White Claw's New Alcoholic Seltzer Has Less Booze and Only 70 Calories

Americans spent a whopping $1 billion on hard seltzer in 2019. And with everyone from ALDI to Trader Joe's making their own labels, the fizzy trend is showing no sign of slowing in 2020. (ICYMI, our friends at Cooking Light tried 17 alcoholic seltzers so you don't have to.)

Hard seltzer is having such a moment because the cans are easily portable. Plus, they're lower in calories (usually about 100 calories per can) and less boozy than traditional beer, wine or mixed drinks, at about 4% to 6% ABV.

As more Americans explore the sober curious movement and are seeking even lower-proof options, White Claw 70 has entered the happy hour party. The latest addition to the White Claw family hit shelves in mid-May and has 70 calories and 3.7% ABV per 12-ounce can. That means each serving has 30 fewer cals and 1.3% less alcohol than classic White Claw.

With spirits like vodka and tequila clocking in at about 40% alcohol, you might be wondering, "do they just add a drop of booze?" Actually, unlike canned cocktails (you may have seen or tried these from brands like Cutwater Spirits or You & Yours), hard seltzers aren't sparkling water mixed with liquor. They get their alcohol from fermentation, just like beer and wine.

While the original line of White Claw includes an array of flavors—including black cherry, mango, lemon, lime, grapefruit, raspberry, watermelon, tangerine and "pure"— the brand has slimmed that down for White Claw 70 too. The lower-alcohol line is being released initially in Pineapple and Clementine flavors.

We're looking forward to snagging some on Drizly for those virtual happy hours and distant picnics this spring and summer when we want to feel festive, but are still seeking a hangover-free morning.