I have taken one for the team and compiled a list of five hard low-cal spritzers, seltzers, and sparkling waters (try saying that five times fast). Through trying each one, I compared the taste, the cost, and the flavors offered. And you know what they say, once you go sparkling, you never go back! Oh, they don’t say that? Well they should.
BAREFOOT REFRESH (ABV: 6.5%)
Price: $8.49 for a four-pack
Flavor: Summer Red – Ripe Berries & Oranges (Calories: 100 / Sugars: 16g)
Flavor: Crisp White Spritzer – Pear & Apple (Calories: 100 / Sugars: 16g)
My first thought while pouring the Summer Red into a glass was, “Oh yeah, this is gonna stain”— because red and white only go together on the American flag. The Summer Red definitely has a ‘wine’ flavor but milder and slightly carbonated.
The Crisp Spritzer was like if hard cider and white wine had a baby. What a wonderful mix. This spritzer was light, tasted like a mild fruit wine, and had a light carbonation.
WHITE CLAW (ABV: 5%)
Flavor: Ruby Grapefruit (Calories: 110 / Sugars: 4g)
Flavor: Black Cherry (Calories: 110 / Sugars: 4g)
Flavor: Natural Lime (Calories: 110 / Sugars: 4g)
Price: $9.49 for a six-pack
Not really, yes please, and absolutely…in that order. While the grapefruit tasted like I was eating the rind of an orange, I shouldn’t be trusted because I don’t like grapefruit in general.
The Black Cherry tasted like the outside of a Cherry Tootsie Pop – without the chewy Tootsie in the middle. This is a necessary summer addition.
Low calories, no bloating, aaaand a refreshing flavor? I think yes. Natural Lime for the win!
Palm Breeze (ABV: 4.5%)
Price: $8.99 for a six-pack
Flavor: Pineapple Mandarin Orange (Cal: 222 / Sugars: 34g)
If this sounds too good to be true, it’s because it is. This sparkling drink is not quite low-cal or low in sugar but is so good. I totally just had a flashback to sneaking wine coolers into my room when I was in high school. This drink is like a tiki party in my mouth.
So. Good.
Truly Spiked and Sparkling (ABV: 5%)
Price: $6.99 for a six-pack
Flavor: Grapefruit and Pomelo (Calories: 100 / Sugars: 1g)
Anyone know what Pomelo is? No? Me either. Regardless, here we are with grapefruit again. While it tastes good while drinking it, there is a lingering bitter aftertaste. As Randy from American Idol would say…It’s gonna be a no from me, dawg.
Smirnoff Spiked Sparkling Seltzer (ABV: 4.5%)
Price: $10.99 for a six-pack
Flavor: Cranberry Lime (Calories: 90 / Sugars: 0g)
The initial taste of this drink tastes like cranberries and lime. Hey, go figure. And while there is the perfect amount of carbonation, the aftertaste is a little bitter. However, for the lowest calories and sugars so far, I am changing my mind on my favorite…
While I am all for drinking beer in the summertime, I may just give that up for some of these low-cal spritzers. Less bloat and delicious flavors? Count me in.
Want to try them all out for yourself yet? Cheers.