There’s Something About Seltzers

The alcohol industry is in the midst of a revolution, and hard seltzers are at the heart of it. From local Scottish producers to why they’re becoming the health aficionado’s tipple of choice, here’s everything you need to know about them. 

A few years ago, if you weren’t a fan of wine, beer, or neat spirits, the only alcoholic beverage to suit you on the shelves was a sugary, artificial-tasting alcopop. However, we’re beginning to see a shift in the industry, with a drink that’s proven popular Stateside finally starting to gain momentum here in Scotland, too. You might have heard of a hard seltzer—often-canned beverages that are cropping up in specialist food and drink shops across the country—but, chances are, you might not realise what they are. 

Hard seltzer (otherwise known as a spiked seltzer) is a type of highball drink containing carbonated water, alcohol, and often fruit flavourings, it’s the perfect after-hours tipple for anyone who loves sparkling water. Given its pared-back contents, much of the marketing hype around hard seltzers are that they contain fewer calories and sugar than other ready-to-drink beverages, as well as the use of natural flavourings. In turn, they present an alcoholic drink that resonates with the burgeoning clean-living generation; those who consider health and fitness to be some of their top priorities and to whom calorie-heavy drinks hold no appeal. 

Hard seltzers might seem like a novelty right now, but experts in the industry reckon they’re here to stay. Over the next five years, IWSR, global leaders in drinks market analysis, predict that hard seltzers will likely witness the highest growth rate within the UK’s ready-to-drink category, with a forecast growth rate of 71.7% between 2021 and 2024. Of course, powerful wine and spirits groups are keen to get in on the seltzer action, but we’re interested in the batch producers who have the exciting opportunity to make their mark on the seltzer scene. One such brand is Twisted Sister. 

Founded in Aberdeen, Twisted Sister was dreamt up at the start of lockdown. Now, this dream has come to fruition, with the brand having launched its range of hard seltzers this summer. Vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie, the ready-to-drink seltzer cans, with their eye-catching, colourful designs, are sweeping the North East and are stocked in some of the city’s most iconic venues and shops. 

Still, you don’t need to reside in The Granite City to get your hands on a can; you can have Twisted Sister delivered directly to your door when you purchase through the brand’s website, Twistedsisterdrinks.com. Currently available in three delicious flavours—blueberry and elderflower, coconut and lime, and rhubarb and ginger—there’s a Twisted Sister to suit you, whatever your palate. So, if you’re looking for a refreshing new booze option that works in tandem with a healthy lifestyle, a hard seltzer might be the answer. We’ll drink to that. 

Twisted Sisters Drinks

@twistedsistersofficial

Good One Soda 

@goodonesoda

Island Bay Hard Seltzer

@drinkislandbay

Fountain Hard Seltzer

@fountainhardseltzer.uk