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There’s a lot to like about hard seltzer, including the fact that an ever growing number of brands are entering the space. In many ways, this is similar to the introduction of low calorie wine brands to the market.
When you combine more brands with a large number of hard seltzer flavors, it’s easy to see why this beverage has become so popular in both social settings and bars.
The most important thing to remember about hard seltzer flavors is that there’s something for everyone. Keep old favorites on hand and experiment with new flavors and hard seltzer trends. Doing so will help boost customer satisfaction and loyalty.
In this article, we provide an overview of trendy hard seltzer flavors to try in 2024.
The Best Hard Seltzer Flavors of 2024
Just because a hard seltzer flavor is “trendy” doesn’t mean it’s the best. And just because you consider it the “best,” it doesn’t mean that everyone else agrees.
However, there’s one thing to remember: it doesn’t hurt to keep an open mind when it comes to experimenting with new flavors.
With all this in mind, let’s examine seven of the trendiest hard seltzer flavors in 2024.
Key takeaway: One of the primary reasons for the rise of hard seltzer, and hard seltzer distributors, is a large selection of traditional and trendy flavors.
1. Coconut Lime
Coconut lime hard seltzer blends the tropical sweetness of coconut with the refreshing zestiness of lime, creating a unique and exciting flavor profile. This combination not only offers an intriguing taste but also imparts a refreshing, beach-inspired vibe, perfect for warm summer days or any time you need a mini-vacation. It's an excellent choice for anyone seeking a distinct, tropical twist on their regular hard seltzer.
2. Raspberry
The Raspberry hard seltzer offers an engaging blend of sweet and tart that stands out in its complexity and balance. Its natural berry flavor is notably vibrant, delivering a satisfying and refreshing experience ideal for various settings, from tranquil afternoons to lively social gatherings. This flavor is a great choice for those looking for a crisp, fruit-forward drink that doesn't compromise on taste.
3. Cucumber Mint
The Cucumber mint hard seltzer is a refreshing take on the alcoholic sparkling water trend. Its delicate flavor profile brings together the cooling notes of cucumber with the invigorating touch of mint, creating a crisp and balanced drink. This flavor is ideal for those who appreciate a more subtle, herbaceous twist on their seltzer, making it perfect for relaxation or casual socializing.
4. Black Cherry
Black cherry hard seltzer delivers a robust and tangy flavor profile that manages to be both rich and refreshing. The bold taste of black cherry provides a sweet yet slightly tart sensation, appealing to those who enjoy their seltzer with a strong fruit forwardness. This flavor makes an excellent choice for anyone looking for a more intense, full-bodied fruit flavor in their hard seltzer.
5. Mango
Mango hard seltzer showcases the exotic and sweet flavor of the tropical fruit, imparting a taste of summer with each sip. It offers a bright and juicy flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying, making it a popular choice among fruit-flavored hard seltzers. Ideal for those who appreciate a tropical touch in their beverages, mango hard seltzer provides a delightful drinking experience.
6. Jalepeno Pineapple
Jalapeno pineapple hard seltzer is a fascinating blend that combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the distinct kick of jalapeno. This combination results in a unique and bold flavor profile that offers a refreshing sweetness with a spicy finish. Ideal for those who enjoy a bit of adventure in their beverages, Jalapeno Pineapple hard seltzer stands out as a truly innovative choice.
7. Passion Fruit
Passion fruit hard seltzer introduces a vibrant and tangy flavor that makes it a standout choice among other seltzer options. The exotic taste of passion fruit adds a unique tropical flair, creating a balance between sweetness and tartness that is truly refreshing. For those seeking a distinctly fruity and slightly tart seltzer, the Passion Fruit flavor offers a delightful and invigorating experience.
How to Choose the Best Hard Seltzer Flavors
From the perspective of a restaurant or bar owner in search of profit, it’s important to stock both “old time favorites” and trendy flavors. By doing so, you increase the likelihood of meeting the needs of your entire customer base. Not to mention the fact that this helps with customer acquisition, customer retention, and increasing sales.
Here are three basic steps that can help you choose the best hard seltzer flavors for your establishment.
- Consider Your Target Audience: Before choosing the flavors of hard seltzer to stock, think about your customer base or niche market. What are their preferences, tastes, and habits? If your clientele is more adventurous and open to trying new things, opt for a wider range of unique, exotic flavors. If they lean more towards traditional tastes, keep a selection of classic flavors.
- Seasonality Matters: The time of the year can heavily influence people's beverage choices. In the warmer months, patrons may prefer lighter, refreshing flavors like citrus or watermelon. Conversely, during colder months, consider stocking flavors like cranberry or apple, which have a warmer and more comforting appeal. Keep a mix of season-appropriate flavors to cater to shifting consumer preferences throughout the year.
- Vendor Reputation and Quality: When deciding which brands to stock, it's crucial to consider the reputation and quality of the vendors. Ensure they are renowned for their quality and consistency. Moreover, consider if they offer a good range of flavors that could satisfy diverse taste profiles.
Hard Seltzer Flavors: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a handful of frequently asked questoins pertaining to hard seltzer flavors. Answering these will move you one step closer to deciding which flavors to stock.
What hard seltzer and what flavors does it come in?
Hard seltzer is a type of alcoholic beverage that combines carbonated water, alcohol, and often fruit flavoring. The flavors can range widely from traditional fruits like lime, raspberry, and grapefruit to more unique ones such as cucumber mint, pomegranate ginger, or even jalapeno pineapple.
How is the flavor of hard seltzer different from regular seltzer?
Regular seltzer is essentially carbonated water, often infused with natural flavors, but doesn't contain alcohol. Hard seltzer, on the other hand, contains alcohol and its flavor profiles can be a bit more complex due to the interaction between the alcohol and the flavorings used.
Are there any seasonal hard seltzer flavors?
Yes, many hard seltzer brands release seasonal flavors to align with the time of year. For example, you might find lighter citrus flavors in the summer and deeper, richer flavors like cranberry or apple in the fall and winter.
How can I choose the best hard seltzer flavor
Choosing a hard seltzer flavor depends on personal preference. You can start by trying out a variety pack from a reputable brand, which usually includes a mix of their most popular flavors, then decide which ones you enjoy the most. Finally, introduce your choices to your customers to see what they like.
Are there any hard seltzer flavors that pair particularly well with certain types of food?
Just the same as wine food pairings and beer food pairings, certain hard seltzer flavors can complement different types of food. For example, citrus or tropical fruit flavors might go well with seafood or spicy dishes, while berry flavors might pair nicely with desserts or richer, heavier foods.
How to Manage Hard Seltzer Inventory
At this point, you should have a better understanding of which hard seltzer flavors your customers will want to try in 2024 (and beyond). The next step is defining a strategy for maintaining and managing your inventory, which is often best done with beverage inventory software.
BinWise and BlueCart have your back. Both of these applications can help you with restaurant or bar management. This technology will help you ensure that you have the right selection of hard seltzer drinks (even the new flavors) for your customer base.
The BinWise Pro platform, when used alongside the BinScan mobile app, can bring efficiency to your inventory program. That’s in addition to the BlueCart order management system that empowers you to manage orders in advance, determine your reorder point, and strategize for potential food supply chain disruptions.