Athens, Georgia knows beer. If you’ve ever stepped foot into the massive, sun-drenched taproom of Creature Comforts Brewing Co., you know they basically own the "vibes" market in the Southeast. Tropicalia is a legend. Classic City Lager is a staple. But then, they did something that made a few craft purists tilt their heads: they launched a spirits line. Specifically, the Creature Comforts Sun Glow Vodka Seltzer, and honestly, it’s not what I expected.
Most craft breweries fail at seltzer. Truly. They treat it like an afterthought or a "better-for-you" obligation that ends up tasting like a handful of Skittles dissolved in club soda. It’s usually cloying, artificial, and metallic. But Creature Comforts didn't just dump some grain neutral spirits into a tank with "natural flavors." They approached Sun Glow with the same obsession they bring to a limited-run sour.
The Citrus Profile That Actually Tastes Like Fruit
The "Citrus" version of Sun Glow isn't just one flavor. It’s a blend. We're talking real lemon and lime, but there’s a distinct brightness to it that feels more like zest than juice. It’s sharp.
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Let’s be real: most vodka seltzers on the market—think White Claw or High Noon—have a specific job. They are meant to be cold and wet. That's about it. You drink them because they aren't heavy. But with Creature Comforts Sun Glow Vodka Seltzer, the citrus has a bite. It’s 5% ABV, which is standard, but the mouthfeel is surprisingly crisp. This isn't a "malternative." It’s built on a foundation of real vodka, and you can tell by the lack of that weird, yeasty aftertaste you get from fermented cane sugar bases.
It’s refreshing. Really.
I remember the first time I saw the cans. They look like a sunset in a Georgia peach orchard, even though it’s a citrus drink. The branding is minimalist, very on-brand for the brewery that made minimalism cool in the Georgia beer scene. They aren't shouting about "low carb" or "keto-friendly" on the front of the can in giant bold letters, even though it hits those marks. They’re selling a flavor profile.
Why Craft Breweries Are Pivoting to Spirits
You might wonder why a world-class brewery is messing around with vodka. The market is shifting. Fast. In 2024 and 2025, we saw a massive uptick in "crossover" consumers. People who love a heavy IPA on Friday night often want something lighter on a Saturday afternoon at the pool. Creature Comforts saw the writing on the wall.
By creating the Sun Glow line, they kept their loyal fans within their ecosystem. If you love the brand, you’ll trust their seltzer. It’s a smart business move, but it’s also a technical challenge. Distilling or sourcing a high-quality vodka that doesn't overbear the delicate citrus notes requires a steady hand. They use a proprietary process that keeps the minerals in the water balanced—water chemistry is something these guys have mastered over a decade of brewing.
If the water is too hard, the citrus tastes bitter. If it’s too soft, the drink feels flabby. Creature Comforts Sun Glow Vodka Seltzer lands right in that "crushable" sweet spot. It’s the kind of drink that disappears before you realize you’ve finished the can.
The Ingredients Nobody Talks About
We need to talk about what's not in it. There’s no added sugar. That’s the big one. Most people don't realize that "citrus" flavors in cheaper seltzers are often masked with a tiny bit of sweetener to hide the burn of cheap alcohol. Creature doesn't do that. They use a clean vodka base that stays out of the way.
- Real citrus extracts
- Sparkling water (highly carbonated)
- Premium vodka
- Zero grams of sugar
It's simple. Simple is hard to get right.
Where Sun Glow Fits in Your Cooler
If you’re heading to Sanford Stadium for a tailgate, this is a top-tier choice. Why? Because it stays refreshing even as it starts to warm up a little. Most seltzers become undrinkable once they hit room temperature—they turn into a syrupy mess. Because Sun Glow is so dry, it holds its integrity.
I’ve seen people use the Citrus Sun Glow as a mixer, too. Drop a splash of cranberry juice or a sprig of rosemary in there. It holds up. It’s sophisticated enough that you don't feel like a college kid drinking it, but it’s approachable enough for a backyard BBQ.
The Competition: High Noon vs. Sun Glow
It’s the elephant in the room. High Noon is the gold standard for vodka seltzer right now. They use real fruit juice, which gives their drinks a bit of color and a "softer" flavor. Creature Comforts Sun Glow Vodka Seltzer is different. It’s clearer. It’s more "sparkling" and less "juicy."
If you like a drink that tastes like a spiked soda, stick with the big brands. If you want something that tastes like a high-end vodka soda you’d order at a cocktail bar—one where the bartender actually uses a fresh citrus twist—Sun Glow is the winner. It feels more "grown-up."
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There's also the local factor. If you’re in the Southeast, supporting a brewery like Creature Comforts means your money stays in the local economy. They are a B-Corp certified company. That matters. They have high standards for sustainability and how they treat their employees. Drinking a Sun Glow isn't just about the calories; it's about supporting a business model that isn't just a faceless multinational corporation.
Common Misconceptions
Some people think because it's from a brewery, it’s a "malty" seltzer. It isn't. Not even a little. This is a distilled spirit product.
Others think it’s only available at the brewery in Athens. While that was true during the initial test runs, distribution has expanded significantly across Georgia and into neighboring markets. You can find it in most major liquor stores and even some larger grocery chains now.
How to Get the Best Experience
Don't drink it out of the can if you’re at home. I know, that sounds snobby. But hear me out. Pour Creature Comforts Sun Glow Vodka Seltzer into a highball glass over fresh ice. Add a squeeze of actual lime. The carbonation is aggressive in a good way, and letting it breathe for a second opens up those citrus aromatics that get trapped in the aluminum.
It’s a game changer.
Honestly, the "glow" in the name isn't just marketing fluff. There’s a certain brightness to the drink that fits the Georgia summer perfectly. It’s light, it’s clean, and it doesn't leave you feeling weighed down.
Actionable Advice for Your Next Drink Run
If you're looking to pick some up, keep these three things in mind:
- Check the Pack Date: Freshness matters less for vodka seltzer than for IPAs, but you still want that carbonation to be snappy. Look for boxes that haven't been sitting in a hot window.
- Temperature is Key: Get this stuff as cold as humanly possible. The crispness of the citrus peaks right above freezing.
- Food Pairings: Surprisingly, this kills with spicy food. The acidity of the citrus and the bubbles cut right through the heat of Thai food or hot wings.
The move toward spirits is a bold one for Creature Comforts, but Sun Glow proves they aren't just chasing a trend. They’re trying to perfect it. If you’ve been burnt by bad seltzers in the past, this is the one that might actually change your mind. It’s simple, effective, and quintessentially Georgia.