If you're the kind of person who reads labels you might have noticed something called "hop water" showing up on the ingredient list of an increasing number of sodas. But what the heck is hop water, where did it come from and why is it being added to soda pop now? Those are all good questions and in this post, the team behind gluten-free Rocky Mountain Soda will do our best to provide clear, informative answers.
What is Hop Water?
The name "hop water" sounds like something having to do with brewing beer. And if that's what you thought when you first heard the term, you'd be right. Sort of. Because while hop water is not actually used in the beer brewing process it is used to create a non-alcohol alternative to beer that features some of beer's flavor characteristics.
Hops • The cone-shaped flowers of the Humulus lupulus plant, a perennial vine in the hemp family. These flowers contain natural compounds like alpha acids and essential oils that contribute to their strong aroma and bitterness.
It's a carbonated beverage made with water, hops and a few other botanicals, depending on who's making it and for what purpose. There is no malt or alcohol in hop water and no grains are used in its production. In addition, hop water typically contains no sugar and no artificial sweeteners.
Unlike in beer where hops are used to produce aroma, flavor and a degree of bitterness their purpose in hop water is somewhat different. In hop water, their job is to produce a floral, citrusy bouquet without any of the heaviness or, just as important to some, calories of beer.
Hops plant (Humulus lupulus)What's Causing Hop Water's Recent Popularity?
Due to its light and refreshing characteristics many people today are enjoying hop water as is and it has carved itself out a nice place in the contemporary beverage market. When we say it's the "trendiest" new beverage of 2025 we're not casting aspersions. We simply mean that it's more or less come out of nowhere in the past few years and is now generating pretty intense word of mouth.
The Sober Curious Movement
Alcohol consumption tends to rise and fall over time between periods where it seems everyone is (over)indulging and other periods where the bloom comes off the intoxicating rose and a large swath of people decide to seek out non-alcoholic alternatives. We appear to be in one of those non-alcoholic dips (or peaks, depending on your perspective) now, and hop water is benefitting from being in the right place at the right time.
“The sober curious movement is gaining popularity, with nearly half (49%) of Americans planning to drink less alcohol in 2025, representing a 44% increase from 2023."
–The Educated Patient, "The Rise of the Sober Curious Movement"
Rising Demand for Carbonated Beverages
Being a carbonated beverage, hop water has attracted the attention of countless fans of carbonated water. That segment of the soft drink market has grown to an astronomical $50 billion annually and is expected to more than double in the next 7 years. Hop water has benefitted by association with other, older forms of carbonated water and the curiosity of carbonated water fans looking for something new to try.
Similarity to Craft Beer
The craft beer movement that gained steam after the turn of the century has introduced beer drinkers to a variety of hop flavors. This type of informed appreciation of hops is historically unheard of and hop water in general has benefited from it. There are even craft breweries now that are making and marketing their own hop water varieties.
How is Hop Water Made?
Hop water may seem like a simple drink, but there’s a refined process behind its crisp, botanical taste. Crafting hop water takes a thoughtful approach, similar in some ways to brewing beer – but without the fermentation or alcohol. The following steps offer a glimpse into how hop water is created from raw ingredients to finished product.
- Start with filtered water – The foundation of hop water is high-quality, filtered water that provides a neutral base for the hops to shine. Any impurities in the water can negatively affect the flavor and clarity.
- Select and steep hops – Different hop varieties are chosen for specific flavor notes – citrusy, floral, piney or herbal. These are steeped in hot water to extract essential oils, similar to making tea.
- Cool and clarify the infusion – After steeping, the hop infusion is cooled and filtered to remove plant solids, leaving behind a clear, aromatic concentrate.
- Add carbonation – The clarified hop water is then carbonated, giving it the lively fizz that makes it such a refreshing beverage. This step also helps enhance aroma and mouthfeel.
- Optional flavor adjustments – Some producers may blend in additional botanicals or natural essences to create unique flavor profiles. However, many purists prefer a straightforward hop-forward approach.
The result is a clean, refreshing, non-alcoholic drink that honors the complexity of hops without any of the heaviness or calories associated with beer. It’s a process that celebrates both simplicity and innovation in beverage design.
How Does Hop Water Compare to Other Drinks?
As hop water continues gaining popularity, many people are curious how it stacks up against familiar beverages like sparkling water, craft beer, and organic soda. The differences lie not only in flavor but in ingredients, nutritional content, and even how the drinks make people feel. Below is a comparison table highlighting several key factors between hop water and other popular beverage choices.
| Beverage | Calories | Sugar Content | Alcohol | Main Flavor Source | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hop Water | 0 | 0g | No | Hops and botanicals | Non-alcoholic refreshment |
| Craft Beer | 150–250 | 0–5g | Yes | Hops and malt | Social, alcoholic beverage |
| Sparkling Water | 0 | 0g | No | Natural flavoring | Hydration, refreshment |
| Organic Craft Soda | 100–160 | 20–35g (natural sugar) | No | Fruits, spices, herbs | Treat, artisanal beverage |
This table highlights hop water’s unique ability to blend bold flavors with zero calories and no sugar. It's a beverage that balances wellness, innovation, and taste, appealing to both the health-conscious and the flavor-curious alike.
Do Hop Water and Soda Have a Future Together?
If someone had predicted 20 years ago that hops would become a popular ingredient soda manufacturers relied on to expand their product lines a lot of people would have laughed. Yet here we are. It seems likely that as long as there are health-conscious consumers out there attracted to artisanal beverage experiences, hop water in soda will not just endure, but thrive as a concept. As the lines between beer and soda become increasingly blurred, it's likely hop water and soda will enjoy a productive future together expanding the boundaries of what is possible in the craft soda industry.
Try Our Natural Craft Sodas and Tonic Water
In the best spirit of hop water Rocky Mountain Soda produces new twists on old favorites along with several brand new taste experiences that are grabbing the attention of health-conscious beverage consumers with discerning taste buds. We take pride in every one of our soda pop flavors and strive every day to deliver world-class quality for our customers. Order a variety pack of our vegan sodas today, and keep in mind that we now use organic cane sugar as a sweetener.
