Hard seltzer and sodas have become increasingly popular in recent years, with global sales of these refreshing, bubbly beverages continuing to grow rapidly. As a result, many breweries, beverage producers, and startup brands are now looking to invest in hard seltzer and soda brewing equipment to diversify their product portfolios.
Before selecting the right equipment, it is essential to understand the difference between hard seltzer and sodas, how each product is made, and what equipment is required.
What Is the Difference Between Hard Seltzer and Sodas?
Although hard seltzer and sodas may look similar in appearance, they are fundamentally different products in terms of ingredients, production process, and regulatory classification.
Hard Seltzer:
Contains alcohol (typically 4–6% ABV)
Alcohol is produced through fermentation of sugar
Requires yeast, fermentation tanks, and alcohol control
Regulated as an alcoholic beverage
Low sugar, low calorie, light and refreshing profile
Sodas:
Non-alcoholic beverages
Made by mixing water, sugar (or sweeteners), and flavorings
No fermentation process
Regulated as a soft drink / beverage
Higher sugar content compared to hard seltzer
In short:
Hard seltzer is a fermented alcoholic beverage, while soda is a non-fermented soft drink.
What Equipment Is Needed to Produce Hard Seltzer or Sodas?
At its most basic level, hard seltzer and soda brewing equipment includes the following systems:
Brewhouse system
Fermenter (for hard seltzer)
Carbonation system
Flavoring / dosing system
The configuration may vary depending on whether you are producing hard seltzer, sodas, or both.
1)Brewhouse:
The brewhouse is used to prepare the sugar base for hard seltzer production.
Typical brewhouse components include:
Boiling kettle with agitator
Hot liquor tank
Piping system
Plate heat exchanger
Yeast feeder
Water is heated and mixed with sugar in the boiling kettle. After boiling, the liquid is cooled to the required fermentation temperature through a plate heat exchanger and then pumped into the fermenter.
For soda production, this step can be simplified or replaced with a mixing system, since fermentation is not required.
2)Fermenter (Mainly for Hard Seltzer):
The fermenter is where alcohol is produced through fermentation.
Tiantai fermenters are:
Made of food-grade 304 stainless steel
Equipped with PT100 temperature control systems
Designed for stable, clean, and efficient fermentation
Accurate temperature control is critical to ensure a clean, neutral alcohol base, which is essential for high-quality hard seltzer.
3)Carbonation System:
After fermentation (or mixing, in the case of sodas), the beverage is flat and must be carbonated.
Common carbonation options include:
In-line carbonation systems
Brite tanks with carbonation function
These systems allow precise control of CO₂ levels to achieve the desired mouthfeel and carbonation intensity.
4)Flavoring System:
Flavoring is the final and most important step for both hard seltzer and sodas.
Natural fruit extracts or flavor concentrates are added
A dosing system ensures precise and repeatable flavor control
Easy cleaning and fast flavor switching are essential for multi-flavor production
A flexible flavoring system allows producers to quickly respond to market trends and launch new products.
Key Factors to Consider When Selecting Hard Seltzer & Soda Brewing Equipment
1. Capacity
Choose equipment that matches your current production needs while allowing room for future expansion.
2. Automation Level
Fully automated systems reduce labor and improve consistency
Semi-automatic systems offer more manual control and lower investment
3. Ease of Cleaning
Efficient CIP systems are critical to prevent contamination and ensure consistent product quality.
4. Cost & Long-Term Value
While initial investment matters, high-quality equipment reduces maintenance costs, improves efficiency, and delivers better product consistency over time.
Hard seltzer brewing equipment typically consists of a brewhouse system, fermentation tanks, carbonation system, and flavoring system, while soda production equipment focuses more on mixing, carbonation, and flavor dosing.
With Tiantai hard seltzer and soda brewing equipment, breweries and beverage producers can easily expand into this fast-growing market. Our turnkey solutions combine reliable engineering, hygienic design, and flexible configurations to support both hard seltzer and soda production.
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Emily Gong
