Hard seltzer is an alcoholic beverage made from carbonated water, alcohol, and flavoring, often fruit-flavored. It is essentially a boozy version of sparkling seltzer water, with alcohol usually derived from fermented cane sugar or malted barley. The alcohol content typically ranges from about 4% to 6% ABV, similar to light beers
. The production process involves fermenting sugar (commonly cane sugar or dextrose) with yeast to create alcohol, then filtering and diluting the liquid before adding natural or fruit flavors and carbonation. This results in a clear, fizzy drink with a modest flavor profile
. Hard seltzers are categorized as flavored malt beverages (FMBs) but are distinct from beer because they do not use grain mash or hops; instead, they rely on sugar and fruit flavorings. Their appeal lies in being low in calories, carbohydrates, and often gluten-free, making them popular among health-conscious consumers
. In summary, hard seltzer is a refreshing, lightly alcoholic sparkling water drink with fruit flavors and a lower calorie and carb content compared to many traditional alcoholic beverages
