How To Make Hard Seltzer at Home

Hard seltzer has exploded in popularity, becoming a refreshing, low-calorie alternative to beer and cocktails.

If you can brew beer at home, then you already have the equipment necessary to craft your own hard seltzer.

The process is straightforward, and the result is a customizable, fizzy drink that’s perfect for any occasion.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make hard seltzer at home.

Ingredients and Equipment:

To brew hard seltzer, you will need the following ingredients and tools:

Ingredients:

• 19 liters of distilled water (or reverse osmosis water)
• Avoid tap water as it can result in cloudiness, even if filtered.
• 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs) of corn sugar (dextrose)
• This provides food for the yeast to create alcohol.
• 4 grams of diammonium phosphate (DAP)
• A yeast nutrient essential for a clean fermentation.
• Yeast (US-05, an American Ale dry yeast is recommended)
• Any neutral, clean-fermenting yeast will work.
• Gypsum (calcium sulfate)
• Optional, but helps adjust water chemistry if needed.
• Flavor extracts (like blue raspberry, blood orange, mango, etc.)
• These can be bought from various suppliers like Olive Nation for added variety.

Equipment:

• A large brew kettle
• A fermentor (any fermenting bucket with an airlock will work, though a Fermzilla with a floating dip tube is recommended for clarity)
• A thermometer
• Sanitizer (such as Star San)
• A stirring spoon or paddle

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Water

• Start by heating 19 liters of distilled water in your brew kettle.
• Add a small amount of gypsum if you’d like to adjust the water profile for better clarity.

2. Dissolve the Sugar

• As the water heats up, slowly stir in the corn sugar (dextrose). This is crucial for the fermentation process, as the sugar is what the yeast consumes to produce alcohol.
• Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and let it boil for 20 minutes. This helps sanitize the water and fully dissolves the sugar.

3. Cool the Mixture

• Once the sugar water (often referred to as “alcoholic base” at this point) has boiled for 20 minutes, cool it down to 68°F (20°C).
• This is the optimal temperature for yeast to start fermentation.

4. Transfer to Fermentor

• Sanitize your fermentor thoroughly using Star San or another sanitizer.
• Once sanitized, transfer the cooled sugar water to the fermentor. Ensure the fermentor is sealed and equipped with an airlock to allow gas escape during fermentation.

5. Pitch the Yeast

• Sprinkle US-05 dry yeast on top of the cooled sugar water. There’s no need to stir it in; the yeast will hydrate and begin fermentation naturally.
• Add 4 grams of diammonium phosphate (DAP) into the fermentor. This acts as a yeast nutrient, promoting a smooth, clean fermentation.

6. Fermentation Process

• Allow the mixture to ferment at 68°F (20°C) for about 2 to 3 weeks. During this time, the yeast will consume the sugar, producing alcohol and CO2.
• Monitor the gravity readings with a hydrometer. The initial gravity should be around 1.031, and it will decrease as fermentation progresses.

7. Carbonation and Clarification

• After fermentation is complete, you can either bottle the hard seltzer with priming sugar for natural carbonation, or force carbonate it using a kegging system.
• For a clearer result, a floating dip tube (like in the Fermzilla) allows you to pull the liquid from the top, leaving any sediment behind.

Adding Flavor

Once your hard seltzer has fermented, it’s essentially a blank canvas of alcoholic sparkling water. The fun part comes in adding flavors.

Here’s how to do it:

• Pick your flavors: Use fruit extracts like blue raspberry, blood orange, mango, or get creative with more exotic options like chocolate mint or pumpkin spice.
• Measure your extracts: Start with small amounts (about 1-3 milliliters per serving) and adjust to taste. If you’re flavoring an entire batch, you can scale this proportionally based on your fermentor size.
• Mix and Serve: Add the flavor directly to the serving vessel or glass. Stir gently to combine and taste. Adjust until the flavor reaches your desired intensity.

Storing and Enjoying Your Hard Seltzer

• Bottle or keg your hard seltzer for storage. If kegging, you can force carbonate the seltzer for a quicker result.
• Store it at cold temperatures to preserve its clarity and fizz.
• Serve chilled, and enjoy it plain or with your chosen flavors.

Tips and Tricks:

• Water quality is key for a clear product. Stick to distilled or reverse osmosis water.
• Yeast nutrients (like DAP) are important to avoid off-flavors. Hard seltzer doesn’t have the nutrients yeast normally gets from malt in beer, so supplementation is crucial.
• Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different extracts to create unique combinations.
• Sanitize everything: Ensure all equipment is thoroughly sanitized to avoid contamination.

By following these steps, you can create your own hard seltzer at home that rivals any store-bought brand, with the added benefit of tailoring the flavors exactly to your preferences.

Conclusion: Matching Flavors to the Seasons

One of the joys of making hard seltzer at home is the ability to experiment with flavors that suit different seasons and occasions.

In the summer, light and refreshing flavors like mango, blood orange, and blue raspberry are perfect for cooling down on a hot day. These bright, fruity flavors pair well with picnics, barbecues, and poolside relaxation.

As the weather cools into autumn, richer flavors like pumpkin spice and apple cinnamon start to shine, bringing warm, comforting notes that complement the cozy, festive atmosphere. These flavors are a hit during Thanksgiving or fall gatherings, providing a seasonal twist on your standard hard seltzer.

In the winter months, deeper, indulgent flavors like chocolate mint or cranberry can evoke the festive spirit of the holidays. These flavors are perfect for winter parties, offering a sophisticated touch while still being light and effervescent.

When spring comes around, floral and citrus notes like elderflower or lemon-lime can refresh your palate, echoing the fresh blooms and renewal of the season.

By aligning your hard seltzer flavors with the seasons, you can enjoy a year-round experience that feels perfectly suited to the time of year, making each batch a unique celebration of flavor.