The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2021 - Issue 29

BERCZY HAR Jada Brookes discovers Berczy’s flavoured alcoholic sparkling water that guarantees a good night out without feeling bad the morning after. bitedrinks T he days of simply drinking still, sparkling or fruity water at home, in a café or restaurant appear to be truly over. In the last several years, alcoholic sparkling water beverages, otherwise known as hard selt- zer in the United States, have appeared on the market. This new beverage resembling a vodka-soda taste, and served in a can, was first discovered by 5th generation brewer Nick Shields in 2012 in Westport, Connecticut. He then produced the first commercial batches the following year. Hard seltzer is generally derived from fermented fruits or cane sugar. It can be made in various ways, including a clear distilled alcohol from the sugar beet, the method used by Berczy, which is part of the beetroot family, and similar to sugar cane alcohol. This alcoholic sparkling water with fruit flavours such as lemon, elderflower, peach, orange, grapefruit, raspberry and strawberry is lower in alcohol content and calories than the regular beer, wine or a cocktail, so you won’t neccessarily feel bad the next day. Berczy Hard Seltzer was established after three friends, Nick, Nick, and Matt, travelled to Canada and had their first hard seltzer in Berczy Park, Toronto. After taking in the buzz of the well-known square and its iconic dog fountain, the trio decided to perfect their own range of alcoholic spar- kling water in the UK. They wanted to develop a 100% natural ingredients drink that families and friends could enjoy together no matter their die- tary requirements. Described as crisp, light and refreshing, Berczy Hard Seltzer can be con- sumed while still maintaining a balanced lifestyle. The brand strives to bring an innovative and refreshing approach to alcoholic drinks while pro- viding a positive alternative for the environment and its customers. They vow to put their heart and soul into all of their delicious creations and use the highest quality, natural ingredients with as low calories and sugar as possible. There are currently three flavours to choose from: Lemon & Lime with a burst of citrus for a natural zing; the fresh, fruity and full of flavour Peach & Raspberry; and the new Passionfruit & Turmeric deemed a tropical sensation with a subtle kick. Each flavour crafted in England contains 4% ABV, 75 calories and 3.5 g of sugar per can, natural ingredients with no added sugars or sweeteners, and pure four-times distilled spirit derived from sugar beet. If you can’t decide which one to try first, the Taster Pack contains two of each flavour. Why not take the Berczy Effect where having fun doesn’t need to result in feeling guilty, wiped out or overdoing it? “Whether you want to drink more carefully, consume more sustainably or simply discover re- freshing alternatives, Berczy Hard Seltzer has arrived as a viable, cleaner alternative to traditional alcohol.” This way, you can relax and responsibly consume while caring about the impact drink has on you and the environ- ment. Like regular alcohol, Berczy Hard Seltzer can be spiced up for a summery, wintery or special occasion cocktail. So get inventive with the Zesty Af- fogato Fizz, a blend of one can of Berczy Passionfruit & Turmeric, one scoop of lemon or passionfruit sorbet, or vanilla ice cream, and one pas- sionfruit. To make this cocktail, add a scoop of sorbet or ice cream to a