Have a Local Seltzer Summer.
Seltzers have come a long way from their inception. Starting with bland flavors of White Claws to now having pretty much endless number of flavors to pick from. Whether you like a super sweet seltzer flavored like a spicy margarita or you just love a good watermelon, there is a seltzer for everyone’s’ liking on the market.
Even though huge brands like Truly, Bud Light, White Claw, High Noon and more are go-to’s for most seltzer drinkers, there is a whole other seltzer-world to explore: Local seltzers.
When we talk local, we are referring to the Midwest area (although there are many seltzer brands stemming from both coasts). You might think that Truly is your tried and true seltzer, but just wait until you try some of these amazing and local seltzers brands that will satisfy your seltzer needs all with some Midwest pride.
Lift Bridge Seltzer
Location: Stillwater, Minnesota
Whether you love them or you hate them, Stillwater folks know how to get their drink on. Life Bridge Brewery has been a staple to providing amazing brews and sips to share with friends all while spreading the love for the birthplace of Minnesota.
While Lift Bridge began as a beer brewery––with some tasty pops too––they have expanded into making hard seltzers. Their hard seltzer comes in six flavors: Citrus Blend, Northwoods Juice Box, St. Croix Berries, Island Time, Blue Agave Margarita and their most unique, The Bomb.
Unlike some other smaller companies, Lift Bridge already has a distinguished set of flavors to select from so you can pick your poison the local way.
Grey Duck Spirited Seltzer
Location: Shakopee, Minnesota
A vodka company co-owned by former Viking, Chad Greenway, has also dipped their toes into hard seltzers. If you’ve been to a Twins game recently, you’ve probably seen the huge Grey Duck Bar that sells their handcrafted (and gluten-free) vodka.
Their three flavors, lime, tangerine, and Bomba Juice––inspired by their signature cocktail of vodka, strawberry and lemonade–– contain 95 calories with 5% alcohol. Grey Duck Seltzers are sugar-free and a great way to keep your “girlish figure” in the midst of this seltzer summer.
Stilly Seltzer
Location: Stillwater, Minnesota
Another Stillwater-based seltzer, so it looks like we can also call the quaint town the birthplace of the Midwest seltzer. However Stilly is not your typical seltzer, in fact, its not really a seltzer at all. The vodka-based canned cocktail is a sippable can with all the flavor and fun of a seltzer, minus the carbonation.
From their Instagram it seems like there are three available flavors to select from: Vibe Machine Grapefruit, The Fuzz Peach and PartyMaker+ Cranberry and lime. So if you want to ditch the seltzer this summer but still sip locally, try to get your hands on some Stilly.
Cloudless Hard Seltzer
Location: Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Probably one of the more developed seltzer brands on this list, Cloudless is a step across the St. Croix into Wisconsin. The hard seltzer brand from the land of the cheese heads features two different packs: variety and tropical, with five flavors: clearly citrus, wild berry, tropical, mango and lychee, and pineapple and yuzu.
Seltzers have become increasingly popular for their delicious taste and amazing variety, but seltzers have also become the drink of choice for those allergic or avoidant of gluten. Cloudless Hard Seltzer is no exception being gluten-free, 100 calories and 5% alcohol, a perfect set of macros for a seltzer.
SYSTEM Electrolyte Charged Hard Seltzer
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Not only is SYSTEM a seltzer brand that aims to include natural and hydrating ingredients in their drinks, but it also aims to make sure everyone can get in on the summer fun of seltzers.
SYSTEM’s nine pack of seltzers include three 8% ABV seltzers, three 5% ABV seltzers and three 0% ABV seltzers. A pack of booze with three non-alcoholic seltzers? This packaging is a part of their “First Inclusive Drinking System TM,” a “SYSTEM” that allows you to switch from high to low ABV to have a good time, for a longer time. Having non-alcoholic seltzers in the mix allows for their customers to have control and choice over their drinks, which is something we can all enjoy.
Currently SYSTEM seltzers are only available in Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan.
Seltzer Summers Forever
Seltzers are a great way to enjoy a hot summer day. Whether you plan on sticking with the big brands or you are going to wander into the world of local seltzers, one thing is for sure––seltzers are staying, and we are happy about it. So open that cooler, grab out a seltzer and enjoy a summer filled with fun and limitless flavors.
What’s your favorite Midwest, local seltzer? Let us know by tweeting us @PulltabSports.
