Cheap Hard Seltzer - City Steading Brews

Homebrewing up a batch of Cheap Hard Seltzer is really easy, particularly when you start with a simple sugar wash. We flavored the fermented brew 5 different ways giving us plenty of fun flavors to choose from!

What Is Hard Seltzer?

Hard seltzer—also called spiked seltzer, adult seltzer, or hard sparkling water—is a light alcoholic beverage made by combining carbonated water, alcohol, and flavorings. Known for its crisp taste and refreshing character, hard seltzer has become a popular alternative to beer, cocktails, and sweet mixed drinks.

So how is hard seltzer made? In the United States, producers typically create the alcohol by fermenting sugar (as we did in our batch) or malted barley. During fermentation, yeast converts the sugars into alcohol, creating a clean, neutral base that works well for flavor additions. Outside the U.S., many beverage makers produce hard seltzer using neutral spirits or fermented fruit instead.

After fermentation, brewers carbonate the liquid and add flavorings. These flavors often come from fruit juices, natural flavor extracts, or artificial flavorings, allowing producers to create a wide range of options. Popular hard seltzer flavors include citrus, berry, tropical fruit, and many other combinations designed to deliver a bright, refreshing drinking experience.

Ingredients:

3/4 lb (0.34 kg) Sugar

1 teaspoon Fermaid O: https://amzn.to/4cw6sb4

1/2 packet S-04 Yeast: https://amzn.to/4cGvtTV

Water to 1 US Gallon

Additions:

1.5 ounces (42 grams) Sugar

Highly recommend some Insurance Yeast (just add a few grains of fresh yeast to each bottle)

Extract of Choice, we added 7 ml of extract to each bottle: https://amzn.to/3YFmwmP

Tools We Use:

1 Gallon Carboy with Airlock: https://amzn.to/4aNnik9

Scale: https://amzn.to/4dc1QqW

Stainless Steel Funnel: https://amzn.to/4fHAQl0

Our Favorite Pitcher: https://amzn.to/3yB9pbD

Star San: https://amzn.to/4dxt3UE

Thumb Saver Bung: https://amzn.to/4fELVmv

Graduated Cylinder: https://amzn.to/3AiKt9r

Hydrometer: https://amzn.to/3x8zsWY

Baster: https://amzn.to/3M1jUrM

1/2 Baking Sheet: https://amzn.to/3M0Zv6k

Auto Siphon: https://amzn.to/3WBYbvD

Spaddle: https://amzn.to/4bM43IQ

Bottling Wand: https://amzn.to/3WDr8al

Graduated Eye dropper: https://amzn.to/3SEMJy7

Plastic Beer Bottles: https://amzn.to/4bbLZ9V

Carbonation Cap: https://amzn.to/3KUvJ2o

Carbonation Regulator: https://amzn.to/4euj2ZP

Beer Tasting Glasses: https://amzn.to/4svTHF0

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