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The Rise of Vodka Sodas and White Claw

Vodka sodas and hard seltzers like White Claw have become increasingly popular alcoholic beverages in recent years. With their low calorie and carb counts, these drinks are often perceived as a healthier option than traditional cocktails and beers. However, the health implications of the vodka soda and spiked seltzer craze are more complicated than they appear.

The Vodka Soda - A Classic Low Calorie Cocktail

A vodka soda is one of the simplest cocktails, containing just vodka and club soda. With no added sugars, a 1.5oz shot of vodka paired with soda water clocks in at around 100 calories. The carb content is nil as well. This compares quite favorably to a standard vodka cocktail made with fruit juices or soda, which can contain 200-300 calories per serving. The vodka soda emerged as a drinks staple in the 1990s and 2000s, as the low carb Atkins and South Beach diets gained immense popularity. Dieters realized they could still imbibe without disrupting their strict dietary rules.

While the vodka soda became associated with no-frills nutrition-minded drinking, it has stood the test of time as a refreshing, easy-drinking cocktail. The simple combination highlights the flavors of the vodka. Higher end vodka brands like Grey Goose, Belvedere, and Chopin emerged to meet demand for premium vodka sodas. With just two ingredients, bars no longer needed intensive mixology training to make a delicious version.

The Rise of Spiked Seltzer and White Claw

Hard seltzers take the low carb, low calorie concept of the vodka soda and spin it into a ready-to-drink canned cocktail. Pioneered by brands like SpikedSeltzer and Bon & Viv, the canned bubbly beverage is typically made from fermented cane sugar with added carbonation and natural flavors. White Claw, owned by Mark Anthony Brands, brought the trend fully into the zeitgeist upon its launch in 2016. Offering flavors like black cherry, ruby grapefruit, and mango, White Claw delivered a fizzy, fruity drink in a portable, 100 calorie package.

Millennials in particular gravitated towards spiked seltzer for its convenience, variety of flavors, and health halo. Thanks to its gluten-free credentials, White Claw became the unofficial drink of summer amongst young consumers seeking an alternative to heavy, filling beers. Hard seltzers check numerous boxes: low-ish in calories, hydrating with their carbonation, gluten-free, and lower in alcohol than most cocktails and beers. At around 5% ABV, one can of White Claw packs the punch of a light beer.

The Nutritional Pros and Cons of Vodka Sodas and White Claw

No question, vodka sodas and hard seltzers represent smarter alcoholic options versus heavy mixed drinks and beers. But are they truly healthy? Let's examine some of the key nutritional pros and cons.

Pros:

• Fewer calories and carbs than most cocktails, wines, and beers
• Gluten-free
• Contain no added sugars or artificial ingredients (in most cases)
• Provide hydration due to carbonation (in spiked seltzers)
• Lower in alcohol than many cocktails and craft beers

Cons:

• Still contain alcohol, which provides empty "calories" without nutrition
• Some flavors may contain artificial sweeteners or preservatives
• Carbonation can provoke acid reflux or bloating in some people
• Not actually hydrating - alcohol acts as a diuretic
• Easy to overconsume because of lower alcohol taste

While vodka sodas and White Claw offer marginal nutrition improvements over traditional alcoholic options, they should still be enjoyed in moderation. The CDC defines moderate drinking as 1 drink or less per day for women and 2 drinks or less per day for men.

The Dangers of Overconsuming Hard Seltzers

One of the biggest concerns regarding the spiked seltzer craze is their easy drinkability. With fruity flavors and minimal alcohol burn, it's tempting to down several cans in one sitting. Sessioning on White Claw has become a common weekend activity amongst Millennials. But while you may not feel impaired after 3 or 4 cans, you are still consuming the same amount of alcohol as 3 or 4 beers or cocktails. Their misleading "health halo" contributes to overconsumption.

This bingeing pattern comes with numerous risks:

• Higher blood alcohol content than anticipated, increasing drunkenness
• Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
• Greater calorie consumption than with moderation
• Weight gain if habitually drinking multiple seltzers
• Long term impacts like liver disease and cancer

Their convenience also makes it easy to drink spiked seltzers anywhere, from the office to hiking trails. But just because you can drink a 6-pack of White Claw at a picnic doesn't mean you should. Be mindful of pacing yourself.

Tips for Drinking Vodka Sodas and Hard Seltzers Responsibly

If enjoyed properly, low calorie vodka sodas and spiked seltzers can be smart alcoholic options. Here are some tips for imbibing them in moderation:

• Treat them like any other alcoholic beverage - consume no more than 1-2 in a sitting.
• Alternate with water to stay hydrated.
• Eat healthy snacks like veggies and hummus to help absorption and prevent overdrinking.
• Select flavors with less added sugars.
• Avoid "pre-gaming" with seltzers before heading out to bars.
• Measure your pours - don't rely on a heavy pour at bars.
• Avoid drinking spiked seltzers before physical activities like hiking where impairment poses risks.

While most adults can enjoy the occasional White Claw or

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.