Hard sodas that pump up the flavour
Summer beverages dial up the variety and hold back the sugar
Does the world need another low-sugar, low-cal, low-carb hard soda?
Before I tried a slew of new hard sodas and light drinks this week, my answer would have been a hard “no.” Of course, I’m just not that into vodka-soda. Still, I try to be a neutral observer of the trend, and I’m happy to report that the second wave of hard sodas offers way more options, many of which I think represent an upgrade in the category. That’s to be expected, I guess, since everyone and their uncle is getting into the hardsoda game and every single one of them has to put their own twist on low-cal, low-carb, ketofriendly products. Some have tweaked the sweeteners, others have dialed up the flavour and still others have pushed the category beyond vodka by using different bases like tequila and even wine.
Little Buddha Grilled Pineapple and Rosemary-Vodka Cocktail ($2.95/355mL; LCBO 14706)
One thing holding back the hard-soda category from total dominance is the use of stevia, a sweetener with a bizarre flavour profile that many people (especially me) think is um … well, not good. Little Buddha, a new, local company started by pals Kimberley Taylor and Anne-Marie Kypreos, have tried to fix that by tamping down the stevia with other plant sweeteners for their Grilled Pineapple and Rosemary-Vodka Cocktail.
I’m pleased to say this 90-calorie, no sugar, low-carb (four grams), low-alcohol (four per cent) canned cocktail has done a great job of moving away from the stevia trap — it could almost pass for real sugar. I haven’t tasted all the new hard sodas, so I can’t say it’s the best, but I can say it’s one of the best I’ve ever tried.
Social Lite Bold Orange Vodka Soda ($13.95; 6x355mL; LCBO 14479)
In keeping with the orange booze trend, Toronto’s own Social Lite has launched a bold orange flavour that’s a little higher in alcohol content than most of the other offerings — six per cent. With some tangerine concentrate in there, the flavour is a little rounder and fuller than most offerings in this category. Serve with a splash of fresh orange juice to bring those flavours out even more.
Tequila Tromba Soda and Lime ($3.45/473 mL; LCBO 14518)
Given the popularity of both tequila and canned cocktails, it’s surprising there aren’t more of these on the market. Tromba, again, a homegrown company, is among the first to put a little agave spin on the hard-soda category. It’s a refreshing change with a solid lime flavour.
Rilli Brilli Pink Lemonade and Rose ($2.75/355mL; LCBO 14516) This summer, Arterra Wines Canada launched a new line of canned ready-to-drink cocktails with a twist — it swapped out the vodka, and instead, used wine as the base.
All three come in super-pretty cans and enticing flavours, but the aroma is notably different from the ready-to-drink products made with spirits — and I’m guessing it’s not going to appeal to everyone. Rilli Brilli has four grams of sugar, 100 calories and only a hint of citrus. For this one, serve ice cold and, preferably, on the rocks with a sprig of mint.
Both Arterra’s In Good Order Tahitian Lime ($2.95) and In Good Order Blueberry Juniper ($2.95) are wine-based, contain only four grams of sugar and 100 calories, but so far, are only available at the Wine Rack — not the LCBO. To my taste, the Tahitian Lime is the better of the two.
Grower’s Cider Co’s Light Extra Dry Apple ($2.95; Wine Rack) While you’re at the Wine Rack, consider picking up Growers Cider Co.’s Light Extra Dry Apple (four grams of sugar; 110 calories). Since a lot of cider is, to me, sickly sweet, this is a welcome change, even if it is a touch on the subtle side when it comes to flavour. It’s not at the LCBO yet.
Rise Low-Sugar Kombucha (prices vary; grocery stores) Although we do fully understand the convenience of a ready-to-drink cocktail in a can, my favourite new option for a low-sugar cocktail uses Rise Kombucha’s new low-sugar (one gram per serving) drinks. There are four flavours — raspberry-vanilla, kiwi-pineapple, mango-papaya and watermelon-mint — and all four (but especially the first two) have robust and intense flavours and would make great mixers for cocktails and mixed drinks. Kiwi-pineapple, in particular, works well with a shot of tequila.
DavidsTea — The Mocktail Collection Although the word “mocktail” is falling out of fashion, the idea of alcohol-free cocktails is still holding its own, even during this relatively boozy pandemic. Flavours include Raspberry Mojito, Lychee Bellini, Bahama Mama and Coco
Colada. Although you could drink them hot, the idea is to turn them into iced teas, to which sugar or spirits can be added at your
discretion.