Forget Hard Seltzer — This Is What I’ve Been Drinking All Summer Instead

I say this as a former passenger on the bandwagon myself: Hard seltzer has a big following for a reason. (Well, a lot of reasons, actually.) The stuff is highly drinkable, is relatively “light” compared to other alcoholic beverages, and comes in enough flavors that everyone can pick a favorite. Interest in the category has shown zero signs of slowing, which is why nearly every major beer brand you can think of is manufacturing its own line of hard seltzer as we speak.

With all that said, would you believe me if I told you I’ve since shifted my allegiances to hard kombucha instead? I said what I said! And I stand by it.

Ever since I took a sip of hard kombucha (particularly JuneShine100), it’s been the only thing I’m interested in filling up a cooler with on these humid summer days. The twice-fermented green tea has the perfect amount of carbonation, comes in two summery flavors (Pineapple Orange and Hibiscus Lime), and contains 100 calories and only 1 gram of sugar per can. I can also confirm that there is no unpleasant aftertaste. It’s almost like drinking a super-light cocktail crafted by a well-seasoned bartender.

Not to mention, you get a dose of vitamins and probiotics in every can, which can’t be said for most other types of booze, now can it? Drinking 12 ounces of this stuff almost feels virtuous.

My flip-flop from hard seltzer to hard kombucha is all the more unexpected considering the fact that I never really dipped my toes into the world of regular ol’ kombucha (the kind with just 0.5 percent alcohol). But let it be known that you don’t have to be well-versed in the world of fermented fizz to give these a try. In fact, I’d venture to say that these are the perfect entry point for the booch-curious set!

Pick up a six-pack (from $14.99) to see if you agree with me. And to all the hard-seltzer diehards out there, you’re welcome in advance for the tip. Cheers!