8 Hard Kombuchas That Make Getting Tipsy Kinda Healthy

Attention, bubbly beverage lovers: Hard kombucha is the latest trend in the world of fermented tea and just might replace your beloved beer. With as much as 3 to 8 percent alcohol (compared to about 0.5 percent ABV in regular kombucha), hard kombucha is not proven to be as probiotic-rich as the regular stuff. However, it's a lower-calorie, lower-sugar, and gluten-free alternative to beer and cider. Here are eight brands worth sipping.

GT’s Classic Gold Piña Paradise Kombucha ($5, 3 percent ABV): GT's lower-alcohol hard kombucha allows you to unwind without getting too tipsy. Piña Paradise leans more savory than sweet, thanks to turmeric juice and habanero pepper, and tastes like a spicy margarita. You can also try Heavenly Hops for a peachy-IPA taste or New World Noir for an oaky, wine-like flavor.

Kombrewcha Hard Kombucha ($3, 4.4 percent ABV): Kombrewcha's Lemongrass Lime is the millennial version of a Bud Light with lime, while Berry Hibiscus and Royal Ginger are virtuous replacements for stronger drinks at cocktail hour.

KYLA Hard Kombucha ($12/6, 4.5 percent ABV): Gluten-free but miss beer? KYLA's hard kombuchas are just as fizzy but have zero gluten and only 100 calories. Try it in Ginger Tangerine, Hibiscus Lime, Pink Grapefruit, or Cold Brew Coffee.

Flying Embers Organic Hard Kombucha ($14/4, 4.5 percent ABV): This boozy booch starts with an botanical adaptogens before it's turned into flavors like minty Lemon Orchard and Ancient Berry.

Wild Tonic Jun Kombucha ($8, 5.6 percent ABV): Wild Tonic's light, non-vinegary, honey-based jun kombucha allows the flavors of fruit, herbs, and botanicals to shine. That's a good thing, since they're brewing inventive blends like Blackberry Mint, Blueberry Basil, and Raspberry Goji Rose. If you want something a little stronger, they also make a line with 7.6 percent ABV.

JuneShine Hard Kombucha ($5, 6 percent ABV): This California company makes hard kombuchas in flavors such as Blood Orange Mint, Cucumber Mojito, Honey Ginger Lemon. There is even a tropical activated-charcoal blend. They're all brewed with green tea jun kombucha (made with honey instead of cane sugar), which makes them smooth and sippable any time of day.

Boochcraft High Alcohol Kombucha ($8, 7 percent ABV): One of the strongest hard kombuchas on the market, bubbly Boochcraft is available in exciting flavors like Watermelon Mint Chili, Apple Lime Jasmine, and Grape Coriander Anise.

Unity Vibration Kombucha Beer ($15/4, 8+ percent ABV): One of the earliest makers of hard kombucha, this California tea company knows its stuff. Though its kombucha has beer in the name and tastes just as hoppy, worry not: it's still gluten-free with enticing options like Bourbon Peach and Raspberry.