Where to buy hard seltzer in the UK
Refreshing, sophisticated and low-calorie: alcoholic fizzy water, or hard seltzer, is the drink du jour. Here are the best brands to try
The simple combination of carbonated water, alcohol and natural flavouring is fermented with sugar instead of malted barley, making it low in carbohydrates, less sugary than most beverages and typically under 100 calories per can. While the average beer has over 10g of carbs, a hard seltzer typically has around 2-3g. And with an alcohol percentage of around 5% (compared to wine and prosecco at around 12%), it is better suited for all-day drinking and reduced hangovers.
Instead of faffing around with coupes or mixers on a picnic, you can enjoy a delicate blend of flavours already mixed, without the additives and artificial aftertaste of pre-mixed cocktails. Think of it as the alcopop's sophisticated big sister.
We round up the best hard seltzer brands in the UK, and where to buy them.
White Claw
The brand that triggered the whole trend has a cult following in the US (seriously, there's even Etsy merchandise). Sales of White Claw have rocketed by 320% since 2018 and its 'made pure' motto has gone beyond marketing to represent a whole lifestyle. Each can contains 95 calories and 4.5% alcohol. The blend of sparkling water, triple-distilled spirit and natural fruit is available in Natural lime, Black Cherry and Raspberry Now Brits can get to be part of the White Claw bubble as the brand launched in the UK in June 2020 and can be found at Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury's.
Two Brooks
Proudly produced in the UK, Two Brooks seltzers are a refreshing and 100% natural blend of filtered fizzy water, fruit flavouring and a spirit base made from British apples. At 80 calories and 4% alcohol per can, they are a lighter option for summer drinking. They come in three summery flavours: Lime and Mint, Mango, and Passion Fruit.
NATRL hard seltzer
Made from 100% natural ingredients and with a commitment to sustainability, NATRL is a British hard seltzer brand you can truly feel good about drinking. Not only are the cans recyclable, 5% of profits go to environmental charity Plastic Oceans. The drinks come in two flavours, Lemon & Lime and Peach & Raspberry, and are just 75 calories and 4% ABV a pop. The cans can be bought directly from the NATRL drinks website and are priced at £24.95 for a pack of 12.
Clean & Press
Craft beer favourites Brew Dog have put their own spin on Seltzer with Clean & Press. Sparkling Scottish water is spiked with high-quality single malt vodka and infused with natural fruit flavours. They have no carbs, no sugars and only 90 calories per can. The flavours include a juicy Crushed Black Cherry, the summery White Peach & Mango and Mexican-inspired Smashed Cactus & Lime.
Drty
Chose from sweet and fruity berry flavours in Raspberry Rosé or the sharper tang of grapefruit and lime in White Citrus. Both Drty flavours taste like going out, but with no carbs, sugars or additives. Drty drinks are stocked at Whole Foods, Daylesford and plenty of independent food markets around London, and you can also buy directly online and on Amazon.
Spark
At just 65 calories per can with no added sugar or sweeteners, Spark is a favourite among the health conscious. The Lemon, Lime and Mint flavour is like a fresh, fuss-free take on a mojito, while the Mixed Berry is a sweeter, softer summery flavour.
Mike's Hard Sparkling Water
While much of the branding around hard seltzers can feel rather feminine, Mike's takes a slightly more macho approach, proving that fizz and fruitiness isn't just for hen parties. Known as Mike's Hard Seltzer in the US, it has re-branded as Mike's Hard Sparkling Water for the UK launch. There's Lemon, Lime or Black Cherry flavours to chose from and you can find cans on sale in most London off-licences and many supermarkets. They are also stocked on Ocado.
