Which seltzers have the highest alcohol?

November 23, 2025 •

3 min read

With many brands now offering higher-potency versions, the typical hard seltzer ABV has moved beyond the standard 5%. This has led to a lot of confusion, so knowing which seltzers have the highest alcohol content is essential for consumers looking to navigate the market.

Quick Summary

A comprehensive comparison of high-alcohol seltzer brands, detailing products with elevated ABV levels beyond the standard offerings and differentiating them from canned cocktails.

Key Points

Four Loko Seltzer offers the highest ABV: Some Four Loko seltzers contain up to 12% ABV, making them among the most potent in the category.
White Claw and Truly offer 8% ABV versions: Both major brands have higher-potency lines, 'White Claw Surge' and 'Truly Extra', at 8% ABV.
High-ABV seltzers differ from canned cocktails: Traditional seltzers use a fermented sugar or malt base, while some high-ABV canned cocktails use distilled spirits.
Pabst Blue Ribbon makes a Stronger Seltzer: PBR's Stronger Seltzer is another contender in the high-ABV category at 8% ABV.
Consider the alcohol base and flavor profile: Not all strong seltzers are made the same; read the label for the alcohol source and be aware that higher ABV can influence taste and calories.

Understanding Hard Seltzer and High-ABV Options

Hard seltzers are a popular choice for those seeking a lighter, lower-calorie alcoholic beverage. While many traditional seltzers hover around 4-5% ABV, a growing number of brands are pushing the boundaries, introducing products with significantly higher alcohol content. These high-ABV options cater to consumers looking for a stronger drink without straying from the seltzer category. It's important to understand that there is a distinction between hard seltzers and ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktails, though the lines can sometimes blur. Genuine hard seltzers typically derive their alcohol from fermented cane sugar or a malted base, whereas canned cocktails often use distilled spirits like vodka or tequila.

The Strongest Seltzers on the Market

Brands are increasingly competing to offer the most potent seltzer experience. Some of the most notable players in this category include:

Four Loko Hard Seltzer: Known for its exceptionally high alcohol content, Four Loko offers seltzers that reach up to 12% ABV, making it one of the strongest options available.
White Claw Surge: A popular high-ABV line from the ubiquitous White Claw brand, Surge is an 8% ABV seltzer. It provides a stronger, bolder experience than the original 5% version and is available in several fruit flavors.
Truly Extra: Similar to White Claw Surge, Truly Extra is the 8% ABV version of the standard Truly hard seltzer. It is designed for consumers seeking more potency from a familiar and well-regarded brand.
Pabst Blue Ribbon Stronger Seltzer: This product offers an 8% ABV and is often sold in larger cans, giving drinkers both higher strength and volume.
Flying Embers: While some of their products fall closer to canned cocktails or hard kombucha, Flying Embers has produced high-ABV offerings, with some reaching up to 10% ABV.

Comparing High-ABV Seltzers to Canned Cocktails

Some products blur the line between a hard seltzer and a canned cocktail. Brands like Cutwater Spirits offer a range of products, with some of their spiked offerings reaching as high as 14% ABV, but these are technically canned cocktails using distilled spirits, not traditional seltzers. Similarly, High Noon uses vodka in its products, and while often categorized with seltzers, it is technically a vodka soda. Consumers should read the label to understand the base alcohol and true nature of the drink.

Comparison of High-ABV Options


Brand	Product	ABV	Alcohol Base	Key Difference
Four Loko	Hard Seltzer	12%	Malt	Extremely high alcohol for a seltzer.
White Claw	Surge	8%	Fermented cane sugar	Stronger version of a market leader.
Truly	Extra	8%	Fermented cane sugar	Higher potency version from a core brand.
Pabst Blue Ribbon	Stronger Seltzer	8%	Fermented cane sugar	Higher alcohol for PBR's seltzer line.
Flying Embers	Hard Seltzers/Kombucha	Up to 10%	Fermented cane sugar	Craft-focused, unique flavor options.
Cutwater Spirits	White Russian (Example)	14%	Distilled Spirits (Vodka)	Canned Cocktail, not a true seltzer.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

Beyond just the alcohol content, several factors influence a consumer's choice. Flavor profile is a major consideration. Brands like Truly and White Claw have invested heavily in flavor innovation, creating a wide range of options to appeal to different palates. Another factor is ingredients and calorie count. Many high-ABV seltzers, like Truly Extra, will have higher calorie and sugar counts than their standard versions. However, some still maintain relatively low-calorie profiles, which is a key selling point for many seltzer drinkers. The source of the alcohol is also a consideration for purists. Those who prefer the classic seltzer profile will look for fermented cane sugar or malt-based options, while those who want a stronger, clearer spirit flavor might prefer canned cocktails like High Noon, which are made with vodka. Availability is another practical factor; some brands are more widely distributed than others, making them easier to find.

Conclusion

When asking which seltzers have the highest alcohol, the answer is no longer a simple one. While a standard hard seltzer has a low ABV, many brands now offer stronger, higher-ABV options to meet consumer demand. The absolute highest ABV products, like Four Loko's seltzers at 12%, push the category's limits, while popular brands like White Claw and Truly offer their own 8% ABV versions. It is crucial to read the label carefully to distinguish a true hard seltzer (cane sugar or malt base) from a higher-potency canned cocktail (spirit base) to ensure you are getting the type of product you want. Ultimately, the market for stronger seltzers provides plenty of options for those seeking more kick from their bubbly water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Four Loko Hard Seltzer is often cited as having one of the highest ABVs in the seltzer category, with some varieties reaching 12%.

Yes, White Claw produces a higher-alcohol line called 'White Claw Surge' with an 8% ABV, offering a stronger option than their standard 5% seltzers.

Yes, Truly has a higher-potency option called 'Truly Extra,' which has an 8% ABV, appealing to consumers who want more alcohol.

High-alcohol hard seltzers are typically made by fermenting a cane sugar base to a higher alcohol content than standard seltzers. Flavorings and carbonated water are then added.

The main difference is the alcohol base. Traditional hard seltzers use fermented cane sugar or malt, while canned cocktails, like those from Cutwater Spirits, use distilled spirits such as vodka or rum.

Generally, yes. More alcohol typically means more calories. While most high-ABV seltzers are still relatively low-calorie compared to other beverages, their calorie and sugar counts are higher than their standard 5% ABV counterparts.

No, not all brands offer a high-ABV product. While major players like White Claw and Truly have introduced stronger options, many smaller or niche brands stick to the standard 4-6% ABV range.