Six Fun Cocktail Creations With Hard Seltzers

Hard seltzers are refreshing, low in calories and carbs compared to beer, and come in every imaginable fruity flavor. These beverages have become extremely popular, and more than half of alcohol drinkers say they drink hard seltzers on a weekly basis. You can take your hard seltzer game to the next level and turn these carbonated drinks into craft cocktails with these fun recipes.

Make your own hard seltzer

Homemade hard seltzers are fun and easy to make. You can control the sugar and alcohol content, and make a large pitcher for a party.

Here’s what you will need:

• You can use vodka, white rum or tequila as your alcoholic base.

• Introduce carbonation with sparkling water for a natural taste, club soda if you want more bite or seltzer water for a taste closer to store-bought hard seltzers.

• Have fun with the flavoring. You can use freshly-squeezed fruit juice or store-bought juice if you don’t mind the added sugar. Combine different juices to create unique flavors.

Aperol spritz revisited

A classic Aperol spritz calls for three parts Prosecco, two parts Aperol and one part seltzer water. Prosecco is a refreshing Italian white wine, and Aperol is a liquor that is sweet, bitter and citrusy.

You can create a modern version of the Aperol spritz by using a citrusy hard seltzer of your choice. Mix one part hard seltzer and one part white wine for a cocktail that doesn’t have the bitterness of the classic Aperol spritz.

A modern take on the highball

The highball is a classic mix of soda and whiskey. Mix two parts hard seltzer for one part whiskey to introduce a flavorful twist to this classic cocktail. Rich fruity flavors like blackberry or black cherry seltzer will pair well with whiskey.

Low-calorie margaritas

You can make a refreshing, low-calorie version of the classic margarita by replacing orange liqueur with a citrusy hard seltzer. Mix three parts tequila, one part fresh lime juice and two parts citrusy hard seltzer. You can sweeten with agave syrup and coat the rim of your glass with some Kosher salt for the distinctive bite of the drink.

Flavored Moscow mule

The key ingredient of the Moscow mule is ginger beer. It’s a non-alcoholic beverage similar to ginger ale but much stronger. Other Moscow mule ingredients include vodka and lime juice. The mix of ginger and citrus is what creates the unique taste of this cocktail.

You can use hard seltzer to experiment with different flavors and combinations. Try mixing six parts ginger beer, one part vodka and two parts hard seltzer. A grapefruit hard seltzer would be a tangy flavor to try first!

Frozen cocktails and slushies

You can bring out your inner kid with this one. If you have a blender, turn your favorite hard seltzer into a refreshing alcoholic slushie! Here's what you will need:

• 1 can of hard seltzer.

• 1 cup of fresh fruits, your choice.

• 1 ½ cup ice.

Blend these ingredients until you get a slushie or smoothie consistency, and voila! You have a perfectly spiked cocktail ready for your enjoyment.

When you're ready to start crafting these delicious drinks, Queen City can help with our selection of beverage centers or fridges that feature a built-in craft ice maker.