NEW YORK— Anheuser-Busch has introduced a new hard seltzer brand to its growing portfolio, called Social Club Seltzer. With 150 calories per 12oz can, it combines three popular cocktail-inspired flavors, including Old Fashioned, Sidecar and Citrus Gimlet, with the sessionability of a seltzer. It’s refreshing, yet complex – a hard seltzer cocktail for those looking for more refined flavors.

The hard seltzer category has grown substantially with an increase of over 300% this year alone. The Anheuser-Busch innovation team identified a gap for cocktail lovers in the hard seltzer market, with consumer research showing that 83% of cocktail drinkers are interested in a complex and sophisticated beverage. Enter Social Club Seltzer.

“With the growth of the hard seltzer industry comes consumers looking for new offerings that fit different occasions, so we are excited to introduce a new premium hard seltzer cocktail for fans to enjoy,” said Lana Kouznetsov, vice president of Beyond Beer, Anheuser-Busch. “Inspired by the flavors of classic cocktails and combined with the refreshment of a seltzer, Social Club appeals to cocktail lovers who are looking for the flavors they love but in a more sessionable format.”

Each of the flavors is designed to evoke the same sophisticated flavor profile as its cocktail counterpart, but with the format of a seltzer with 7% ABV:

• Old Fashioned – A refreshing take on a classic whiskey cocktail – it balances flavors of blood orange, warm spice, and a hint of smoky oak.
• Sidecar – Inspired by the classic cocktail, it balances rich stone fruit flavor notes with the brightness of fresh lemon flavor notes.
• Citrus Gimlet – Equally fresh and complex, Citrus Gimlet is a blend of bright citrus flavor notes and a hint of juniper flavor.

Social Club Seltzer is now available at large format and independent retailers across the nation. Social Club Seltzer is sold in a variety flavor 12-pack and individual flavor 6-packs.