The New York Times - We tested 40 hard seltzers

Photo: Michael Murtaugh

For many of us, a long winter weekend is ahead. If an adult beverage is on your agenda, might we suggest something usually reserved for warm, glorious beach days?

‌

After testing 40 flavors of hard seltzer, we landed on two favorites that are balanced, refreshing, and fizzy. We think either would make for a nice low-effort sip this weekend, whether you’re jetting off to somewhere warm, relaxing at a cabin with a hot tub, or simply heading to a friend’s house.

‌

No shaking and stirring required→

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more ›

Or, try hop water. It isn’t trying to be beer. (And that’s why we like it.)

Four different brands of canned hop waters lined up next to each other. From left to right: Hoplark, Hop Splash, Daypack and Hop Wtr.

Photo: Ben Keough

Mix carbonated water, aromatic hops, and (occasionally) added flavorings, and you have hop water. It’s essentially LaCroix for beer fans. At its best, it’s crisp and refreshing, and it delivers a bit of what folks love about a good beer, without any of the buzz. After taste-testing 31 hop waters and teas from 10 popular brands, we found some standout options.

‌

The best hop waters→

More Wirecutter taste tests

Jars of our four favorite smooth-style peanut butters, shown by a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on a plate.

The best creamy peanut butter

Many spoonfuls of peanut butter and quite a few PB&Js later, we landed on our favorite grocery store options.

The best vegan ice cream

Gone are the days of paltry vegan options pushed to the fringes of the ice cream aisle. These pints are rich, dense, and delicious.

The five best boxed chicken stocks we tested for this review.

The best chicken broth and stock

The right one can make your soups and stews better.

Plus: Our top-pick bath towel is on sale

A Frontgate Resort Cotton Towel in blue.

Photo: Sarah Kobos

We’ve loved this Frontgate towel—which is on sale right now for $32—since 2017. It’s the softest, warmest, and most durable towel we’ve tested. Says senior staff writer Jackie Reeve: “Its terry loops are the most densely packed together, making it feel like a big, plush towel from a high-end hotel.”

‌

The best Presidents’ Day deals we’re seeing so far→

Thanks for reading.

You can reach the Wirecutter newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can’t always respond, but we do love to hear from you.

Was this email kindly forwarded to you? Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox.

Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance.

You are receiving this email because you signed up for

Wirecutter’s Newsletter.

Getting too many emails from us?

To stop receiving The Recommendation, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, manage your email preferences.

Wirecutter, Inc.

620 Eighth Avenue. New York, NY 10018  

Privacy Policy | California Notices | Terms of Service | Contact Us

The New York Times - We tested 40 hard seltzers

Older messages

Do adults need to be swaddled?

Our ultimate guide to better sleep

How to actually sleep on planes

Monday Briefing: Avdiivka falls to Russia

Are you using too much dish soap?

You Might Also Like

What A Day: Florida Yes Men

This soft-sided luggage is very cute

Bigotry Is Not the Answer to Donald Trump

Wednesday Briefing: Trump’s team of loyalists

Another cable news star goes the independent route

We Were Built For This Moment

Let There Be Light

☕ Gift guides, unwrapped

Trump’s victory is a green light for genocide in Gaza

Amperity names new CEO | Starform raises $6M | Apple sets smart cam sights on Ring and Wyze