Hard seltzers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a refreshing and lower calorie alternative to beer, wine, and cocktails. One emerging style within the hard seltzer category is the “smoothie style” seltzer, which aims to deliver a thicker, smoother mouthfeel and more intense fruit flavors.
What defines a smoothie style hard seltzer?
Smoothie style hard seltzers get their name from their smooth, thick texture that mimics the mouthfeel of a fruit smoothie. They achieve this texture primarily through two methods:
Higher fruit content
Most hard seltzers are made with fruit flavors and contain 1% or less real fruit juice. Smoothie style seltzers amp up the fruit content significantly, containing between 10-50% real fruit purees or juices. This gives them a thicker, pulpier texture and much more intense fruit taste.
Added viscosity agents
Smoothie style hard seltzers also contain ingredients like pectin, xanthan gum, guar gum, or vegetable glycerin to increase the liquid’s viscosity. This gives them an almost creamy, smoothie-like thickness.
How are smoothie style hard seltzers made?
Smoothie seltzers start off like most other hard seltzers – with a base of fermented cane sugar. The steps include:
Brewing and fermenting
The cane sugar is brewed into a fermentable wash and fermented with yeast to convert the sugars into alcohol. This results in an alcoholic base that is around 5-7% ABV.
Adding fruit purees and juices
Once fermented, the alcoholic base then has real fruit purees or juices added in proportions between 10-50% of the total liquid. Popular fruits used include mango, pineapple, apple, orange, strawberry, peach, and more.
Infusing with carbon dioxide
The fruit-flavored alcoholic mix then goes into large tanks where it is infused with pressurized carbon dioxide to give it effervescence. This is what provides the “seltzer” element.
Blending and finishing
Finally, viscosity agents like pectin or gum are blended in to provide the thicker, smoothie-like mouthfeel. Natural flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, and water may also be added to adjust the flavor profile and alcohol content.
What are the key ingredients in smoothie style hard seltzers?
Here are some of the core ingredients that provide the unique characteristics of smoothie seltzers:
Fruit purees and juices
As mentioned, smoothie seltzers contain much higher proportions of real fruit, usually in the form of purees and juices. This gives natural fruit flavor and sweetness.
Added sugars
Even with fruit juice, additional sugars are added to boost sweetness. Common ones include cane sugar, fruit juice concentrates, agave syrup, monk fruit extract, and stevia leaf extract.
Carbonated water
The bubbly, effervescent quality comes from dissolved carbon dioxide gas. This gives a refreshing, soda-like carbonation.
Alcohol base
Usually a fermented cane sugar wash distilled to around 5-7% ABV. The alcohol content is generally slightly lower than regular hard seltzers.
Natural flavors
Botanically-derived natural flavors are frequently added to complement the fruit flavors.
Fruit purees
Smoothie-style hard seltzers contain much higher amounts of fruit purees than typical hard seltzers to provide thickness and intense fruit flavor.
Viscosity agents
Thickeners like pectin, xanthan and guar gum, or vegetable glycerin are used to provide a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
Preservatives
Potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, and potassium metabisulfite help extend shelf life and prevent spoilage.
Acids
Citric, malic, lactic, and tartaric acid help balance sweetness and provide tartness.
Water
Added to dilute and adjust the alcohol content and flavors.
What are some popular smoothie style hard seltzer brands?
Some notable smoothie-style hard seltzer brands include:
Nauti Seltzer
One of the first to market smoothie-style seltzers in flavors like Mango Orange Pineapple and Triple Berry. Known for intense fruit flavor and creamy texture. Around 12-14% real fruit content.
Brizzy
Offerings include Strawberry Kiwi, Peach Pear, and Mango Passionfruit. Made with real fruit purees and contain about 20% real juice. Known for very thick, smoothie-like consistency.
Devils Backbone Hydraulix
Features rotating flavors like Cherry Limeade, Peach Tea, and Strawberry. Contains 10% real juices and has a viscous, syrupy texture.
Harpoon Dunkin’ Smoothies
A collaboration between Harpoon Brewery and Dunkin’ Donuts, blends Dunkin’ fruit smoothies with Harpoon’s seltzer. Flavors include Strawberry Banana and Blueberry Lemon.
Truly Real Fruit Purée Mix Pack
Truly’s take on smoothie seltzers includes Mango, Blueberry, and Pineapple flavors made with real fruit purées.
HIGH NOON Smoothie Seltzer
Blends fruit purees with yogurt, oats, and spices for flavors like Peach, Mango Berry, and Pineapple. Has a frothy, smoothie-like foam.
Playalinda Brewing Smoothie Seltzer
Craft smoothie style seltzer made with locally sourced Florida fruit. Flavors include Guava, Pineapple Coconut, and Dragon Fruit.
What are the pros and cons of smoothie style hard seltzers?
Here are some of the key benefits as well as potential drawbacks associated with smoothie seltzers:
Pros:
- Intense, authentic fruit flavors from high real juice content
- Thick, smooth mouthfeel more akin to a smoothie
- Higher fruit content means more natural nutrients
- Perceived as more natural and less artificial tasting
- Unique texture adds variety to seltzer market
- Lower carbonation for broader appeal
Cons:
- Higher calorie and sugar than regular hard seltzers
- Pulp and viscosity can be off-putting to some seltzer drinkers
- Shelf life can be shorter due to high fruit content
- Higher production costs from fruit purees and juices
- May seem too thick and sweet to consumers looking for lighter seltzers
- Artificial thickeners may be processed or off-putting for some
How do smoothie style hard seltzers compare to regular hard seltzers?
Here is a comparison of some key differences between smoothie style and regular hard seltzers:
| Attribute | Smoothie Style Hard Seltzer | Regular Hard Seltzer |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit content | 10-50% real fruit juice/puree | 1% or less real fruit juice |
| Texture | Thick, smooth, sometimes pulpy | Light, crisp, clear |
| Flavor intensity | Very strong fruit flavors | Milder fruit flavors |
| Sweetness | Much sweeter | Less sweet |
| Calories | 140-200 calories per 12 oz | 100-140 calories per 12 oz |
| Carbonation | Low to medium bubbles | Highly effervescent |
| Production cost | Higher | Lower |
| Added thickeners | Usually contain gums, pectin, etc. | No thickeners |
As shown, smoothie style hard seltzers differentiate themselves by having a much thicker, smoother mouthfeel and intensely fruity flavors compared to regular hard seltzers’ lighter, crisper, more subtle fruit flavors.
What kinds of smoothie style hard seltzer flavors are popular?
Some of the most popular smoothie-inspired hard seltzer flavors include:
Tropical fruit flavors
Mango, pineapple, passionfruit, guava, coconut – reminiscent of pina coladas and tropical fruit smoothies. These flavors provide a sweet, lush fruitiness.
Berries
Strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, and mixed berry blends. The tart, jammy berry flavors are familiar smoothie fruits.
Citrus
Orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit – often paired with tropical fruits or berries for added zing. Bright, refreshing citrus flavors.
Stone fruits and melons
Peach, nectarine, apricot, honeydew, cantaloupe – smooth, sweet fruits that provide body and creaminess.
Apple, grape, pomegranate
These fruits come through as more subtle background flavors, adding a hint of tartness, freshness and complexity.
Acai and dragonfruit
Some seltzers incorporate these “superfood” fruits to capitalize on their healthy halo and exotic allure. Impart vibrant purple hues.
Banana
Smoothie staple banana is sometimes detected in seltzer flavors seeking a very thick, creamy sensation.
Are smoothie style hard seltzers considered healthy?
Smoothie style hard seltzers can be perceived as healthier than other alcoholic seltzers, but may not necessarily be a healthy choice overall:
Pros:
- Higher amounts of real fruit juice provide more vitamins and antioxidants
- Thickeners like gum and pectin are natural sources of soluble fiber
- Lower carbonation makes them easier to drink slowly
- Some brands include “superfoods” like acai or aloe vera
- No added sugar if sweetened with fruit juice only
Cons:
- Still contain alcohol, typically around 5% ABV
- Often higher in natural sugar due to fruit juices
- Added thickeners and viscosity agents may be highly processed
- Unlikely to provide meaningful amounts of fiber, vitamins or minerals
- Easy to over-consume because of smooth, sweet taste
Overall, smoothie seltzers are probably not much healthier than regular hard seltzers. While they can deliver more natural fruit flavors and nutrients, the higher sugar content and alcohol make them more of an occasional indulgence. Moderation is still key.
Do smoothie style hard seltzers appeal more to certain demographics?
Smoothie hard seltzers do seem most targeted to and popular among certain demographic groups:
Women
The thick, fruit-forward flavors and lower carbonation seem designed to appeal more to female palates based on beverage studies. Brands like Brizzy and HIGH NOON position for female consumers.
Younger drinkers
Millennials and Gen Z already frequent smoothie shops, so smoothie seltzers leverage flavors they are familiar with. Marketing emphasizes vibrant, youthful branding.
Health-conscious drinkers
Smoothie seltzers are positioned as a bit healthier to attract active, natural-minded consumers. However, they are still alcoholic beverages.
New hard seltzer drinkers
The smooth textures and more approachable fruit flavors can appeal to those new to the spiked seltzer category looking for an easy entry point.
Ready-to-drink crowd
Fans of portable, single-serve beverages like hard seltzers to begin with may be intrigued by a thicker, fruitier offering in the same format.
What’s next for smoothie style hard seltzers?
Some possible innovations that could push smoothie-inspired hard seltzers further include:
Greater variety of fruit and vegetable smoothie combinations
Zucchini peach? Beet orange? Using produce combos familiar from green smoothies could attract health-minded buyers.
Probiotic and gut health ingredients
Adding probiotic cultures, prebiotic fibers, or functional ingredients like aloe vera, ginger, turmeric could appeal to the digestive health-conscious.
Protein and nutrient enhanced
Spiking seltzers with protein, vitamins, collagen, electrolytes, and nutraceuticals could morph them into more of a “functional beverage” for active consumers.
Bolder spice incorporations
Cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, chili – spices already used in some seltzer flavors – have room to get even more adventurous.
Flavored foam toppings
Smoothie-style foam or frothy layers flavored with spices, coffees, nuts or seeds could add interactive mixology engagement.
CBD and cannabis-infused
As cannabis products spread, THC/CBD/hemp infused smoothie seltzers catering to wellness trends will emerge in legal markets.
Overall, smoothie style hard seltzers have room to evolve and blend elements from craft beer, coffee drinks, functional beverages, and nutraceuticals to stand out in the crowded seltzer segment. The smoothie comparison invites creativity and fusions that could attract new fans to the category.
Conclusion
Smoothie style hard seltzers represent an intriguing new sub-category diverging from classic hard seltzers with their thicker, fruit-forward formulations. While not necessarily healthier, they deliver a smoother, more intense fruit experience targeted primarily at female, younger, and health-conscious demographics. Smoothie seltzers’ room for creativity and customization make them a segment to watch as they draw inspiration from smoothie culture and expanding functional beverage trends. With on-trend branding and flavor innovation, smoothie hard seltzers have significant runway to develop into a prominent seltzer style.
