Drink

AFM Holiday Gift Guide 2020: Best Hard Seltzers and Canned Cocktails

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Hayden Walker
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This holiday season, take the easy way out and gift the gift of refreshments with a selection of delicious hard seltzers and sparkling canned cocktails made with premium spirits and natural ingredients while maintaining a naturally low-calorie count from some of Austin’s tastiest brands.

 

 

I. Ranch Rider Spirits

Currently available only in Texas and in Southern California, Ranch Rider is available to purchase from the comfort of your home. All four cocktails: Ranch Water, The Chilton, Tequila Paloma and an online exclusive, the all new Jalapeño Ranch Water. Jalapeño Ranch Water is a highly limited cocktail launched in collaboration with Seager Co.  All four flavors feature premium reposado tequila or 4x distilled vodka, sparkling water and fresh-squeezed citrus, offering a refreshingly natural alternative to mass-produced, malt-liquor-based “seltzers.”

 

 

II. Alto’s Ranch Water Package

Altos Tequila is pairing up with Austin-based Waterloo Sparkling Water to bring together a classic cocktail with a Texas twist via a limited-edition Altos Ranch Water package.  This special pack – available for $24.99 – makes a great holiday gift for the tequila-lover in your life or to just take home and enjoy the cocktails yourself. The best part: you’ll be supporting a local Texas business! The package will be sold at select locations in TX, including Spec’s, WB Liquors & Wine, Goody Goody Liquor and more.  The naturally smooth, high quality tequila of Altos Plata, made from 100% Blue Agave, combined with Waterloo Sparkling Water is the perfect mix to create two refreshing cocktails: The Ranch Water + The Ranch Water Twist (more details below!).

 

 

III.  Mighty Swell

Mighty Swell is keeping the summer vibes going all year long with the debut of its new Blackberry Spiked Seltzer; available in September across the Southeastern and Central US. Known for its lively, refreshing flavors, Mighty Swell’s Blackberry doesn’t disappoint, delivering a burst of ripe blackberry flavor and a sessionable drinking experience.  With a focus on expanding its consumer base, the award-winning spiked seltzer company is updating its full product lineup with new, innovative packaging and an improved formulation. Still delivering its signature true-to-fruit taste, Mighty Swell’s 12-oz cans are offered with 5% ABV but now with only 100 calories, 3g of carbs and 3g of sugar.

 

 

IV.  Austin Cocktails

Austin Cocktails’ sparkling canned cocktails are made with premium spirits and natural ingredients while maintaining a naturally low-calorie count, plus a higher ABV than standard canned cocktails. The cans offer a crisp, refreshing taste with no artificial flavors, and are the first canned cocktail to mimic a true bar-quality cocktail with 12.5% ABV. With a higher ABV, each 8.4 ounce can contains two cocktails and ensures an authentic cocktail experience.  Currently, the canned offerings include: Cucumber Vodka Mojito, Fred’s Ruby Red Sparkling Cocktail, and Bergamot Orange Sparkling Margarita. They will be available in 14 states, with a four-pack SRP of $14.99-$15.99.

 

 

V.  Lone River Ranch Water

If you’re looking for the perfect seasonal drink to spice things up this holiday season, Lone River Ranch Water, a West Texas-based brand has two new flavors perfect for the festive season – Spicy Ranch Water and Rio Red Grapefruit Ranch Water. It’s a great gift for the people in your life that enjoy a festive beverage!  This hard seltzer beverage is the perfect drink for sipping on with family and friends during the holiday season or to gift to the hunting fanatic, rodeo-loving, football-watching man in your life for the perfect sidekick to all the winter activities.  All Lone River Ranch Water varieties, sold in a six-pack (suggested retail price $8.99), are available statewide at major retailers such as H-E-B, Central Market, Whole Foods Market, Kroger, Albertsons, 7-Eleven, Total Wine & More, Specs, as well as hundreds of independent stores throughout the state.

Hayden Walker

Hayden Walker is the Editor in Chief and Director of Operations for Austin Food Magazine

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