BroBible
Anyone who visits a liquor store on a regular basis knows shelves have been flooded with an overwhelming number of new libations in recent years thanks in no small part to the many, many ready-to-drink options on the market.
That includes Bluebird Hardwater, an offering I have to admit caught me a bit off guard when I first encountered it in the wild.
So… What the hell is hardwater?
The concept is about as simple as it gets: it’s just a premium spirit (either vodka or tequila) combined with ultra-purified water packaged in a can. I can’t help but respect an approach that’s as straightforward as that, and while I admit I was curious why there are no other flavors involved was first introduced to it, a little (Blue)bird has told me that may not be the case for much longer.
Each one of the two-ingredient mixed drinks clocks in at 4.5% ABV (around the same as a typical light beer or a hard seltzer) and boasts just 88 calories.
The end result is a refreshing and portable beverage that will help you stay hydrated and won’t weigh you down, which makes it perfect for outdoor excursions, a low-key night of relaxation, and everything in between.
The aforementioned influx of adult beverages has largely come in the form of canned options that fall under one of two umbrellas: the hard seltzers that took the world by storm in the summer of 2021 and the ready-to-drink offerings that make it easier than ever to treat yourself to your cocktail of choice.
Now, I guess you could argue Bluebird Hardwater falls in that second category, as it is technically a mixed drink—but probably not the kind you associated with that particular phrase.
Introducing Bluebird Hardwater…
BroBible
Bluebird Hardwater founder Will Blum is one of the many people who’ve found themselves grappling with the realities that come with throwing back some beers or sugary mixed drinks, as there’s only so much you can to avoid the virtually inevitable moment where you realize the calories and dehydration are catching up to you.
After the native of Jackson Hole, Wyoming realized the drinks that enhanced the active lifestyle he was used to also had a tendency to put a damper on it, saying “Growing up active with early morning sports like surfing and skiing, I didn’t want to miss my mornings or feel bad the next day.”
He set out to strike a happy medium and found it in the form of what eventually transformed into Bluebird Hardwater.
The origins story involved a night when Will was hanging out with some friends and thought to himself “Why not put a little bit of alcohol in this water?” After realizing no one in the alcohol industry had been inspired to do the same things on a large scale, he set out to fill the void, and the rest is history.
What does Bluebird Hardwater taste like?
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If you’re looking to quench your thirst with a beverage that goes down easy, then Bluebird’s vodka offerings are definitely going to fit the bill.
The lime and cranberry options each boast the ideal amount of flavor and never come close to hitting you with the cloying sweetness I’ve encountered in far too many hard seltzers and ready-to-drink cocktails; they’re about as refreshing as you can get.
The same can be said for the tequila versions, which feature the signature agave note that vibes perfectly with the classic lime pairing as well as the slightly unconventional pineapple that creates an incredibly solid partnership.
The spirit that’s used as a base means the alcohol is obviously going to pop a bit more compared to the more neutral vodka. However, “a bit” is the key term here, as it strikes an ideal balance with the fruit to create an incredibly well-rounded flavor that kept me coming back for more sips.