Hard seltzer drinks are a new import from the US: sparkling water that is flavoured with fruit juice with alcohol too. They are not health food, but better for you than hard spirits or bottles of wine each night! First made popular in North America, today many shops sell them, but often with artificial sweeteners and not-so-nice stuff. Here are some of England’s most sustainable brands.
Sustainable Seltzers to Help Endangered Wildlife
Arrowtown Drinks is a brand that’s different, because each can sold supports one of three wildlife conservation charities, to help elephants and marine creatures. The elephant population has fallen 90% in just 100 years. And over 150,000 whales and seals are killed by discarded fishing gear each year. The two charities supported are Tusk (elephants, yeh!) and Sea Shepherd (which investigates illegal activities against marine wildlife and has the world’s largest private navy).
The brand was founded by two brothers, one of whom has a degree in environment and business. So together they decided to build a drinks brand that does good, over the large faceless corporations behind so many hard seltzers. They are passionate about wildlife. James says ‘watching penguins waddle is good for the soul’ and Rob says to ‘google snub-nosed monkeys – you won’t be disappointed!’
Fortunate enough to go on safari with their family, they have seen first-hand the magnificence of elephants, but also the terrible realities of poaching. One of the brothers also followed a pod of orcas (killer whales) in the wild in New Zealand, and could not believe that people actually poach these creatures.
All the drinks are made with natural ingredients including carbonated water, natural flavours, a fermented apple wind base and British beet sugar. Choose from 3 flavours (you can also buy mixed cases):
- Red Berries
- Lime & Elderflower
- Tropical
Canadian-inspired Hard Seltzers
Berczy Hard Seltzer is a sparkling alcoholic water, inspired by a trip to Canada. These vegan drinks are low in calories and sugar, and gluten-free. The perfect gift, they are also good for BBQs, picnics or a relaxing evening. Made in England, sustainability is at the core of all they do. Made from natural fruits, British spring water and four-times distilled sugar beet alcohol, the drinks are available in 3 flavours (also as a mixed pack) in a cardboard box:
- Lemon & Lime (low-cal gin & tonic alternative)
- Peach & Raspberry (sweet, light & refreshing)
- Passionfruit & Turmeric
Seltzers in Classic British Flavours
Long Shot Drinks makes hard seltzers (alcoholic sparkling waters) in classic British flavours. Inspired by an idea from North America, these drinks translate flavours to ones popular in England. All drinks are under 70 calories and cater to a variety of needs (vegan, gluten-free, low-sugar and keto-friendly). The range includes:
- Strawberry Rhubarb
- Raspberry Blackcurrant
- Grapefruit (check medication)
