Why Are Millennials Obsessed with LaCroix?

Photo: Taste of Home

It’s no secret that sparkling water is popular. But since when did fizzy water in a neon can become the chic drink on supermarket shelves? Thanks to American’s fading favor with sugary soda, consumers are turning to a healthier option as their drink of choice. Brands such as LaCroix, Spindrift and San Pellegrino are taking over the bottled water market. And millennials are among their biggest fans, as thousands take to Instagram to post a picture of their brightly patterned cans. But what’s all the fuss about?

A Healthy(ish) Option

Bubbly water has been a mainstay on European dinner tables for years. Despite global popularity, it never really caught on with American consumers—until now. With more and more Americans looking for lower-calorie drink options, our “Coca-Cola Nation” has collectively gone on a diet, and as Americans start to eat healthier, we drink healthier, too.

Sparkling water drinks are low in calories, and they’re an easy way to stay hydrated. They’re also a guilt-free option for a healthy buzz. As sales continue to rise, boozy low-calorie sparkling waters are simultaneously taking over the cocktail scene, with brands like Truly Spiked & Sparkling and Spiked Seltzer satisfying conscientious drinkers all over the country.

“Consumers have become more involved in their fitness routines with the nationwide craze of innovative studios, workout classes and more” says Casey O’Neill, product developer at Truly Spiked & Sparkling. “As a result, drinkers are more health-conscious and trend-forward, looking for a solution to balance social events that won’t derail their wellness routine.” These drinks are low in sugar and made from real fruit, she adds. Most important, they’re an easy way to maintain a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing a social life.

Instagram-Worthy Sips

Beyond their health consciousness, millennials are a snap-happy, oversharing bunch. This social-media generation has the ability to make or break a brand, and sparkly, vibrant cans are trending with the help of millennials. Drinks such as tangerine LaCroix and cucumber Spindrift are perfect for a post-workout cool-down, but they’re even better as the accessory in a #wellness photo opp for Instagram.

Equally healthy and photoworthy? Our collection of thirst-quenching mocktails.

Our Favorite Drinks are Fresh, Fizzy & Not-To-Sweet

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Pomegranate Ginger SpritzerConveniently, a pitcher of this non-alcoholic beverage can be made hours before holiday guests arrive. Add the club soda just before serving. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Sunshine Lime RickeyThis is my re-creation of the lime rickey sodas served at my favorite burger place. I even tried a version using my own homemade bitters. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon

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Tropical CoolerWith only four simple ingredients, this refreshing punch is easy to stir up in just 10 minutes. I served it at a party for my son, and everyone liked the slightly tart flavor. —Robin Werner, Brush Prairie, Washington

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Watermelon SpritzerIt couldn’t get much easier than this bright spritzer! “Watermelon blended with limeade is cool and refreshing. It’s a wonderful thirst-quencher on a hot summer day.” —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Orange Blossom Mint RefresherI came up with this recipe because I'm not a fan of regular iced tea. This version has the perfect combination of freshness and sweetness, and the orange blossom water gives the tea a distinctive flavor. People always request the recipe. —Juliana Gauss, Centennial, Colorado

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Pink Rhubarb PunchRhubarb is the featured ingredient in this blush-colored punch. A friend passed the recipe on to me, and we enjoy it so much that I thought others might, too. —Rebecca Mininger, Jeromesville, Ohio

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Citrus & White Grape Juice Party PunchI was looking for a drink that wouldn't stain expensive prom dresses and tuxedos. Everyone loved this white grape juice and lemonade punch! You can mix the first four ingredients ahead of time, refrigerate and add the soda right before serving. —Karen Ballance, Wolf Lake, Illinois

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Warm Cider Cranberry PunchI first made this at an instructional cooking camp. My kids loved it so much that, for a time, they insisted we make it every day. Serve it hot in the winter or with the ice during the summer. —Carol Gehringer, Raleigh, North Carolina

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Mango Orange QuencherServe this beautiful beverage at your next brunch in place of mimosas. Just chill the base an hour before adding the club soda. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Citrus Cider PunchI share this refreshing punch recipe with people who visit our apple cider mill. It's perfect for autumn and holiday gatherings. —Carolyn Beck, St Johns, Michigan

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Scarlet SipperThis sweet, tart and slightly fizzy drink is a favorite for gatherings at our church. The bright color sets a festive tone, and the flavors blend seamlessly. —Amber Goolsby, Geneva, Alabama

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Cranberry Cherry PunchThis crimson-colored beverage is wonderful for Christmas and looks festive in a glass punch bowl. —Lori Daniels, Beverly, West Virginia

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Easy Citrus SlushOur church’s hostess committee has relied on this refreshing drink for bridal and baby showers and other events. We often use different flavors and colors of gelatin to match the decor of the occasion. —Joy Bruce, Welch, Oklahoma

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Sparkling Coconut Grape JuiceThis sparkling drink is a nice change of pace from lemonade and party punch. The lime, coconut and grape combination is so refreshing. Add a splash of gin if you're feeling bold. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon

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Pink Party PunchThis easy punch will be the highlight of any party. The fruity flavors blend perfectly together, making it impossible to have just one glass.—Carol Garnett, Bellevue, Washington

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Warm Christmas PunchRed Hot candies add rich color and spiciness to this festive punch, and the cranberry juice gives it a little tang. Our children always request it for December brunches. —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky

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Iced Honeydew Mint TeaI grow mint in the garden on my balcony. For this tea, I blend two of my favorite beverages—Moroccan mint tea and honeydew agua fresca. —Sarah Batt Throne, El Cerrito, California

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Beat the heat with this watermelon agua fresca.

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Lemony Fruit CoolerThis punch looks so pretty with all the colorful fruit floating in the bowl. It has a refreshing taste and is easy to put together. —Dawn Shackelford, Fort Worth, Texas

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Lemony Pineapple Iced TeaI like to garnish this iced tea with some of our sweet Hawaiian pineapple. —Beverly Toomey, Honolulu, Hawaii

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Cranberry FizzWith just five basic ingredients, this wonderfully tangy punch couldn't be much simpler to stir together. —Suzette Jury, Keene, California

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Cider WassailThis traditional wassail recipe came from a dear friend in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where we lived for many years. Because it's warm, wonderful and non-alcoholic, we've even served it at church. This wassail drink is also perfect for a holiday open house. —Maryellen Hays, Wolcottville, Indiana

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Rosemary LemonadeA friend suggested I add a sprig of rosemary to lemonade. The herb makes the drink taste fresh and light, and it's a pretty garnish. —Dixie Graham, Rancho Cucamonga, California

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Strawberry Watermelon SlushWe like to relax on the back porch with glasses of my slush after a long, hot day. Strawberries and watermelon blend up with lemon juice and sugar for an instant refresher. —Patty Howse, Great Falls, Montana

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Blackberry ShrubMaking a shrub recipe is a creative way to use up extra fruit all the way through Labor Day. We were inspired by sampling the house-made shrubs at a restaurant in California. They are as colorful and refreshing as summer drinks should be. —Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado

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Peach-Basil CoolerMix peaches and basil with club soda for a cool and refreshing mocktail! —Dana Hinck, Pensacola, Florida

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Cranberry LimeadeWhen cranberry and lime juice get together, the result is thirst-quenching. Add ice and you’ve got a party in a glass. —Michael Passow, Poughkeepsie, New York

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Watermelon-Lime CoolerWhen temps heat up, chill some glasses and cool down with a slushy blend of watermelon, lime and ginger ale. Slurp and repeat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Rainbow SpritzerLayers of colorful fruit submerged in a fizzy, sweet beverage make this a kid-friendly sipper that gets two thumbs-up. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Blackberry LemonadeHere's a special drink that's perfect when blackberries are in season. It has a tangy, refreshing flavor. —Rich Murray, Nevada, Missouri

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Rhubarb Citrus PunchRhubarb grows abundantly in our large farm garden. I'll make this punch for summertime gatherings or for special occasions with our extended family. —Ina Frey, St. Clemens, Ontario

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Sparkling Peach BellinisFolks will savor the subtle kiss of peach flavor in this elegant brunch beverage. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Raspberry RefresherThis recipe explodes with raspberry flavor! It's a wonderful summertime treat.—Doreen Patterson, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia

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Citrus PunchThis zesty punch is a refreshing addition to my holiday table. I love its fruity flavor and the bright sunshiny color. You can easily double the recipe if you're expecting a larger group. —Dianne Conway, London, Ontario

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Raspberry Iced TeaOne sip and you'll likely agree that this is the best flavored tea you've ever tasted. —Chris Wilson, Sellersville, Pennsylvania

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Red and Blue Berry Lemonade SlushThis delightfully sweet-tart beverage showcases fresh raspberries and blueberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Orange Juice SpritzerHere’s a zippy twist on regular orange juice. It is not too sweet and is refreshing with any breakfast or brunch entree. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California

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Iced Melon Moroccan Mint TeaI grow mint on my balcony, and this refreshing beverage is a wonderful way to use it. It combines two of my favorite drinks—Moroccan Mint Tea and Honeydew Agua Fresca. For extra flair, add some ginger ale. —Sarah Batt Throne, El Cerrito, California

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Rhubarb Mint TeaA bumper crop of rhubarb and mint from my garden inspired me to create this thirst-quenching pick-me-up. Raspberries deepen the tea's vibrant red color, making the drinks a pretty addition to your table. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington

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Blueberry Lime SlushMy husband's family makes a cranberry beverage for the holidays. I changed it up and serve it this way in winter and summer, when blueberries are in season. —Rebecca Bratsman, Tacoma, Washington

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Apricot Lemonade Iced TeaEvery special occasion deserves a refreshing beverage (and a lovely punch bowl). Our tea has a tangy flavor from lemonade, apricot nectar and mint. —Kay Chon, Sherwood, Arkansas

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