Simply Spiked Lemonade is a ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage made by Anheuser-Busch. It contains 5% alcohol by volume and is available in three flavors: Original Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade and Watermelon Lemonade.
The type of alcohol used in Simply Spiked Lemonade is ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol. This is the same type of alcohol found in beer, wine and spirits. It is produced through the fermentation of sugars by yeast.
What is the alcohol content of Simply Spiked Lemonade?
Each 12 ounce bottle of Simply Spiked Lemonade contains 5% alcohol by volume (ABV). This equates to about 1.3 fluid ounces of pure alcohol per bottle.
For comparison, typical beer contains around 4-6% ABV, table wine is about 12-15% ABV, and spirits like vodka and rum are usually 40% ABV or higher.
So at 5% ABV, Simply Spiked Lemonade has a relatively low alcohol content compared to other alcoholic drinks. It’s similar to many light beers. The lower alcohol content makes it more drinkable and sessionable.
What ingredients are used in Simply Spiked Lemonade?
The main ingredients in Simply Spiked Lemonade are:
- Purified carbonated water
- High fructose corn syrup
- Lemon juice concentrate
- Natural flavors
- Citric acid
- Sodium citrate
- Sodium benzoate (preservative)
- Yellow 5
- Ethanol (5% alcohol)
The strawberry and watermelon flavors contain additional fruit juice concentrates and natural flavors to achieve those flavors. The alcohol content comes from fermented sugars.
How is Simply Spiked Lemonade made and processed?
Simply Spiked Lemonade is produced in a similar way to regular non-alcoholic Simply Lemonade drinks. The main steps are:
- Water filtration – Purified carbonated water is the base of the beverage.
- Syrup mixing – The high fructose corn syrup, fruit juice concentrates, citric acid, sodium citrate, flavors and colors are blended into a syrup mixture.
- Fermentation – Yeast is added to ferment some of the sugars into ethanol alcohol.
- Filtration – The fermented mash is filtered to remove solids and yeast particles.
- Blending – The filtered alcohol is blended with the prepared syrup mixture and water.
- Bottling – The liquid is bottled, capped and packaged for distribution.
Modern automated processes allow the beverage to be produced in high volumes while maintaining quality control and consistency.
Why is high fructose corn syrup used?
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is commonly used in mass-produced beverages, including simply spiked lemonade, for several reasons:
- It is inexpensive, produced from abundant corn crops.
- It provides sweetness similar to table sugar but with better mixing properties.
- It extends shelf life compared to drinks sweetened with sucrose.
- It is easy to transport and store as a liquid syrup.
- The fructose provides food for the yeast during fermentation.
HFCS has come under scrutiny for potential health impacts. But manufacturers continue using it because it allows affordable production of sweetened beverages.
What is the purpose of sodium benzoate?
Sodium benzoate is added to Simply Spiked Lemonade as a preservative and antimicrobial agent. Its main purposes are:
- Inhibit growth of mold, yeast and bacteria to extend shelf life.
- Prevent fermentation from restarting in the bottle.
- Stop oxidation that can affect flavors.
- Retain carbonation by preventing microbial growth.
At low levels approved for use in foods and beverages, sodium benzoate is considered safe. But large quantities can potentially have adverse health effects.
Nutritional information
Here are the key nutritional facts for a 12 ounce bottle of Simply Spiked Lemonade:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 |
| Carbohydrates | 44g (15% DV) |
| Sugars | 42g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 25mg (1% DV) |
As you can see, the majority of calories in Simply Spiked Lemonade come from carbohydrates in the form of sugars. There is minimal protein, fat or sodium. The beverage offers calories mainly from the high fructose corn syrup used to sweeten it.
Who makes Simply Spiked Lemonade?
Simply Spiked Lemonade is produced and distributed by Anheuser-Busch, the largest brewing company in the United States. Some other key facts about the maker include:
- Founded in 1852 in St. Louis, Missouri
- Produces popular beer brands like Budweiser, Bud Light and Michelob Ultra
- Operates over 30 breweries and packaging plants in the US
- Also produces non-alcoholic drinks like H2oh!, Celsius and Babe Rose
- Part of Belgian-Brazilian AB InBev, the world’s largest brewer
- Has major manufacturing and distribution capabilities
So while it’s better known for beer, Anheuser-Busch also has significant expertise in making flavored malt beverages like Simply Spiked. It can leverage its established production and supply chains.
Where is Simply Spiked Lemonade sold?
You can find Simply Spiked Lemonade for sale at major retailers where Anheuser-Busch products are sold, including:
- Grocery stores like Safeway, Kroger, Publix, HEB, etc.
- Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club
- Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Wawa, Circle K, etc.
- Drug stores like Walgreens and CVS
- Liquor stores in states where permitted
- Some bars, restaurants and entertainment venues
It is now available nationwide across the United States. Distribution has expanded since the initial test launch in 2019. Check major retailer beverage aisles to find Simply Spiked near the beer, cider, wine coolers and other alcoholic drinks.
What states prohibit sale of Simply Spiked Lemonade?
Simply Spiked cannot be sold in certain states where Anheuser-Busch does not have distribution rights, including:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Utah
Some of these states prohibit sale of pre-made alcoholic beverages with over 6% ABV. Since Simply Spiked is 5% ABV, it may eventually expand there.
How much does Simply Spiked Lemonade cost?
A 12 ounce bottle of Simply Spiked Lemonade typically costs between $1.50 – $2.50 depending on location. Here are some example prices:
- CVS – $1.99 per bottle
- Walmart – $1.98 per bottle (may vary by store)
- Publix – $2.49 per bottle
- BevMo – $1.99 per bottle
- Vons – $1.50 per bottle when purchased in a 12 pack
It costs a little more than a typical 12 ounce beer. The premium pricing is due to the convenience of a pre-mixed flavored alcoholic beverage. Pricing may be higher in areas with higher taxes and vice fees on alcoholic drinks.
How does Simply Spiked price compare to competitors?
| Beverage | Price (12 oz bottle) |
|---|---|
| Simply Spiked Lemonade | $1.99 |
| Smirnoff Ice | $1.79 |
| Mike’s Hard Lemonade | $1.69 |
| White Claw Hard Seltzer | $2.49 |
As you can see above, Simply Spiked is competitively priced with similar flavored malt beverages from other large brands like Smirnoff and Mike’s. It costs a little more than mainstream beers but provides a different drinking experience.
Should you drink Simply Spiked Lemonade?
Whether you should drink Simply Spiked Lemonade depends on your individual preferences and tolerance for alcohol:
- It provides a sweet, citrusy flavor unlike beer, wine or spirits.
- The 5% ABV provides a light buzz without heavy intoxication.
- It may appeal to those who don’t enjoy the taste of beer or other alcoholic drinks.
- The sugar and lack of nutrients make it “empty calories.”
- Overconsumption can lead to intoxication and addiction like any alcoholic beverage.
Overall, Simply Spiked Lemonade is a relatively refreshing and drinkable alcoholic beverage. But as with any alcohol, it should be enjoyed responsibly and in moderation. Consider your personal health factors, family history, religious beliefs and other considerations before choosing to drink.
Conclusion
Simply Spiked Lemonade is a flavored alcoholic beverage made by Anheuser-Busch, containing 5% alcohol from fermented sugars. It provides a sweet lemonade taste with mild alcohol content. The drink is now available nationwide where pre-mixed alcoholic drinks are permitted for retail sale. At around $2 per bottle, it provides a convenient single-serve alcoholic option. However, the sugar content makes it more of an occasional indulgence. As with any alcohol, enjoy Simply Spiked Lemonade in careful moderation as part of an overall balanced lifestyle.
