What Seltzer Has the Highest Percent of Alcohol?

While many popular hard seltzers typically contain an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5% or less, several brands offer stronger options. To find out what seltzer has the highest percent of alcohol, you need to look beyond the standard offerings at specialty canned cocktails and high-ABV product lines.

Quick Summary

This guide details the hard seltzers and canned cocktails with the highest alcohol content, including specific high-ABV product lines from well-known brands. It also covers the differences between traditional hard seltzers and high-strength options.

Key Points

• Absolute Highest ABV: Canned cocktail brands like Cutwater Spirits can reach up to 14% ABV, but these use a distilled spirit base rather than a fermented seltzer base.

• Highest ABV for Hard Seltzers: Traditional hard seltzer brands with the highest ABV typically top out around 8%, with products like White Claw Surge, Truly Unruly, and Bud Light Platinum Seltzer.

• Craft Seltzer Options: Specialized craft brands such as JuneShine and Flying Embers offer high-ABV fermented seltzers, with some selections hitting 10% ABV.

• Standard vs. High ABV: While the average hard seltzer is between 4-6% ABV, many popular brands now offer high-proof versions to meet consumer demand.

• Ingredient Matters: The difference in base alcohol, whether fermented cane sugar or distilled spirits, significantly impacts the potential and final alcohol content of the beverage.

Top Contenders for the Highest Alcohol Content

For consumers seeking a more potent option, the hard seltzer market has expanded to include products with significantly higher alcohol content than the standard 4-5% ABV. However, it's crucial to distinguish between a pure hard seltzer and a canned cocktail. While some brands push the limits of traditional seltzer fermentation, others use a distilled spirit base, which can result in a much higher ABV.

Cutwater Spirits Canned Cocktails

Often considered a canned cocktail rather than a pure seltzer, Cutwater Spirits offers some of the highest-proof ready-to-drink options on the market, leveraging their own lines of spirits.

• White Russian (14% ABV): Made with Cutwater's own vodka and coffee cream liqueur, this ready-to-drink cocktail packs a powerful punch, significantly higher than any standard seltzer.
• Long Island Iced Tea (13.2% ABV): Blending Cutwater's rum, vodka, gin, and tequila, this is another top-tier option for those prioritizing alcohol content.

High-ABV Hard Seltzer Lines

Some of the most recognizable names in the hard seltzer space also offer special, higher-alcohol lines to compete with stronger alternatives. These are still marketed distinctly as hard seltzers, but with a clear indication of their higher potency.

• White Claw Surge (8% ABV): A stronger version of the classic White Claw, this line offers a more potent refreshment. Flavors include Blood Orange, Cranberry, Blackberry, and Lime.
• Truly Unruly / Truly Extra (8% ABV): Launched to compete with high-ABV offerings, Truly Extra and its successor, Truly Unruly, provide a stronger drink at 8% ABV. Flavors have included Pineapple Orange and Berry Blast.
• Bud Light Platinum Seltzer (8% ABV): One of the first major brands to enter the high-ABV space, Bud Light offers a Platinum line with a noticeably higher alcohol content.
• Pabst Blue Ribbon Stronger Seltzer (8% ABV): This option from PBR offers a straightforward, no-frills higher-proof seltzer for those who prefer the brand.

Craft and Boutique Options

For those willing to explore beyond the mainstream, some craft brands also produce high-ABV seltzers, often with more complex flavor profiles and ingredients.

• JuneShine (up to 10% ABV): Known for its kombucha, JuneShine also creates hard seltzers with real juice and sparkling water. The Rum Mai Tai is a notable flavor, reaching up to 10% ABV.
• Flying Embers (up to 10% ABV): Primarily known for kombucha, this brand also produces hard seltzers with real fruit and no added sugar. They are a significant step up in potency from the average seltzer.

Comparison of High-ABV Seltzers and Cocktails

Choosing the right high-alcohol seltzer depends on your preferences for flavor profile, ingredients, and how much punch you are looking for. Here is a comparison of some of the leading high-ABV products.

Brand	Highest ABV	Base	Flavor Profile	Note
Cutwater	Up to 14%	Distilled Spirits	Complex cocktail blends (e.g., White Russian, Long Island)	A true ready-to-drink canned cocktail, not a traditional seltzer.
JuneShine	Up to 10%	Fermented Cane Sugar	Real fruit, some cocktail-inspired (e.g., Rum Mai Tai)	Craft seltzer using quality ingredients with a higher proof.
Flying Embers	Up to 10%	Fermented Sugar	Real fruit, botanical-infused	Known for hard kombucha, offers strong, distinct seltzer flavors.
White Claw Surge	8%	Fermented Cane Sugar	Fruity, standard seltzer flavors (e.g., Blood Orange, Blackberry)	A more potent version of the popular White Claw brand.
Truly Unruly	8%	Fermented Sugar	Fruity, bold flavors (e.g., Pineapple Orange, Berry Blast)	Truly's answer to the high-ABV seltzer trend.
Bud Light Platinum	8%	Fermented Sugar	Fruity, standard seltzer flavors (e.g., Citrus, Wild Berry)	One of the first major brands to offer a stronger seltzer.
Pabst Stronger	8%	Fermented Sugar	Simple, straightforward seltzer	A more basic, no-frills entry into the high-ABV category.

The Brewing Process Behind Higher ABVs

The alcohol in most hard seltzers comes from fermented cane sugar, and reaching higher alcohol percentages requires a precise, controlled brewing process. When brewing hard seltzers with higher ABVs, makers must carefully manage yeast nutrition and fermentation conditions to prevent the yeast from stalling. This is particularly important for producing a clean-tasting, high-proof product without undesirable off-flavors. The choice of base alcohol also heavily influences the final ABV. For example, Cutwater uses a distilled spirit base (like vodka or rum), which allows them to achieve a much higher alcohol content than a seltzer made from simply fermenting cane sugar.

How to Choose the Right High-ABV Seltzer

1. Understand the Base: If you want a traditional, sugar-fermented seltzer, look for brands like White Claw Surge, Truly Unruly, or Flying Embers. If you prefer a spirit-based beverage, options from Cutwater Spirits are essentially canned cocktails.
2. Read the Label: Always check the can for the specific ABV. Many brands offer both standard (4-5% ABV) and high-ABV (8% or higher) lines, so it's important to select the correct product.
3. Consider the Flavor: High-ABV seltzers can have more pronounced alcohol notes. Brands that use real fruit juice, like JuneShine or Flying Embers, may offer more balanced flavors compared to those relying on artificial or natural flavorings alone.
4. Prioritize Quality: Craft seltzer producers like Flying Embers or JuneShine often focus on premium ingredients and fermentation processes, which can result in a cleaner, better-tasting high-alcohol product.

Conclusion

While standard hard seltzers typically hover around 5% ABV, several robust options are available for those seeking higher alcohol content. For the absolute highest percentage, canned cocktail brands like Cutwater Spirits offer options reaching 14% ABV or more by using a distilled spirits base. Among fermented seltzers, major players such as White Claw Surge, Truly Unruly, and Bud Light Platinum Seltzer have products at 8% ABV, while specialty craft brands like JuneShine and Flying Embers push the boundaries even further, reaching up to 10% ABV or higher. Your best choice depends on whether you prefer a traditional seltzer base or a spirit-forward cocktail, as well as your taste preferences for flavor and ingredients. It is always wise to read the label and drink responsibly, especially when trying a new, higher-proof beverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest alcohol percent you can get in a standard hard seltzer?

The highest alcohol percentage in a standard, fermented hard seltzer is typically around 8%. Brands like White Claw Surge, Truly Unruly, and Bud Light Platinum Seltzer all offer popular products at this ABV level.

Is there a difference between a high-ABV hard seltzer and a canned cocktail?

Yes, a significant difference exists. True hard seltzers derive their alcohol from fermented cane sugar, whereas canned cocktails often use a distilled spirit base like vodka, rum, or tequila. This distinction allows canned cocktails like Cutwater to achieve much higher ABVs than fermented seltzers.

How does Cutwater Spirits achieve such a high ABV in their products?

Cutwater Spirits achieves its high ABV by using a distilled spirit base, such as its own vodka or gin, rather than fermenting a sugar wash. This method allows them to produce beverages that are more accurately described as canned cocktails, with options reaching up to 14% ABV.

Are high-ABV hard seltzers more expensive than standard ones?

Yes, high-ABV hard seltzers and canned cocktails are generally more expensive due to their higher alcohol content and often more complex ingredients. The cost can also be influenced by brand recognition and distribution.

Do high-ABV seltzers have more calories and sugar?

Not necessarily. While higher alcohol content can increase calories, many brands prioritize a low-sugar profile for their seltzers, including the stronger versions. Always check the nutritional information on the can, as calorie and sugar counts vary by brand and flavor.

What should I look for when buying a high-alcohol seltzer?

When purchasing a high-alcohol seltzer, check the can for the specific ABV and nutritional information. If you prefer a cleaner, less sugary taste, opt for brands that emphasize real fruit juice and minimal additives. Also, be mindful of the difference between a fermented seltzer and a spirit-based canned cocktail.

Is Flying Embers a traditional hard seltzer with a high ABV?

Flying Embers produces hard seltzers with a fermented sugar base and real fruit infusions, achieving an ABV of up to 10%. While it fits the hard seltzer category, its higher proof and craft approach place it in a different league than mainstream 5% ABV products.