Move over fermented malt beverages and hard sodas: Spiked seltzers are elbowing their way in. These fruit-flavored sparklers are billed as a lighter and lower-calorie alternative to beer and spiked sodas.

The portability of the canned or bottled libations makes them an easy option for the summer. The beverages can also add some sparkle and extra potency to cocktails.

Norwalk, CT-based SpikedSeltzer was early to the trend; it launched 
in 2013. The product is 6% ABV and comes in four fruit flavors, Valencia Orange, West Indies Lime, Indian River Grapefruit and Cape Cod Cranberry. SpikedSeltzer is available in several grocery chains throughout the East Coast and will be carried in Target stores nationally as of June.

Wachusett Brewing Co. in Westminster, MA, launched Nauti Seltzer this past March. The 110-calorie, 5%-ABV hard seltzer is available in four flavors: Raspberry, Grapefruit, Lemon-Lime and Cranberry.

Boston-based Truly Spiked & Sparkling hit the market in early
 April. Available in three flavors, Colima Lime; Grapefruit & Pomelo and Pomegranate, the 5% ABV soda has 100 calories and 2 grams of carbs per serving. Truly Spiked & Sparkling is made by the Hard Seltzer Beverage Co., an affiliate of the Boston Beer Co.

For more, see our recent article on the hard soda category.