Viva Elderberry Tequila Seltzer

VIVA's Elderberry Tequila Seltzer is a 5.0% ABV canned tequila seltzer made in California. It pairs tequila with elderberry flavor and carbonated water. The producer doesn't publish a detailed flavor breakdown, so what follows is what to expect from the style. Elderberry usually reads as dark and slightly tart, closer to blackcurrant or a ripe plum than to a sweet red berry. It also has a faint floral edge. In a tequila seltzer, that fruit sits on top of a light agave character and ends dry and fizzy, not syrupy. At 5% ABV, it drinks at about the strength of a typical beer or hard seltzer. The can is already mixed, so there is nothing to measure, shake or garnish. Chill it thoroughly before opening, since the carbonation and the tart fruit both taste cleaner when cold. Drink it straight from the can, or pour it over a full glass of ice in a highball or rocks glass. Ice dilutes a seltzer slowly, so the drink stays lively through the whole glass. A wedge of lime is an easy addition if you want a little more brightness. Tequila-based seltzers also take well to a salted or Tajín-style rim, which sharpens the berry flavor. The dark-fruit tone and dry finish suit salty, spicy and smoky food. Think carnitas or al pastor tacos, chips with salsa or guacamole, grilled chicken, or charred corn. The acidity and bubbles also cut through fried food and rich cheese, so it works alongside nachos or a basket of wings. Because it comes in a can that's ready to drink, it's easy to bring to a backyard cookout, a beach or park day, a tailgate, or a patio gathering where you'd rather not carry mixers and glassware. It also makes a lighter option to keep in the fridge next to beer and wine.