Flavored Malt Beverages for Delivery or Pickup

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.

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.