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Spindrift Just Released A Brand New Hard Seltzer Flavor — Here's What I LOVED And What I Wish Was Different

Spindrift now makes a regular sparkling apple cider flavor and a boozy version. I cracked open an 8-pack of the latter in the middle of the workday for, you know, research.

When it comes to fall, there are a few things that are synonymous with this time of year. While some may think of apple picking, pumpkin spice lattes, or even crunchy colorful leaves on the ground (bonus points if there's a cute puppy running into the pile), I, on the other hand, try to do two things every fall: 1) an annual celebration of Chris Evans in a cozy sweater from Knives Out, and 2) get cozy and sip some apple cider (either with or without alcohol).

T-street productions / Via giphy.com

To that second part, you can imagine my delight when I recently heard that Spindrift — aka: my favorite sparkling water brand — was coming out with a new flavor: Spiced Apple Cider.

Spindrift Spike Apple Ciders on top of apples and cinnamon sticks
Spindrift

They offer both regular and spiked versions — and I knew I had to get my hands on the latter. 

But first, let's do a quick refresher on apple cider. Basically, it's a drink that's usually served warm and makes an appearance around the fall time in America. And while there are hundreds of ways to make this delicious beverage, the main ingredients usually consist of apples, cinnamon, whole cloves, allspice, and sugar. And unlike apple juice, it is unfiltered and usually unpasteurized.

Two glasses of hot apple cider with cinnamon and anise
Pavelkant / Via Getty Images/iStockphoto

AND if you want to make things boozy, you can also add some alcohol like dark, light, or spiced rum. (If you're interested in making a homemade version for yourself, check out this Tasty recipe here.) 

But since Spindrift has a Spiked Sparkling Water Spiced Apple Cider ready for me to drink — which is made with crushed apples, cinnamon, and alcohol from fermented cane sugar — I figured why get any dishes dirty when I can just pop open a can and call it a day. The drink is 4% alcohol by volume, or slightly less than the average beer (5%).

Raven holding a spindrift spiced apple cider
Raven Ishak

Yes, it was in the middle of the workday. No, I don't have any regrets. It's called research. 

So after receiving an eight-pack precisely for this taste test, I popped one open and first took a sniff directly from the can and was instantly met with an authentic apple juice aroma (aka no artificial "natural flavors" in this, folks) — so I was excited to dive right in and take a sip.

Raven taking a sniff from a spindrift can
Raven Ishak

After my first sip, I honestly... wasn't sure what to make of it. I got a wave of real apples — which was absolutely amazing and almost nostalgia-like (especially if you grew up having a lot of apple juice as a kid) — but I was instantly met with bubbles afterward with no cinnamon spice flavor. After taking the second sip is when I noticed the very, very tiny notes of cinnamon.

I will say the lack of sugar (it only has 3g) made the drink more refreshing, but I'm not sure if "refreshing" is something I'm looking for during the fall time — unless I'm living back in Florida and want to pretend it's 50 degrees outside while I sit on my porch.

Raven Ishak

Unfortunately, though, I still felt like something was missing flavor-wise. So to make sure all of the apple puree wasn't sitting at the bottom of the can, I poured the entire can into a glass.

a glass filled with apple cider spindrift
Raven Ishak

Not going to lie, I was hoping for a more ~cider~ hue given the use of "fresh crushed apples," but I completely understand why it might be on the lighter side given that the beverage has a sparkling water base.

I will say, drinking it from a glass was a way better experience. I got way more of the fresh apple taste. It felt like little apples were dancing on my tongue since the bubble and apple ratio was more even. But even though the drink felt more "balanced," the lack of cinnamon, and other spices that ciders are known for left me wanting more.

Raven Ishak

Spindrift does note on its website that this cider is supposed to be a "lighter and more drinkable" version. But as someone who prefers full-bodied drinks (cue: dry red wines, sour beers, matcha, or even the Spiked passion fruit from Spindrift), I felt like this drink was a miss for me — which made me incredibly sad because I love everything Spindrift makes. Like, everything.

I think when something is called a "cider," it's hard not to imagine the deep warm notes of the spices twirling amongst the crushed apples and sugar. (And rum if you're nasty.)

But since I didn't want to break up with this cocktail just yet, I tried to do some DIY to see if I could make this drink a little more "cozier." That meant: Heat. It. Up. And. Add. Some. Cinnamon.

Raven Ishak

After simmering the drink on low for a few minutes and adding a stick of cinnamon that I magically still had in the house, I poured this bad boy into a "cozy" cup and immediately smelled a rush of fresh apples just like an OG cider. But after a taste, I immediately regretted my decision.

Raven Ishak

While this is a "duh" realization after the fact, the sparkling water does not heat well. Period. It tasted like a cocktail a newly 21-year-old would conjure in college, and my old-woman palette did not like. (But seriously, Gen-Zers, don't do this.)

The sparkling water overtook the crushed apple taste and the cinnamon was no longer viable. I should have let the cinnamon simmer for hours on end, but I frankly didn't have time to let this simmer in a Crockpot or stove. But it is what it is.

I will say though, mama was getting a buzz after sipping one can — but, to be honest, I actually don't drink that often, so warning: ~buzz results~ may vary per person!

FINAL VERDICT: I give it two-and-a-half apples out of 5.

Raven holding up a glass
Raven Ishak

While I wouldn't call this Spindrift Spiked flavor my favorite, I absolutely would drink this over other popular hard seltzers that are on the market. What I appreciate most about this drink is the use of real fruit flavors rather than the "natural flavors" that are often used in similar drinks, which, honestly, what does "natural flavors" even mean? A lot of the time, I find natural-flavored drinks often bring a weird aftertaste, which I did not find with this drink (it was mostly just a true authentic apple taste and a lot of sparkling bubbles). 

Since Spindrift Spiked doesn't add additive sugars to their hard seltzers, either, I don't get a sugar headache after drinking a few, unlike other hard seltzers (which is a deal-breaker for this woman who's in her 30s).

But even though this isn't my cup of tea (ahem, hard seltzer), I do believe there is an audience for this!

BUY THIS SPINDRIFT SPIKED SPICED APPLE CIDER...

• If you live in a warmer state and want to experience a refreshing fall hard seltzer.

• Prefer lighter, fruity alcoholic beverages.

• If you ignore the "cider" and cinnamon component, and you're in the mood for a crisp, light apple hard seltzer that ACTUALLY doesn't taste artificial.

• If you're going to an outdoor sporting event in the fall and want to buy a light, not-so-sweet drinkable alcoholic beverage in bulk for all your friends. 

DON'T BUY THIS SPINDRIFT SPIKED SPICED APPLE CIDER...

• If you LOVE a bold, full-bodied apple cider with all the spices.

• I have to say it: but if you hate authentic apple flavoring, stay very clear away from this, because it's really good due to the real fruit apple puree!

• If you're looking for a warm and cozy fall drink to cozy up with.

• If you want to try an authentic apple cider for the first time. 

However, if you do buy this drink, here's how I recommend to drink it to get the best flavor possible:

The spindrift spiked spiced apple cider on top of apple and cinnamon sticks
Spindrift

• Make sure it's incredibly cold, like right before it forms into a slushie cold. The coldness brings out the crisp apple notes that will make this drink pop on your tongue. 

• If you want to drink it directly from the can, make sure you lightly turn it upside down a few times before opening it to make sure the apple puree doesn't settle at the bottom of the can. However, if you do have a glass, pour that baby right in.

• Also, make sure to stir or lightly twirl the can every so often to make sure the apple doesn't settle.

• Do not drink warm or hot. I repeat — this is a huge mistake. So if you're a slow drinker (like myself), I would avoid or change your ways.

• To feel extra fancy, add some cinnamon sticks for that extra cinnamon flavor and fall look.


Want to give this Spindrift Spiked Spiced Apple Cider a try? You can use their store locator here. An 8-pack has a retail price of $17.99. If you try it, tell me what you think in the comments below!

Spindrift provided their Spiked Spiced Apple Cider free of charge for the purposes of this test, but BuzzFeed was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 

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