Milwaukee’s own Central Standard Craft Distillery is making a bold move and challenging the growing hard seltzer market with a brand new beverage that is, surprisingly ... still.
Hard2O, comprised of flavored still (not sparkling) water with a vodka kick, is a-first-of-its-kind addition to a changing beverage market.
Boasting only 40 calories per 12-ounce bottle, with no sugar and zero carbs, this gluten free beverage, which weighs in at a 5 percent ABV, is available in flavors including berry, mango, citrus and dragon-fruit pear.
"Hard2O is a true-game-changing product," says Central Standard co-owner Evan Hughes. "We aren’t just unveiling a great tasting new beverage, we are introducing a whole new category to the industry today: spiked vodka water."
The new beverage, which is being marketed to active Americans, has been rolled out to Wisconsin area liquor and grocery stores this week, and is poised for a national launch in 2020.
"We’ve already heard from golfers, boaters, tennis players, runners and even ultra-athletes who are all excited to try Hard2O after their next workout or at the 19th hole," says co-founder Pat McQuillan. "Hard2O is perfect for anyone counting calories or those just wanting a better-tasting drink."
Hughes and McQuillan have locked in their production schedule for 2020 and are currently in the process of selecting a national distributor who can assist them in going national.
"When it comes to coast-to-coast distribution, the right partner is pivotal," McQuillan says. "The right distributor can make or break a national-product rollout like the one we envision for Hard2O in 2020."
For Denver Mixologist Sean Keipper, national distribution or at least distribution to Colorado can’t come fast enough.
"With only 40 calories, no carbs and no fizz, Hard2O is going to play well here in Denver, but also poolside out in Vegas, at golf resorts in Arizona, on both coasts and basically anywhere folks get fanatical about working out," says Keipper, a bartender and 15-year industry veteran.
"I envision most people will drink Hard2O chilled straight out of the bottle, but it’ll also make a great cocktail ingredient, not to mention be refreshing served on the rocks with a lime."
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
