When it comes to hard lemonades, such as Mike's Hard and Mike's Harder Lemonades, the type of liquor used can be a bit confusing. These beverages are classified as flavored malt beverages (FMBs) in the industry. This means that the alcoholic foundation of these drinks is a fermented malt-based alcohol.
To understand what exactly is in a hard lemonade, it's important to first grasp the concept of a malt beverage. Malt beverages are typically made by fermenting grains, most commonly barley, to create an alcoholic base. This process is similar to brewing beer, where the sugars from the grains are converted into alcohol by yeast. However, in the case of flavored malt beverages like hard lemonades, the malt base is often further processed and flavored to create a unique taste profile.
In the case of hard lemonades, the malt base is typically made from barley, but other grains like corn or rice may also be used. The malt base is then combined with water, yeast, and other ingredients to initiate fermentation. During fermentation, the yeast consumes the sugars present in the malt, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide as byproducts.
Once the fermentation process is complete, the malt base is flavored with natural or artificial lemon flavors to create the signature lemonade taste. Additional sweeteners may also be added to balance the tartness of the lemons and create a more palatable beverage. These flavors and sweeteners help to mask some of the inherent bitterness that can be present in a fermented malt base.
It's worth noting that the alcohol content of hard lemonades can vary. Mike's Hard Lemonade, for example, typically has an alcohol content of around 5% ABV (alcohol by volume), while Mike's Harder Lemonade has a higher alcohol content, usually around 8% ABV. The alcohol content is determined by the amount of fermentable sugars present in the malt base and the duration of fermentation.
In terms of personal experience, I have had the opportunity to taste different hard lemonade brands and variations. The flavor profiles can vary, with some being more sweet and citrus-forward, while others have a slightly more bitter or malt-forward taste. The level of carbonation can also differ, with some brands having a more fizzy and effervescent mouthfeel.
Hard lemonades like Mike's Hard and Mike's Harder Lemonades contain a fermented malt-based alcohol as their primary liquor component. The malt base, made from grains like barley, undergoes fermentation to produce alcohol, which is then flavored with lemon flavors and sweeteners to create the refreshing and tangy taste of a hard lemonade.