Hard seltzer has become a favorite go-to beverage, but did you know you can easily make it at home? Whether you’re an experienced homebrewer or completely new to the process, crafting your own hard seltzer is simple, affordable, and lets you customize flavors to your liking. With just a few key ingredients and some basic equipment, you can brew a crisp, refreshing hard seltzer at a fraction of the cost of store-bought brands.
How to Make Hard Seltzer
Hard seltzer comes in a variety of refreshing flavors, from classic citrus to tropical fruit blends. The best part? No artificial additives—just naturally vibrant flavors that make each sip light and enjoyable.
Total Brew Time: 6 Weeks (4 weeks fermenting, 2 weeks bottle conditioning)
Essential Equipment & Ingredients
- 5-gallon fermenter with a drilled lid
- Stopper and fermentation airlock
- Brewing kettle
- Hydrometer and test tube (to measure gravity and ABV)
- Cleaner and sanitizer for brewing equipment
- Hard Seltzer Recipe Kit (various fruit flavors available)
- Two cases of pry-off style bottles (12 oz or 22 oz)
Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions
BREW DAY
1. Heat 2.5 gallons of water in a kettle.
2. Stir in 4 lbs of corn sugar until fully dissolved.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil for 10 minutes to sanitize.
4. Remove from heat and stir in yeast nutrients while cooling the solution to 70°F.
5. While cooling, sanitize the fermenting equipment, including the fermenter, airlock, and yeast pack.
6. Add 2 gallons of cold water to the fermenter, then pour in the cooled sugar solution.
7. Add additional cold water as needed to reach 5 gallons.
8. Measure the specific gravity with a hydrometer and record the reading.
9. Once the temperature is between 50°F and 80°F, add the yeast.
10. Seal the fermenter with an airlock and allow fermentation to begin.
PRIMARY FERMENTATION
11. Fermentation should begin within 48 hours. Expect to see foam and bubbling in the airlock. The ideal temperature range for fermentation is 60°F-80°F.
1-4 WEEKS AFTER BREW DAY
12. Fermentation typically slows down after 1-2 weeks. Once bubbling stops and the gravity reading is stable, allow the seltzer to clear for another 2 weeks before bottling.
BOTTLING YOUR HARD SELTZER
13. Sanitize all bottling and siphoning equipment.
14. Prepare a priming sugar solution by dissolving sugar in water, boiling, and cooling before adding to the bottling bucket.
15. Siphon the seltzer into the bottling bucket, gently mixing with the priming solution.
16. Dissolve crystallized fruit powder in warm water, briefly bring to a boil, then stir into the seltzer to enhance flavor. Adjust intensity to taste.
17. Fill and cap bottles, then store at room temperature for 1-2 weeks for carbonation.
18. Once carbonated, chill and enjoy your homemade hard seltzer!
ENJOY YOUR SELTZER!
After conditioning, pour into a clean glass, leaving the sediment behind, and enjoy a crisp, refreshing hard seltzer made entirely by you!
