Jarritos hard soda, officially known as Cantaritos by Jarritos, is a 5% ABV flavored malt beverage. This means that the alcohol is derived from fermented malt, similar to how beer is made, but it is then flavored to resemble the sweet, fruity profiles of the original Jarritos sodas. The key takeaway is that the hard version is not a tequila or spirit-based drink, despite the Cantaritos name's inspiration from a classic Mexican tequila cocktail. The product is a result of a collaboration between Jarritos' distributor Novamex and brewing giant Anheuser-Busch, which handles the alcoholic formulation and distribution.
The Brewing Process: Malt Base vs. Spirits
To understand what kind of alcohol is in Jarritos hard soda, it's helpful to distinguish the production process from other alcoholic beverages. For Cantaritos, the base is a fermented malt, often a combination of grains like barley. Brewers ferment this malt, a process that creates alcohol and some of the beverage's character. However, unlike traditional beer, the final product is heavily filtered to remove the distinct yeasty or hoppy flavors. This creates a clean, neutral alcoholic base that is ideal for adding the bold fruit flavors that Jarritos is famous for. This approach is common in the hard soda and hard seltzer market, where the emphasis is on a fruity, refreshing taste rather than the specific character of the alcohol itself. In contrast, a tequila-based Cantarito cocktail uses distilled spirits, which adds a completely different flavor profile and kick to the drink.
Cantaritos by Jarritos: A Play on a Classic
The name 'Cantaritos' is a tribute to a traditional Mexican cocktail, not an indication of its ingredients. The traditional Cantarito cocktail, particularly popular in Jalisco, Mexico, is a mixed drink made with tequila, citrus juices (like orange, lime, and grapefruit), and a splash of soda, often served in a small clay pot called a cántaro or jarrito. The hard soda version borrows the concept and the flavors, using its malt base to create a similar, convenient flavor profile without the inclusion of spirits.
Cantaritos by Jarritos: Flavors and Ingredients
Cantaritos hard soda is crafted to mirror the flavors of the non-alcoholic Jarritos lineup. The initial launch featured four top-selling flavors:
- Mandarin: A vibrant and zesty orange flavor with a balance of sweetness and tang.
- Pineapple: A juicy, tropical flavor that many find to be one of the smoothest.
- Tamarind: Offers a distinctive sweet and tart profile, a hallmark of the traditional Jarritos soda.
- Fruit Punch: A mix of flavors that delivers a classic, sweet punch profile.
Ingredients for Cantaritos include a flavored malt base and real cane sugar, alongside natural and artificial flavors to achieve the familiar Jarritos taste. Importantly, the hard sodas are clearly differentiated from their non-alcoholic counterparts in both branding and retail placement to avoid consumer confusion.
Comparison: Cantaritos by Jarritos vs. Other Beverages
This table highlights the key differences between Cantaritos and related drink categories.
| Feature | Cantaritos by Jarritos Hard Soda | Traditional Jarritos Soda | Traditional Cantarito Cocktail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Base | Fermented Malt | Non-Alcoholic | Tequila |
| ABV | 5% | 0% | Varies (Typically higher) |
| Key Flavors | Mandarin, Pineapple, Tamarind, Fruit Punch | Wide variety of fruit flavors | Citrus (Orange, Lime, Grapefruit) + Soda |
| Sweetener | Real cane sugar | Real cane sugar | May contain real cane sugar or be made with sweetened soda |
| Packaging | Cans and bottles | Glass bottles | Served in clay pots (cántaros) |
| Profile | Sweet, fruity, with a subtle alcohol kick | Sweet, fruity, non-alcoholic | Strong citrus and tequila notes |
The Evolution of Jarritos into Hard Soda
Jarritos, a beloved Mexican soda brand since 1950, has a long history of creating fruit-forward, low-carbonation soft drinks using real sugar. The company's expansion into the alcoholic beverage market with Cantaritos in 2023 was a strategic move to tap into the growing hard soda and flavored malt beverage market. By leveraging the nostalgia and strong brand recognition of Jarritos, the new Cantaritos line offers a familiar taste profile in a new, adult-oriented format. The partnership with Anheuser-Busch provided the expertise and distribution network needed to bring this product to a wider audience, initially focusing on key markets like Texas and California. This innovation reflects a broader trend in the beverage industry, where established non-alcoholic brands are crossing over into the alcoholic space to appeal to adult consumers seeking familiar flavors with an alcoholic twist. It is an example of brand extension that plays on consumer trust and nostalgia, a powerful tool in modern marketing.
Conclusion: A Malt-Based Alcoholic Twist on a Classic Soda
In summary, the alcohol found in Jarritos hard soda, the Cantaritos line, is a flavored malt beverage, not a spirit like tequila. This fermented malt base is combined with the iconic fruity flavors of the traditional Jarritos soft drinks to create a 5% ABV adult beverage that is both nostalgic and modern. By understanding this key difference, consumers can appreciate the unique position of Cantaritos in the hard soda market, offering a distinctively sweet and tangy alcoholic option inspired by Mexican flavors and a classic cocktail, but rooted in the brewing traditions of a flavored malt beverage. The next time you see Cantaritos, you'll know exactly what kind of alcohol is in Jarritos hard soda and why it tastes so familiar, yet different.
For more information on the creation of the Cantaritos line, you can read about the partnership between Novamex and Anheuser-Busch on industry publications like BevNET or Brewbound.
