I Tried the Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Aguas Frescas and Ranked Them Best to Worst

Since we've reviewed Topo Chico hard seltzers before, we were curious to sample the four new agua fresca flavors that launched earlier this summer: Ripe Watermelon, Citrus Tamarind, Hibiscus Lime, and Passionfruit Mango. With only 100 calories each and 4% alcohol, all of these flavors seemed like a good choice to bring to a summer barbecue (which also allowed access to other taste testers). Here's what worked — and what didn't.

Samples were provided by Topo Chico. Prices and availability are subject to change. Prices are based on a seltzer variety pack.

$25 for 12 pack from Liquor Mates

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This was a big surprise, since the only thing I have previously liked that's watermelon-flavored is watermelon. But this hard seltzer hit on all cylinders. It was fizzy, fresh, and tasted like summer without a weird aftertaste or creepy artificial melon flavor. Everyone else who tried it gave it a thumbs up, too, so I feel pretty confident declaring this the winner.

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This was ... OK. While one happy taste tester admitted, "I'd drink any of these," I was only so happy with this one. While I got a faint taste of lime, I'm not really sure if I picked up "hibiscus" or honestly had a clue what that would taste like. Floral, maybe? This was fizzy and not offensive, so I'll give it a pass. Also of note: None of these tasted boozy, which I considered a plus. While the downside is that I can see someone drinking way too many of these and only recognizing they are fully wasted when they stood up, it worked for me.

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I had high hopes for this one. Who doesn't like mango? And yet, all I got that was mango from this was a strange, artificial aftertaste. While it wasn't horrible, it didn't put me in mind of agua fresca, either. Again, it was fizzy and not-boozy (both pluses) but the flavor wasn't exactly a win. 

$25 for 12 pack from Liquor Mates

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This had an awful artificial aftertaste — one that I normally associate with diet drinks. There were no artificial sweeteners listed in the ingredients, so not quite sure where that flavor came from. This was the worst of the bunch, and not one I would ever drink again. While it initially had the fizzy flavor of the others, the aftertaste was impossible to escape. And while it was still a hit with a determined taste tester who loved all of these, they stood alone. 

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