The Secret Behind Study Break’s ‘Blast Of Baja’: How A Cult-Favorite Soda Became A 6.5% ABV Hard Seltzer
The "Study Break Baja Blast" phenomenon is not a new soda promotion, but rather a viral, adult-beverage tribute that has taken the hard seltzer market by storm. As of December 2025, the drink being sought after is officially called the "Blast of Baja" hard seltzer, a flagship flavor from the Los Angeles-based company Study Break Beverages. This tropical lime-flavored seltzer capitalizes on the deep nostalgia and cult following of the original MTN DEW Baja Blast, transforming the beloved soda's iconic taste into a 6.5% ABV, gluten-free adult refreshment. It’s part of the brand’s popular Throwback Variety-Pack, perfectly timed to ride the wave of the original soda’s 20th "Bajaversary" celebration.
The buzz surrounding the Blast of Baja is a testament to the power of flavor-driven nostalgia, particularly as the hard seltzer category continues to evolve beyond basic fruit flavors. Study Break Beverages has carved out a unique niche by reimagining classic, non-alcoholic favorites as high-quality, cocktail-inspired seltzers, and their tropical lime creation is arguably their biggest hit, offering a fresh, potent, and utterly unique drinking experience for fans who grew up with the original teal-colored beverage.
The Entrepreneurial Story of Study Break Beverages
Study Break Beverages is an independent hard seltzer company with a fascinating origin story that grounds its brand firmly in the spirit of fun and—yes—taking a much-needed break. It's a key entity in the modern beverage landscape, known for its creative, nostalgic flavor profiles.
- Company Name: Study Break Hard Seltzer / Study Break Beverages
- Founded: 2019
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Founder/Key Figure: Sean Kawamura
- Initial Focus: Launched as an on-premise draft product to compete with established brands like White Claw and Truly
- Product Philosophy: Cocktail-Inspired Hard Seltzers and Nostalgic Flavors
- Notable Feature: Alcohol is made from oranges and contains real fruit juice
- Flagship Product: Blast of Baja Hard Seltzer
- Other Popular Flavors: L.A. Punch, Orange Creamsicle, White Gummy Bear, Mint + Lime, Ice Tea Lemonade, Raspberry + Lemon
The company was founded by entrepreneur Sean Kawamura, who began his research and development (R&D) sessions by sneaking 15 to 20 people into his dorm room for blind taste tests against competitors. This grassroots, student-focused approach is what gives the brand its authentic, playful identity and its name, Study Break.
What Exactly is the ‘Blast of Baja’ Hard Seltzer?
The "Blast of Baja" is the specific flavor that has captured the attention of fans of the legendary MTN DEW Baja Blast. It is a bold, tropical lime-flavored hard seltzer that is explicitly "inspired by the best soda known to mankind".
The Flavor Profile and Specs
Unlike many mass-market seltzers, Study Break focuses on a richer, more complex taste, often utilizing real fruit juice and alcohol derived from oranges to achieve its distinct flavor base.
- Flavor: Tropical Lime (a vibrant blend intended to mimic the original soda's unique teal taste)
- Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 6.5%
- Key Ingredients: Alcohol made from oranges, real fruit juice
- Dietary Notes: Gluten-Free
- Packaging: Available in 12-pack and 19.2 oz single cans, often found in the "Throwback Variety-Pack"
The seltzer has developed a solid reputation, holding a respectable rating on platforms like Untappd, with hundreds of ratings and reviews that praise its nostalgic accuracy and potent ABV. It offers a "one-way ticket to Flavortown" for those seeking an adult version of their childhood favorite.
The Ultimate Nostalgia Trip: Baja Blast’s 20th Bajaversary
The timing of the Blast of Baja's popularity is no accident; it perfectly aligns with a major milestone for the beverage that inspired it. The original MTN DEW Baja Blast celebrated its 20th anniversary—dubbed the "Bajaversary"—in 2024, bringing the iconic Tropical Lime flavor back into the national spotlight.
The Original Cult Classic: MTN DEW Baja Blast
MTN DEW Baja Blast first launched in 2004 as an exclusive fountain drink at Taco Bell locations. Its unique, teal-colored Tropical Lime flavor quickly gained a dedicated, cult-like following. For years, the only way to enjoy it was at the fast-food chain, which fueled demand for its limited-time releases in bottles and cans.
The 20th Bajaversary celebration saw PepsiCo and Taco Bell go all out, making the flagship Baja Blast and Baja Blast Zero Sugar available in stores nationwide for the entire year of 2024, a major shift from its usual limited-run availability. This massive promotional push and the introduction of other limited-edition flavors, such as Baja Point Break Punch and Baja Laguna Lemonade, created a huge market for all things "Baja".
Why the Hard Seltzer is a Perfect Counterpart
Study Break’s Blast of Baja serves as the ideal adult counterpoint to the soda’s 20-year celebration. The hard seltzer taps into the same emotional connection that fans have with the original, but delivers it in a format suitable for the modern adult beverage consumer. This is a common trend in the current market, where nostalgic drinks are being "adultified" to appeal to Millennial and Gen Z consumers.
The Study Break product is a part of the broader "Throwback" trend, which includes its other nostalgia-inspired flavors like Orange Creamsicle and White Gummy Bear. This strategy allows the company to leverage established, well-loved flavor memories, minimizing the risk of introducing an entirely new taste profile.
Where to Find the Viral Tropical Lime Seltzer
For those eager to try the 6.5% ABV version of the legendary Tropical Lime flavor, the Blast of Baja is becoming increasingly accessible. Study Break Beverages has expanded its distribution footprint, moving beyond its Los Angeles roots.
You can typically find the Blast of Baja as part of the Throwback Variety-Pack, which is the most common way it is sold in retail.
- Major Retailers: The product is stocked at large liquor and specialty beverage stores, including Total Wine & More and BevMo!
- On-Premise: The brand initially focused on draft sales, meaning you may find it on tap at select bars or restaurants in California and other regions
- Online Availability: Study Break Hard Seltzer offers nationwide delivery through its own channels and partnerships with online liquor stores like Craft Beer Kings and CraftShack
The popularity of this flavor is a clear indicator that the demand for bold, flavor-forward hard seltzers is strong, especially when tied to a powerful, nostalgic brand memory. Whether you call it the "Study Break Baja Blast" or its proper name, "Blast of Baja," this hard seltzer is a must-try for anyone who has ever enjoyed the iconic teal soda.
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