Sonic Hard Seltzers are ditching their old packaging and opting instead for new, slim cans. The aesthetic change takes place alongside news that the brand will be expanding its distribution footprint into several new markets.

Sonic Hard Seltzers, which were previously only sold in Oklahoma, are now available in alcohol retail locations in six additional states including Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Texas. According to the company, the hard seltzers will not be sold at Sonic Drive-In locations. The seltzers are produced by Oklahoma City’s COOP Ale Works. The brewery has teamed up with Sonic Drive-In, licensing the well-known name for its line of slush-inspired hard seltzers.

“The consumer connection to the iconic beverages from SONIC is unrivaled, and we are seeing it come to life with the fan-fare for our hard seltzer offerings,” stated Sean Mossman, President of COOP Ale Works. “We are so excited to make SONIC Hard Seltzer more accessible to those eager to enjoy their go-to flavors in a new format.” According to the company, its new, slim cans “give seltzer aficionados a true and classic hard seltzer drinking experience.”

Sonic’s fruit-forward seltzers debuted in eight flavors and two variety packs. The Tropical Variety Pack features Mango Guava, Orange Pineapple, Melon Medley and Ocean Water, a blue coconut flavor made famous by the fast food brand’s Ocean Water Slush. The Citrus Variety Pack contains Original Limeade, Classic Lemonade, Lemon Berry, and, of course, Cherry Limeade–a fan favorite. Both variety packs contain 12 cans of seltzer.

Each 12 ounce slim can of Sonic’s spiked seltzer contains only 100 calories, 1 gram of sugar, and an ABV of 5%. By contrast, a 20 ounce serving of the brand’s popular Cherry Limeade Slush contains a whopping 285 calories, 74 grams of carbs and 72 grams of sugar.

Sonic, another Oklahoma City brand, has been a staple in the fast food industry since it was founded in 1953. The brand boasts upwards of 3,500 restaurants and is currently in 46 states. It is the most wide-reaching chain of drive-ins in the US.

Even though Sonic has an almost 70 year history in the fast food industry, the company is new to hard seltzers. Luckily, COOP Ale Works knows a thing or two about the bubbly beverages. The brewery, which has been in business since 2009, is known for its selection of “high quality, full flavor beer brewed in Oklahoma City,” but it also produces Will & Wiley Hard Seltzer.

Will & Wiley, “the hard seltzer customized for the Oklahoma lifestyle,” comes in four flavors including Cherry Lime, Pineapple, Mango Guava and Grapefruit. The brand contains 100 calories, 2 grams of sugar and an ABV of 5% per 12 ounce can.

Sonic and COOP Ale Works are excited for the hard seltzer brand’s distribution expansion and its new packaging.

However, Sonic has issued an apology to loyal fans of one of its iconic offerings, “All your favorite Sonic flavors are now available as hard seltzer! (Well, MOST of them. Sorry, Chili Cheese Tot lovers.) Pick up a pack and host your own happy hour any time you want! At home, at the lake, on your neighbor’s patio… it’s SONIC Hard Seltzer o’clock somewhere!”

Shirani Jayasuriya
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