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Flavored Malt Beverages for Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to flavored malt beverages
Flavored malt beverages are a perfect drink for outdoor activities and warm summer days. With a variety of flavors to choose from, you can find a drink to match almost any occasion or meal you have planned. Order through Instacart for same-day delivery of your food and drink of choice, including a range of flavored malt beverages.
About flavored malt beverages
Flavored malt beverages were first manufactured in the 1990s in the U.S. when brewing companies realized malt-based beverages were taxed at a lower rate than spirit-based beverages. Standards dictate that flavored malt beverages need to be at least 25% malt to qualify for this description. Unlike traditional beers, malt beverages get their taste and color from flavorings added by brewers, rather than from malt or any other fermenting materials.
Their alcohol content level is similar to other malt beverages, and they average an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4-6%. Marketing tends to blur the lines between flavored malt beverages and flavored beer. For example, hard sodas are usually considered flavored malt beverages, even though they don't use a malt base. Malt drinks use barley grain which is sprouted, a process called malting, before the drink is created. Beer is one of the most common malt beverages. Flavored malt beverages, however, have their natural flavor altered after fermenting.
Flavored malt beverages are sometimes called alcopops or alternatives. The term is highly regulated in the U.S., but other countries may use it to describe a wider range of drinks. Some manufacturers are experimenting with low sugar options, such as flavored hard seltzers, for those who prefer to lower their sugar intake. Popular examples of flavored malt beverages include Smirnoff Ice, Mike's Hard Lemonade, Redd's Apple Ale, Kinky Cocktails, and Four Loko.
Helpful tips for picking out the best type of flavored malt beverages
The easiest way to pick a flavored malt beverage is to look at the flavor offerings available to you. If you'd like something that has a fruity taste, you can find a flavored malt beverage that tastes like almost any fruit you can imagine. Many manufacturers also offer the option of buying a variety pack so you can taste different flavors before you commit to a full pack of one flavor.
Some flavored malt beverages will be sweeter than others, so consider this when you decide on a flavored malt beverage. The drink's ingredients list can clue you in to how much sugar or sweet flavoring was added to the drink. If you prefer a sweetness level similar to a real fruit, watch out for ingredients like corn syrup that add high levels of sweetness. While most flavored malt beverages have a relatively low ABV, be sure to check it first to enjoy responsibly and have enough for your plans.
Flavored Malt Beverages Near Me
Buy your favorite Flavored Malt Beverages online with Instacart. Order Flavored Malt Beverages from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQs about flavored malt beverages
Flavored malt beverages have a range of flavors, so they can be paired with an equally wide range of foods. Some ideal pairing options include:
- Pizza
- Mascarpone or Brie cheese
- Light white meat, such as chicken
- Sweet pork dishes, such as honey barbecue
- Pickled dishes, such as sauerkraut or kimchi
- Fruity desserts, such as apple fritters or strawberry rhubarb pie
- Salads that feature a fruit-based dressing, such as a lemon vinaigrette
- Root vegetables, such as potatoes or carrots
- Legumes, including beans or lentils
- Mushrooms
- Spicy foods
- Chocolate cake
- Shellfish, including clams and lobster
The answer depends on the flavored malt beverage, but spiked seltzers are typically keto-friendly, since they have a low amount of carbohydrates per serving. Look at the label and aim for a drink with 2-5 grams of carbohydrates if you want a drink that's more keto-friendly. Most keto diets recommend staying under 20-50 grams of carbohydrates each day, so any beverage can fit your diet if you account for it with the other foods or drinks you consume for the rest of the day.
They're actually not too different, because flavored malt beverages are a type of beer. Typically, flavored malt beverages remove the malt flavor that develops during the fermentation process, whereas beer keeps and sometimes emphasizes this flavor in the end product. Flavored malt beverages also rely on flavorings and colors that are added in. This offers flavored malt beverages more flavor possibilities and vivid color options. Another difference is that flavored malt beverages tend to be much sweeter than most beers.
Now that you know how to pick out the perfect flavored malt beverage for you, whether you're planning a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family, all you need to do is order through your Instacart app, and a shopper can have it to you in as little as 2 hours!