Ever since La Croix sparked a seltzer revolution, countless flavors and brands have competed for the market, offering zero-sugar alternatives to soda.
Ever-popular brand Spindrift Sparkling Water has tweaked the recipe a bit, specializing in sparkling water combined with fresh-squeezed fruit juice. As a big fan already, I dove even deeper into the wormhole and tried every flavor of Spindrift I could get my hands on. Here’s how they stack up.
Spindrift provided samples for this story. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Best: Lime
$7 for an eight-pack from Target
Heck of a drink right here. This guy is tart, refreshing, and stunning over ice. But most importantly, it tastes like real lime and makes a killer mixer for gin. And, if you were also a 12-year-old kid who loved to suck on limes at Baja Fresh whenever your family took you there (I assume all of us were), you’ll taste some nostalgia.
2. Blood Orange Tangerine
$7 for an eight-pack from Target
I tend to find that when something is blood orange or tangerine-flavored, it misses the mark. Tangerine often tastes too much like a peel, and blood orange can be quite bitter. Not here, though: The splash of each flavor is perfect and makes you want to say “aaaahhhh” after each sip.
3. Spiced Apple Cider
$7 for an eight-pack from Spindrift
Talk about something I would not have expected to love this much. Spindrift’s Spiced Apple Cider, a seasonal fall flavor, isn’t too far from a Martinelli’s sparkling cider — which, as you know, is the most incredible compliment any apple-flavored drink can receive. I love the hint of cinnamon we’ve got going on here. Well done, Spindrift.
4. Lemon
$7 for an eight-pack from Target
Spindrift Lemon is a great option for somebody looking to kick soda. Somewhere between a Lemon La Croix and a San Pellegrino Limonata, it’ll definitely scratch the itch for a sugary drink without the added calories.
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5. Grapefruit
$7 for an eight-pack from Target
Grapefruit is a divisive beast, isn’t she? Grapefruit lovers will get on board with this right away. I’m one of those grapefruit lovers, so I’m fully in. Spindrift Grapefruit with a little bit of mezcal over crushed ice is a cocktail I go back to time and time again.
Related: Every Bud Light Seltzer I Could Get My Hands On, Ranked
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6. Cranberry Raspberry
$7 for an eight-pack from Target
This is autumnal as can be. Any cocktail you make for your family during Thanksgiving dinner could benefit from this flavor as a base. You could even brine your turkey in a few cans of these things. If red fruit flavors usually do you right, adding cranberry raspberry to the rotation is a no-brainer.
Related: Here Are the Best Flavored Sparkling Water Brands To Drink in 2023
7. Half Tea & Half Lemon
$7 for an eight-pack from Target
This is so close to being excellent. I suspect the best way to make an Arnold Palmer with sparkling water would be to pour some Spindrift Lemon over some actual iced black tea. Carbonated black tea doesn’t fully hit that Arnie Palmie note that I love so very much.
8. Raspberry Lime
$7 for an eight-pack at Target
For a flavor with two different fruit juices, Raspberry Lime is pretty subtle. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but the first few drinks here have flavors that make an impression. Raspberry Lime is good, but ultimately forgettable.
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9. Mango Orange
$6 for an eight-pack at Walmart
This is a toughie, because I’m not a fan of the initial mango-soaked flavor that you taste. The finish, however, is quite nice. There’s nothing wrong with this, but I’d like it more if Spindrift eased up a bit on the mango grenade.
10. Pineapple
$7 for an eight-pack at Target
Nothing breaks my heart more than to criticize a Spindrift product, but as you know, rankings are an important science that can’t be censored. Pineapple is rough, and the worst part is that it tastes artificial. I know it’s made with real pineapple juice, but what can I say? It doesn’t taste that way. That said, you can bet your sweet bippy I’ll be making a rum drink with this.
