Hard Seltzers are having such a moment right now. They're available in every flavor under the sun, they're convenient and they're low calorie, so we see the appeal. Still, hard seltzers could be so much better for you and better tasting than the cans on the market, and the recipe to DIY a hard seltzer is so easy and adaptable, we had to share it.

Think Blueberry Lavender hard seltzer, Berry Sage hard seltzer, Marionberry Mint hard seltzer, Lemon Herb hard seltzer, Cranberry Rosemary Hard Seltzer, Cucumber Jalepeno Lime hard seltzer- any of our syrups will work in this drink.

Photo by Tyler Panagiotu, Vital Media Studios

Canned convenience hard seltzers are made from the same formula in my recipe below, with a couple of big differences (that we think we've improved on!) Let's break it down so we can understand why the recipe below has better versions of all of the original ingredients, and will taste SO much better!

Hard seltzers are made up of alcohol + carbonated water aka seltzer + flavorings/sugar + possible chemical additives to enhance color, extend shelf life, etc.

Our recipe has alcohol + carbonated water + simple syrup.

The big difference is that in most of the convenience canned seltzers, the ingredient quality is really poor. It's as if you went to a bar and ordered the cheapest, well vodka available, added club soda and dumped in a small amount of kool-aid powder. Ok in a pinch but not delicious and we'd argue, not worth the convenience.

The neutral alcohol used in most of the big brand hard seltzers is fermented sugar spirit or grain alcohol (malted barley is common, and would then not be a gluten free drink, so check your labels) that has been moderated (basically watered down) to meet the alcohol percentage of 4-6%. This is the percentage that is legal for sale in most states in the USA in convenience and grocery stores, similar to a light beer. Some seltzers on the market are higher, up to 12%, and will pack a punch more like strongly alcoholic wine or a basic cocktail.

The low alcohol content is the biggest factor as to why this drink is low calorie, usually under 100 calories, and often marketed as a "healthy" or "light" drink option. If any alcohol is added to it, as is the popular trend in the states right now where many add a shot of vodka to make a hard seltzer "bomb," this adds higher alcohol content and calories. The flavoring typically comes from artifical flavors or fruit juice from concentrate. To be honest, the ones that taste better, tend to have stronger flavor, because they come from concentrated fruit juice and have higher sugar.

By using vodka or tequila as our alcohol in this recipe, we can still make a low carb, gluten free (potato vodka!) drink and control the strength of it (light or heavier). When you DIY this drink you will have the option to choose a great quality spirit, one that is distilled to remove impurities that cause hangovers. This is a huge advantage over the malt alcohol bases that are used in the convenience cans.

By using Simple Goodness syrups in the hard seltzer recipe, you can choose from our inventive, bold and fun flavor combinations and the resulting drink will have way more than the hint of flavor many of the cans do. Better yet, Simple Goodness syrups are made from real fruit, water, organic cane sugar, herbs and spices, so there are no artificial ingredients in your drink.

What about the calorie factor? This recipe is just a light in calories as what comes in a can. The half ounce of simple syrup we'll add to the drink will only add about 30 calories. If you prefer a lighter flavor, you can always cut this in half to just a carspoon or 1/4 ounce of Simple Goodness syrup, for about 15 calories. Added to the 65 calories in 1 ounce of vodka or tequila, the drink can clock in at 75-90 calories in total.

Don't care about the calories? Me either! I'm a quality of ingredients water far more than a calorie counter. Feel free to dial up the alcohol content to 1.5 ounces, making this recipe more of a traditional highball cocktail recipe.

Not indulging in alcohol but want a refreshing and delicious beverage? Follow the non-alcoholic mocktail recipe below.

Makes 1

Glass: any, about 12 ounces

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce vodka (you can also use a flavored vodka) or, for a ranch water style drink, use silver tequila
• 1/4-1/2 ounce Simple Goodness Sisters syrup in any flavor
• 8 ounces seltzer water (we love using our Soda Stream for convenience or you can use flavored cans of bubby water that you have on hand) You can also use a glass bottle seltzer can and pour a few of ounces of water out of the top to make room for what you add, for a cute presentation like we did here.
• 1 cup of ice

Pre-chill your seltzer and syrup in the fridge. Measure and combine all ingredients, gently stir just to combine so you don't flatten bubbles. A sugar or spice rim is optional, but looks great on the glass seltzer bottles.

Makes 1

Glass: any, about 12 ounces

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce NA spirit of choice (or leave out for a simple NA seltzer drink)
• 1/4-1/2 ounce Simple Goodness Sisters syrup in any flavor
• 8 ounces seltzer water (we love using our Soda Stream for convenience or you can use flavored cans of bubby water that you have on hand)
• 1 cup of ice

Pre-chill your seltzer and syrup in the fridge. Measure and combine all ingredients, stir.