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Mike’s Hard Lemonade is a popular American malt beverage that was first introduced to the United States market in April of 1999.
It provided a refreshing alternative to more traditional alcoholic beverages like beer and wine, and it was marketed toward a different audience compared to traditional wine coolers. Today, Mike’s Hard Lemonade remains one of the top brands in the alcoholic beverage space, and it is available in a variety of different flavors.
It can be purchased in bottles, tall cans, and even variety packs, and we have broken down the most common Mike’s Hard Lemonade prices for each option!
A Brief History of Mike’s Hard Lemonade

The original iteration was introduced to Canada three years prior to crossing over into the United States, and it contained a slightly different formula compared to the current version. The original formula was made with vodka, carbonated water, and lemon flavors similar to a homemade cocktail.
Before entering the United States market, the formula of Mike’s Hard Lemonade was changed to include a malt base instead of vodka. Today, Mike’s Hard Lemonade is available all over the country and can be found at nearly every gas station and grocery store in the US.
Many people attribute the early success of Mike’s Hard Lemonade to the way the company decided to market its product.
It was one of the first sweet alcoholic beverages in the US to market toward both men and women, broadening its market base and increasing sales.
Mike’s Hard Lemonade Prices, Variations, and Sizes
Today, there are many different flavors and variations of Mike’s Hard Lemonade, each of which provides a slightly different take on the carbonated malt-based beverage. It is available in glass bottles, as well as aluminum cans, and there are flavored variety packs available.
One of the most recent releases from Mike’s Hard Lemonade is a high-alcohol version of the beverage that contains eight percent alcohol by volume, compared to the original five percent. In states with more restrictive alcohol laws, the original drink contains just over three percent alcohol by volume.
While prices can vary widely depending on location and retailer, we have searched the top retailers across the United States to find the average price for a number of different Mike’s Hard Lemonade options and sizes, including variety packs and Mike’s Harder Lemonade selections.
- A six pack of Mike’s Hard Lemonade glass bottles costs between $11 and $15
- A 12 pack of Mike’s Hard Lemonade glass bottles costs between $18 and $22
- The 24-ounce glass bottle of Mike’s Hard Lemonade costs between $2.50 and $4.25
- The 16-ounce can of Mike’s Harder Lemonade costs between $2.25 and $3.75
- The 23.5-ounce can of Mike’s Harder Lemonade costs between $3.25 and $4.75
Mike’s Hard Lemonade Alternatives
While Mike’s Hard Lemonade is one of the original and most popular malt-based alcoholic beverages on the market, it is far from the only one. Many people credit Mike’s Hard Lemonade with paving the way for the malt beverage industry, and many competitors have entered the market over the past decade.
Truly Hard Seltzer
Truly Hard Seltzer is one of the top-selling alcoholic beverages in the United States, and the company continues to release new flavors to the market. There is a new line of lemonade-based flavors that many fans of Mike’s Hard Lemonade have reported enjoying.
Along with White Claw Hard Seltzer, Truly has changed the way many people consume alcohol, particularly with the college student demographic. These drinks have very little taste of alcohol, which is ideal for those who do not drink often or prefer a lighter drink.
Ranch Water Hard Seltzer
Ranch Water is one of the most popular hard seltzers on the market today, and it is made using a unique blend of agave and lime flavor. This makes it one of the best options for enjoying the outdoors on a hot summer day, and it is one of the top sellers at outdoor concerts.
While Ranch Water and Mike’s Hard Lemonade feature different tasting profiles, many people who enjoy one tend to also enjoy the other. While both malt beverages are light and sparkling, Mike’s Hard Lemonade is a bit sweeter with a much more pronounced citrus flavor.
Bud Light Platinum Seltzer
Bud Light Platinum Seltzer is a great option for those who are fans of Mike’s Harder Lemonade, as it contains the same eight percent alcohol by volume. Many people enjoy the fact that it is produced by the Budweiser company, as many have developed brand loyalty over the years.
It is available in Wild Berry, Citrus, and Blood Orange flavors, and it contains a much lighter amount of flavoring when compared to Mike’s Harder Lemonade. It is widely distributed and available all over the United States, making it a great alternative to Mike’s in a pinch.
How To Drink Mike’s Hard Lemonade
While there are no “hard rules” when it comes to enjoying Mike’s Hard Lemonade, nearly all enthusiasts report that it is best when enjoyed chilled. The colder, the better when it comes to serving Mike’s, and many choose to use ice and coolers to get drinks cooler than with refrigeration.
Long before the company introduced Mike’s Harder Lemonade to the market, people have been using Mike’s Hard Lemonade as a base for mixed drinks to achieve a stronger beverage. Clear liquors like vodka and gin are most commonly used, and these make excellent tailgate drinks.
One of the most simple and common mixed drinks that are made using Mike’s Hard Lemonade is created by simply pouring one bottle or can of Mike’s over ice, and adding one shot of vodka.
Any flavor of Mike’s Hard Lemonade can be used, and these drinks are commonly finished with a fruit garnish like a lemon or lime.
Another popular drink that is made using Mike’s Hard Lemonade is called the “Mike-a-rita,” and it is made using lime, salt, tequila, and one Mike’s Hard Lemonade. It is essentially a Margarita, but with your choice of flavor of Mike’s Hard Lemonade instead of Margarita mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Alcohol Is in Mike’s Hard Lemonade?
Many people believe that Mike’s Hard Lemonade contains vodka when in reality it is a malt-based beverage that is more similar to beer compared to mixed drinks. The original formula of Mike’s Hard Lemonade did contain vodka, though it was never released in the United States.
Does Mike’s Hard Lemonade Have Caffeine?
None of the flavors or variations of Mike’s Hard Lemonade contain caffeine. While there was a rumor for years about Mike’s Hard Lemonade introducing a beverage containing caffeine, they have never ventured into this space, which is predominantly covered by Four Loko drinks.
Does Mike’s Hard Lemonade Contain Gluten?
While all Mike’s Hard Lemonade drinks are “crafted to remove gluten,” they are not considered to be 100 percent gluten-free. This makes them a great option for those watching their gluten intake voluntarily, but not the best choice for those with gluten allergies or sensitivities.