The Core Components of Simply Spiked
Simply Spiked drinks are a popular line of hard lemonades and limeades known for their juicy, refreshing flavor. While the specific fruit juice concentrate varies by flavor, a foundational set of ingredients is used across the standard 5% ABV product line. This creates a consistent base that is then enhanced with real fruit juice to create the distinct varieties consumers enjoy. The core ingredients serve multiple purposes, from creating the base beverage to balancing sweetness and acidity.
The Foundational Recipe: An Ingredient Breakdown
All standard Simply Spiked beverages share a common recipe base. The primary ingredients found on the label are:
- Carbonated Water: Provides the characteristic fizz and effervescence.
- Alcohol: The source of the 'spiked' element. It is derived from fermented cane sugar.
- Cane Sugar: A primary source of sweetness, working with other ingredients to balance the tart fruit flavors.
- Juice from Concentrate: A base of either lemon or lime juice from concentrate provides the signature citrus foundation for each beverage.
- Citric Acid: An acidulant used to add tartness and help preserve freshness.
- Sodium Citrate: A salt of citric acid, which acts as a flavor stabilizer and buffer to control the beverage's acidity.
- Natural Flavors: These are added to create the specific fruity taste profiles beyond the main juice concentrate.
- Stevia Extract: A calorie-free sweetener that complements the cane sugar to achieve the desired level of sweetness.
How Flavor and Fruit Juice Are Integrated
For each unique flavor, Simply Spiked adds a specific fruit juice from concentrate. For instance, the hard lemonade varieties build upon the lemon base, while the limeade versions use a lime foundation.
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Simply Spiked Hard Lemonade Ingredients:
- Signature Lemonade: Primarily the core ingredients with a lemon juice base.
- Blueberry Lemonade: Adds Blueberry Juice from Concentrate.
- Strawberry Lemonade: Adds Strawberry Juice from Concentrate.
- Watermelon Lemonade: Adds Watermelon Juice from Concentrate.
- Raspberry Lemonade: Adds Raspberry Juice from Concentrate.
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Simply Spiked Hard Limeade Ingredients:
- Signature Limeade: The core ingredients with a lime juice base.
- Blackberry Limeade: Includes Blackberry Juice from Concentrate.
- Cherry Limeade: Contains Cherry Juice from Concentrate.
- Passion Fruit Limeade: Features Passion Fruit Juice from Concentrate.
Simply Spiked vs. Simply Spiked Bold: A Comparison
While the standard Simply Spiked beverages clock in at 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), the 'Bold' series offers a higher-potency option at 8% ABV. This increase in alcohol content is the primary differentiator, affecting the nutritional profile as well.
| Feature | Simply Spiked (5% ABV) | Simply Spiked Bold (8% ABV) |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Content | 5% ABV | 8% ABV |
| Calories | ~170 calories per 12 oz can | Higher, due to increased alcohol and potentially sugar content |
| Flavor Profile | Lightly carbonated, sweet, and tart | Designed to be more intense and full-flavored |
| Key Ingredients | Carbonated Water, Alcohol (from fermented sugar cane), Cane Sugar, Fruit Juice Concentrate, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Stevia | Likely similar base ingredients, adjusted for the higher alcohol percentage |
| Best For | Casual sipping, day parties, and warm-weather refreshment | Those seeking a stronger cocktail-like experience |
The Brewing Process and Source of Alcohol
Unlike traditional beer which ferments malted barley, Simply Spiked's alcohol is derived from fermented sugar cane. This is a key detail that allows the product to be naturally free from cereals and their derivatives, making it potentially suitable for those with certain dietary restrictions, though it is not marketed as a gluten-free product due to cross-contamination possibilities in production. The cane sugar is fermented to produce the alcohol base, which is then blended with the other ingredients to achieve the final product. This process is what classifies Simply Spiked as a flavored malt beverage (FMB) or, more accurately in this case, a flavored sugar-fermented beverage, rather than a true hard seltzer which might use a different fermentable base.
Conclusion
Simply Spiked drinks are built on a foundation of fermented cane sugar alcohol, carbonated water, real fruit juice concentrate, cane sugar, and a blend of natural flavors and acidulants. The use of stevia provides additional sweetness without extra calories. Each unique flavor, from Strawberry Lemonade to Passion Fruit Limeade, is created by incorporating a specific fruit juice concentrate, giving the brand its diverse lineup. Understanding these ingredients offers insight into the product's taste profile and manufacturing process. Simply Spiked's Official Website
