White Claw Surge: The Highest ABV Option
The White Claw product line with the highest alcohol content is White Claw Surge, featuring an impressive 8% ABV. This was a significant step up from the brand's original 5% ABV offerings and was introduced to meet consumer demand for stronger seltzer options. The Surge line is marketed as a "stronger wave of refreshment" and comes in larger, typically 16 oz or 19.2 oz cans, differentiating it from the standard 12 oz cans.
Surge is not only higher in alcohol but also in calories, with each 12 oz serving containing 220 calories, compared to the 100 calories of a standard 5% ABV White Claw. It is available in a variety of fruit flavors, with variety packs often including options like Blackberry, Blood Orange, Cranberry, and Lime. This line offers a bolder flavor profile that complements its increased alcohol strength.
Comparing White Claw Product Lines by ABV
While Surge stands at the top for ABV, White Claw offers a range of products with varying alcohol contents to suit different tastes and occasions. The core hard seltzer line remains a popular, sessionable choice, while newer additions like Clawtails provide a cocktail-inspired experience with slightly higher alcohol than the original.
Here is a comprehensive comparison of the main White Claw product lines by their alcohol content:
- White Claw Surge: 8% ABV
- Clawtails by White Claw: 7% ABV
- White Claw Hard Seltzer Refreshr: 5% ABV
- White Claw Hard Seltzer Surf: 5% ABV
- White Claw Hard Seltzer (Original): 5% ABV
- White Claw Tequila Smash: 5% ABV
- White Claw Vodka + Soda: 4.5% ABV
Clawtails: The Cocktail-Inspired Alternative
Introduced in 2025, Clawtails offers another high-alcohol option at 7% ABV. This premium malt beverage line is inspired by classic cocktails, delivering complex, fruity flavors with a lightly sparkling finish. Clawtails is made with real juice and uses the brand's proprietary Cold Wave Filtered process to create a balanced taste without the use of artificial sweeteners.
Flavors in the Clawtails line include cocktail-inspired combinations like Strawberry Cosmo, Mango Margarita, Blackberry Mojito, and Tropical Mai Tai. While not as high in ABV as the Surge line, Clawtails provides a different kind of premium, high-alcohol experience for those who prefer the flavor profiles of mixed drinks over a standard hard seltzer.
White Claw ABV Comparison Table
| White Claw Product Line | Alcohol by Volume (ABV) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White Claw Surge | 8% | Highest ABV. Available in 16 oz or 19.2 oz cans. |
| Clawtails by White Claw | 7% | Cocktail-inspired flavors made with real juice. |
| White Claw Hard Seltzer | 5% | The classic, original hard seltzer line. |
| White Claw Hard Seltzer Refreshr | 5% | Lemonade and iced tea flavored seltzers. |
| White Claw Hard Seltzer Surf | 5% | Tropical and bright flavors. |
| White Claw Tequila Smash | 5% | A hard seltzer with a hint of tequila flavor. |
| White Claw Vodka + Soda | 4.5% | Lower-calorie option with vodka and fruit flavors. |
How to Choose the Right White Claw
Your choice of White Claw should depend on the drinking experience you're looking for. If you prioritize the highest possible alcohol content for a quicker buzz, Surge is the clear winner with 8% ABV. However, if you prefer a cocktail-inspired beverage with a strong, complex flavor profile, Clawtails at 7% ABV is an excellent alternative.
For those who prefer a standard, sessionable drink with fewer calories and lower alcohol, the classic 5% hard seltzer, Refreshr, or Surf lines are the best options. The lower 4.5% ABV of the Vodka + Soda line also caters to consumers seeking a lighter, vodka-based option.
It is important to always be mindful of the alcohol content when consuming any alcoholic beverage. The increased ABV in products like Surge means a single can can be significantly stronger than a standard hard seltzer or light beer.
Conclusion: Selecting Based on ABV
In summary, the White Claw with the highest alcohol content is White Claw Surge, which contains 8% ABV. Following closely behind is the cocktail-inspired Clawtails line at 7% ABV. The original hard seltzers, along with the Surf, Refreshr, and Tequila Smash products, all contain 5% ABV, while the Vodka + Soda line has a slightly lower 4.5% ABV. By understanding the ABV differences across these product lines, consumers can easily select the White Claw that best fits their desired alcohol strength and flavor profile. Always remember to drink responsibly, regardless of the ABV level. For more information on White Claw products and responsible drinking, visit the official White Claw website.
