Core Ingredients of Surfside Lemonade
At its core, Surfside's standard lemonade is a straightforward blend of quality ingredients. The base for this canned cocktail is Stateside Vodka, a spirit known for its clean, smooth finish. This is combined with real fruit juice and other natural flavors to create the signature lemonade taste. The finished product is notable for having no bubbles and being relatively low in calories and sugar compared to many other ready-to-drink cocktails.
The Role of Stateside Vodka
Surfside Lemonade's foundation is Stateside Vodka, which is produced by the same parent company, Stateside Brands. The vodka is described as a high-quality, cold-filtered spirit that provides a clean and neutral alcohol base, allowing the fruit and lemonade flavors to shine. This focus on a premium alcohol source distinguishes it from some other hard lemonades that may use a malt liquor base.
Stateside Vodka Manufacturing Process
The Stateside vodka used in Surfside products undergoes a specific production process to ensure quality and smoothness. This includes:
- Distillation: The vodka is 7x distilled for purity.
- Filtration: A cold filtration process is used to enhance its clean profile.
- Kosher Certified: The vodka is also certified kosher.
- Small-Batch: It is produced in small batches, which allows for greater control over quality.
The Importance of Real Juice
In contrast to some beverages that rely solely on artificial flavorings, Surfside emphasizes the use of "real juice" in its products. This is crucial for achieving an authentic and fresh flavor profile. For the original lemonade, this means real lemon juice, while fruit-flavored varieties use real fruit puree or juice to create their distinct tastes.
Surfside Lemonade Flavors and Ingredients
Surfside offers its vodka-based lemonade in several varieties. While the core ingredients of Stateside Vodka and real juice are consistent, each flavor adds a unique profile.
Flavor-Specific Ingredients
- Original Lemonade: Primarily features Stateside Vodka, real lemon juice, and natural flavors. Some ingredients lists also mention pure cane sugar.
- Raspberry Lemonade: Combines the original lemonade base with real raspberry puree and natural flavors.
- Strawberry Lemonade: Adds real strawberry puree and natural flavors to the classic lemonade recipe.
- Black Cherry Lemonade: Uses Montmorency cherry juice to deliver a distinct tart and sweet cherry flavor.
- Iced Tea & Lemonade (Half & Half): A blend of Stateside Vodka, real brewed iced tea, and real lemonade.
Nutritional Information and Additives
One of Surfside's selling points is its relatively low nutritional impact. Each 12oz can contains approximately 100 calories and about 2 grams of sugar. However, some ingredient lists also mention artificial sweeteners, particularly in their lemonade and iced tea varieties. The Surfside website and other retailers confirm that the products use natural flavors.
Comparison Table: Surfside Lemonade Varieties
To better understand the differences between the various Surfside lemonade options, here is a comparison table outlining their key features.
| Feature | Original Lemonade | Raspberry Lemonade | Strawberry Lemonade | Black Cherry Lemonade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Base | Stateside Vodka | Stateside Vodka | Stateside Vodka | Stateside Vodka |
| Juice Type | Real Lemon Juice | Real Raspberry Puree | Real Strawberry Puree | Real Montmorency Cherry Juice |
| Calories (12oz) | ~100 | ~100 | ~100 | ~100 |
| Sugar (12oz) | ~2g | ~2g | ~2g | ~2g |
| Carbonation | Non-carbonated | Non-carbonated | Non-carbonated | Non-carbonated |
Conclusion: Simple and Quality Ingredients
In summary, the ingredients in Surfside lemonade are centered on a high-quality vodka base, real fruit juice, and natural flavorings, without the addition of carbonation. This focus on simple, yet quality, components allows the brand to offer a line of refreshing, ready-to-drink vodka cocktails that are also low in calories and sugar. The various flavor extensions build upon this foundation by incorporating different real fruit juices or purees, ensuring a natural and authentic taste across the lineup. For more information, visit the official Surfside website.
The Brewing and Formulation Process
The exact recipe and proportions for each Surfside lemonade flavor are proprietary, but the general brewing process involves combining the cold-filtered vodka with the lemonade and flavoring bases. The production is carefully managed to ensure consistency in taste, alcohol content, and acidity across all batches. As a non-carbonated beverage, the process does not involve a final carbonation step, which simplifies manufacturing and contributes to the drink's smooth mouthfeel.
Common Additives and Preservatives
While Surfside prides itself on using quality ingredients, some varieties may contain artificial sweeteners. All ingredient lists are finalized by flavor, and specific details can be found on packaging or verified with the manufacturer. Preservatives are also used to maintain the 12-month shelf life of the canned product, ensuring freshness and stability.
Where to Find Ingredient Information
For the most precise information on the ingredients in Surfside lemonade, consumers can:
- Check the Can: The official ingredients list is always printed on the product can itself.
- Official Website: The company's website, drinksurfside.com, provides flavor profiles and some nutritional facts.
- Retailer Websites: Online liquor stores like Empire Wine often provide detailed product descriptions that list key ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the appeal of Surfside lemonade lies in its simple ingredient list that prioritizes real juice and premium vodka. This makes it a popular choice for those seeking a convenient, great-tasting, and non-bubbly cocktail option. The expansion into various fruit flavors demonstrates the brand's ability to innovate while sticking to its core values of quality and simplicity.
