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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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,
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.’
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.
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.
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…