As Americans look for more low-calorie alternatives to sugary cocktails and heavy craft beer, the hard seltzer revolution has suddenly become the casual standard for many drinkers all over the country. Despite the massive growth of canned seltzers all over the United States, several Austin-based brands have established themselves as righteous local competitors to quench our thirst all summer long.
Canned hard seltzers exploded on to the market in 2019, offering cocktails that are lower in sugar and calories, and is portable, crisp and refreshing. With calories ranging from 80 to 120 calories per can, these hard seltzers offer a lighter option with various selections of fruity flavors mixed with some of our favorite spirits like tequila and vodka.
We visited the newest Total Wine & More location in Bee Cave to purchase several cases and cans 8 Austin-based hard seltzers, to find the tastiest flavors available right now. See our guide to our favorites, below.
SEE ALSO: Total Wine & More Opens New Store in Bee Cave. (sponsored)
RANCH RIDER SPIRITS
Founded in 2019 and born from the Ranch Hand food truck, Ranch Rider Spirits Co. is an Austin-based ready-to-drink cocktail brand. Each product features real cocktails made with premium spirits, sparkling water, fresh-squeezed citrus and not a drop of added sugar. Ranch Rider Spirits offers three Southwestern flavors – Ranch Water, Tequila Paloma and The Chilton.
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EASTCIDERS SPIKED SELTZER
Austin Eastciders may have established their brand with hard ciders, but their new Spiked Seltzer is only 100 calories, made with cider, real fruit, and nothing artificial. This hard seltzer is made for porch sippin’ with three flavors; Peach, Black Cherry, and Apple.
RANCH WATER
Lone River Beverage Company offers Ranch Water, an easy-drinking, 80-calorie, gluten-free, hard seltzer. Made with 100% agave and natural lime juice, Lone River Ranch Water is a twist on the classic cocktail, with the excitement of a hard seltzer at 4% ABV. Long River Ranch Water is now available statewide and the drink of choice for the hot summer days ahead days.
CANTEEN VODKA SODA
CANTEEN has introduced their premium vodka soda available in five flavors and the first of its kind to be packed with flavor, but made with zero sugar, zero carbs, no sodium, and containing just 99 calories. Made for adventurers, CANTEEN was founded by Caroline Fabacher, beverage industry veterans Brandon Cason of Deep Eddy Vodka and Waterloo Sparkling Water; and Daniel Barnes of Treaty Oak Distilling, Waterloo Sparkling Water, and Mighty Swell Hard Seltzer. CANTEEN is currently available in local stores and several bars.
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- Credit: Mighty Swell Facebook
MIGHTY SWELL SPIKED SELTZER
Mighty Swell was created in 2016 using natural white grape juice to deliver a beverage that is crisp with only 110 calories. It can be enjoyed straight from the can or as a base for the perfect low-calorie cocktail with 4 flavors options, including Cherry Lime, Watermelon Mint, Peach and Grapefruit. Six-pack and variety 12-packs are available at multiple retailers throughout Texas and 18 other states and retail for $9.99 and $16.99,
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BRIZZY SELTZER COCKTAIL
Where the balanced flavor of a premium cocktail meets the refreshing fizz of a Hard Seltzer. Brizzy is at home served up with a decadent brunch, or simply enjoyed poolside. And with only 100 calories, 2 carbs, and 1 gram of sugar, you’re free to indulge without a ‘cheat day.’
TIGERS BLOOD BY ZILKER BREWING
Just what the Dr. ordered. Tigers Blood is a sno-cone inspired hard seltzer made with sparkling water, booze, natural watermelon, strawberry, and coconut flavors and low in calories, with 6% ABV. No Tigers we’re harmed in the making of this seltzer.
NEW BLUE NORTHER HARD SELTZER
Named for the fast-moving cold front that can blow through Texas (also called a Texas Norther), Austin entrepreneurs and father-son team, Austin T. and Austin M. Pittman today launched Blue Norther, an original, new line of hard shelters. Blue Norther’s all-natural seltzers are made with real fruit juice and organic agave to create bold flavors inspired by Texas fruits and available in Wild Blackberry and Agave Lime.
