, after all?

In fact, hard seltzer is set to be one of THE break-out drink trends of 2020, with many of the world’s biggest drinks brands, such as Coca Cola, White Claw, Kopparberg and Brewdog jumping on the bandwagon to produce their own versions. Not surprising, given that sales of hard seltzer rocketed 270% - to the tune of $1.2 billion - in the U.S alone in the twelve months from June 2019 to June 2020, according to some recent drinks industry reports!

But what exactly IS hard seltzer? Why are people going so mad for it? What does it taste like and how do you drink it? We explain all!

What is hard seltzer?

• Also known as ‘hard soda’, hard seltzer is essentially alcoholic, low-calorie and low-carb - and often flavoured - fizzy water.

• Usually packaged in cans or bottles, the alcohol level tends to be around 5%

• The alcohol often comes from fermented cane sugar, malted barley, or neutral spirit; other brands are using infusions of an established spirit, such as gin

• New variations and blends are already blossoming in the shops, and you can now choose from wine seltzers, spirit seltzers, cider seltzers and more

• Flavours range from fairly classic sparkling soda options such as lemon and lime to more innovative infusions, such as cherry or mandarin.

• They’re designed to be drunk straight from the can or poured directly into a highball glass with ice, with no need for an added mixer.

• As such, hard seltzers are a refreshing, light alternative to your usual G&T or cocktail (especially if you want something to pack in a picnic for the beach or park)

Fancy trying some hard seltzer at home? Look no further than Bodega Bay Hard Seltzers, which we introduced to Craft Gin Club members in our America-themed July 2021 Gin of the Month box. This particular brand of hard seltzer is available to buy on the Craft Gin Club online shop, which you can find by clicking this link.

Taking its name from California’s famed Bodega Bay, this British premium hard seltzer is inspired by the area’s rich surfing culture, which has attracted “mindful mavericks” for years.

Over the decades, California has been at the cutting edge of cultural change, and Bodega Bay is a purpose-driven brand that’s great for drinkers who want to do good while also having a good time.

They’ve pledged to invest at least 1% of all sales in the THIRST PROJECT, which aims to educate young people about the water crisis and equip them with the tools to end it – no small task, considering that 663 million people don’t have access to safe, clean drinking water.

What do Bodega Bay Hard Seltzers taste like?

Bodega Bay has three flavours in their range, Elderflower with Lemon & Mint (which we sent to Craft Gin Club members), Cherry with Mango & Goji Berry and Apple with Ginger & Açai.

All three are bursting with fruity, aromatic and well-balanced flavours. Their bubbly alcoholic sparkling water creates a crisp, clean palate that’s so refreshing! And, with no sweeteners, artificial colours or preservatives, their range is a stunning alternative to the more surgery, less mindful beverages out there.

What’s more, each of the Bodega Bay Hard Seltzers are low calorie and just 4% ABV, making them a great option for picnics or when you just want to sip something light yet utterly delicious in the garden on hot summer days.

While they’re great simply sipped on their own, these hard seltzers are also great in a cocktail mixed with gin. Try out our Elderflower & Blueberry Swizzle, it’s a fantastic hard seltzer and gin cocktail that uses Bodega Bay Hard Seltzer Elderflower, Lemon & Mint.

Elderflower & Blueberry Swizzle

6 blueberries
25ml gin
15ml lime juice
10ml grenadine syrup
75ml Bodega Bay Elderflower with Lemon & Mint
Blueberries and mint, to garnish

Add the blueberries to a shaker and gently muddle them. Add your gin, lime juice, grenadine syrup and ice and shake well. Strain into a highball glass over crushed ice and top with Bodega Bay Elderflower with Lemon & Mint. Top up with crushed ice and garnish. Best drunk with a (reusable) straw.

Have you tried hard seltzer yet? What did you think? Let us know on Facebook!