Polar Seltzer, a brand made since 1882 has introduced an exciting lineup of new flavors for 2024, and I decided to give them a chance and dive into them. Each one has its own unique profile, but the challenge lies in figuring out which ones really pop and which fall flat. Here’s my breakdown of the five new flavors, ranked from best to worst.
- Nectarine Grapefruit
This was, without question, the standout flavor of the bunch. From the first sip, there is a strong, sharp grapefruit flavor that takes over, leaving a memorable tartness on the tongue. There’s a hint of something softer behind it—presumably nectarine—but since I’m not totally familiar with how nectarine should taste, I’d compare it more to a mild plum-like flavor. It fades in gently, giving the drink a layered experience. The grapefruit dominates at first, but then mellows out, leaving the softer notes behind. The way the flavors work together feels balanced, with a refreshing finish that lingers. It’s a great choice if you like your seltzers bold and full of citrusy punch.
- Blood Orange Cranberry
Coming in at a close second, the Blood Orange Cranberry offers a bit of a fruitier experience. The orange flavor comes through slightly stronger than the cranberry, but both fruits are present, combining to give a pleasant if not overly complex, citrus-berry experience. It’s a well-rounded seltzer, with just enough cranberry tartness to cut through the sweet orange, but not so much that it overpowers the blend. If you’re into balanced fruit flavors that don’t hit too hard, this is a solid option. The simplicity might not be as exciting as the grapefruit, but it’s still an enjoyable drink.
- Elderflower Starlight
This one is a bit of an enigma. The smell isn’t as potent as the others—it’s a faint, almost berry-like aroma, but not something easily identifiable. The flavor is similarly subtle, without any one note standing out above the rest. It’s the smoothest of all the flavors I tried, making it easy to drink but less memorable compared to the stronger fruit profiles. Elderflower Starlight feels more delicate, like a whisper of floral and fruit, but it might leave you wishing for a little more oomph. Still, if you prefer a more understated seltzer, this one could easily be a favorite for its smoothness alone.
- Frosted Boysenberry
This was the most “fizzy” out of all the flavors—so much so that it ended up splashing out of the can when I opened it, making a mess! The berry aroma is strong and pleasant, but the flavor doesn’t quite live up to the smell. It’s surprisingly mild, especially after that initial burst of berry fragrance. There’s nothing particularly wrong with it, but it lacks the punch you’d expect from such a bold aroma. The carbonation seems to take center stage here, leaving the flavor as more of a background player. For those who like their seltzer super fizzy, this could be a great option, but flavor-wise, it doesn’t leave a lasting impression.
- Spiced Pear Cider
Unfortunately, Spiced Pear Cider was the least enjoyable flavor for me. I went in thinking it might be too bold, and it lived up to that expectation, but not in a good way. From the first whiff, it gave off a strong, almost perfume-like scent—loud and intrusive, not the inviting kind of spiced aroma you might hope for. The pear is there, but it’s more of an afterthought, muted by an odd mix of spice that doesn’t really work. The “spicy” notes don’t blend well with the pear, leaving the flavor disjointed and not particularly refreshing. If you’re a fan of more intense, spiced drinks, you might enjoy it, but for me, it was a miss. The smell and taste clashed, and it was just too much overall.
Overall, Polar’s 2024 lineup offers some winners and some not-so-great options, but there’s definitely a flavor for everyone depending on your preferences. If you enjoy bold, citrus-heavy drinks, Nectarine Grapefruit is the one to try. If you like a more balanced and subtle approach, Elderflower Starlight or Blood Orange Cranberry are good picks. But if you’re wary of overly strong, perfumey flavors, I’d steer clear of the Spiced Pear Cider. The variety is there, but not all of the flavors hit the mark.
