Seltzers

The new kid on the block

Seltzer water and alcohol

That’s it? Well, yes and no. Where the alcohol comes from depends on the base the seltzer is working with and will ultimately dictate the strength, flavor, etc.

Seltzers can contain malted barley, wine, spirits or even fermented cane sugar. Read on to know which ones are worth your time.

Reviews

Rebel Hard Coffee

Yeah, I know. It’s not cider. I’m not making a page for hard coffee (unless it becomes a thing, which it could after trying this). I was VERY skeptical about this but I was talked into buying it at my local liquor shop. There were a few different options to try so I went with the one that seemed least likely to taste like transmission fluid. I’ve been burned by Truly and Bud enough (the horrible aftertaste of that toasted marshmallow fall cider will never leave) to know that I should be careful trying flavors that claim to taste like something. This 11 fluid oz. can contained a combination of alcohol, coffee and cream. It doesn’t have as much caffeine as I’d want in something like this (45 mg per can) and the alcohol is a bit light also (only 5% ABV), but the taste is right on par with one of those Starbuck’s frappe bottles. These are good. If you have a bit of a hangover and don’t want to pop a beer first thing in the morning I could totally see one or two of these being your go to beverage. Give them a try, you might like them.


Pros

+ Tastes like a Monster Java or a Starbucks frappe

+ Caffeine and alcohol in one can

+ Priced about right

Cons

– Might make you start drinking earlier

– Not strong enough (both caffeine and alcohol)

Good Boy Vodka – John Daly

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The John Daly Good Boy Vodka Cocktail Variety Pack is a refreshing take on the classic Arnold Palmer, blending premium Good Boy Vodka with iced tea and lemonade for a ready-to-drink (RTD) experience thatโ€™s both bold and smooth. Inspired by the legendary golfer John Daly, this canned cocktail comes in four flavorsโ€”Original, Blackberry, Raspberry, and Peachโ€”each crafted with natural fruit juices, zero carbonation, zero sugar, zero carbs, and just 95 calories per 12 oz can.

Taste and Quality:
Sipping the Original flavor, youโ€™re hit with a crisp, balanced mix of iced tea and lemonade, with the vodka providing a clean, subtle kick without overpowering the drink. The absence of carbonation makes it incredibly smooth, almost like a freshly mixed cocktail, which sets it apart from typical seltzers. The fruit-flavored variantsโ€”Blackberry, Raspberry, and Peachโ€”add a vibrant twist. Blackberry is tangy and bold, Raspberry offers a sweeter profile, and Peach delivers a summery, mellow vibe. Each flavor feels natural, avoiding the artificial aftertaste common in many RTD cocktails. The six-times-distilled, carbon-filtered vodka ensures a refined taste, making these cans versatile for sipping neat or over ice.

Packaging and Appeal:
The cans are eye-catching, emblazoned with Dalyโ€™s iconic โ€œGrip it and Rip itโ€ slogan, which adds a fun, rebellious charm. The 8-pack variety (two cans of each flavor) is perfect for sharing or sampling to find your favorite. At 4.5% ABV, itโ€™s sessionable yet potent enough for a light buzz, ideal for golf outings, barbecues, or casual hangouts.

Value and Mission:
Priced around $17.99-$20.99 for an 8-pack, itโ€™s competitive with other premium RTD cocktails. What elevates this product is Good Boy Vodkaโ€™s commitment to philanthropyโ€”every purchase supports veterans and K9 units through their nonprofit Good Boy Foundation. However, some skepticism exists about the transparency of their charitable efforts, as noted in online discussions, which might give pause to socially conscious buyers.

Critiques:
While the flavors are a hit, the variety pack could benefit from more unique options or seasonal releases to keep things fresh. Additionally, availability can be spotty depending on your location, with shipping restrictions in states like Alabama and Utah. The lack of financial transparency from the Good Boy Foundation, as mentioned in some Reddit threads, might deter those prioritizing verified charitable impact.

Overall:
The John Daly Good Boy Vodka Cocktail Variety Pack delivers a high-quality, low-calorie RTD thatโ€™s perfect for golf fans and casual drinkers alike. Its smooth, flavorful profile and charitable angle make it a standout, though transparency concerns and limited distribution could be drawbacks. If youโ€™re looking for a refreshing, guilt-free cocktail with a side of personality, this is a hole-in-one. Iโ€™d give it a solid 8/10โ€”great for sipping on the course or at a summer gathering.


Pros

+ Delicious

+ Keto Friendly

Cons

– Lacking variety