After months of dreary days, it seems the weather is finally taking a turn for the better. As sunny days are inevitably ahead, I envision myself on a boat with my parents on Oneida Lake in Upstate New York, music cranked, cocktail in hand. After all, no boat day is complete without a proper drink, and the most practical for boat days, summer picnics, barbecues, or any Vitamin D activities are canned cocktails.
Luckily for folks like you and me, brands are really stepping up their game when it comes to a drink in a can. Leave the shakers at home, and grab a case of one of these convenient, portable cocktails for your next summer gathering.
Photo courtesy of NÜTRL
NÜTRL Strawberry
Strawberry is the newest flavor from NÜTRL, the canned seltzer line from Anheuser-Busch. I got my hands on a four-pack as soon as it hit the shelves, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well NÜTRL nails the strawberry flavor. Hard seltzers often miss the mark for me due to having artificial flavoring, but with NÜTRL using real strawberry juice, that’s simply not the case.
“With NÜTRL Strawberry, we’ve struck the right balance to deliver a refreshingly sweet, light tasting seltzer that is made with vodka and real fruit juice,” said Chelsea Phillips, Group Vice President of Innovation at Anheuser-Busch.
If strawberry isn’t your cup of tea, NÜTRL also offers flavors like black cherry, orange, pineapple, and cranberry.
Photo by Three Mile Media
Talkhouse Encore
If you ever want to buy me a drink, first of all, thank you. Secondly, get me something slightly fruity with tequila, and I’ll be a happy camper. Better yet, just grab me a can of Talkhouse Encore’s new Pineapple Tequila Soda. The line of spirits-based seltzers is inspired by The Stephen Talkhouse in the Hamptons, a lively Amagansett bar known for its live music. Their latest release is made of premium tequila, sun-ripened pineapple juice, and a splash of sparkling soda. There are no artificial flavors or added sweeteners, leaving the taste to be just as pure as if I ordered my beloved fruity cocktail at the bar.
Photo courtesy of Surfside
Surfside
Not everyone loves the effervescence of canned cocktails, and luckily for them, Surfside has an array of flavors with 100 calories, 2 grams of sugar, and 0 bubbles per can. Surfside cocktails are made with vodka, tea, and fruit juice, with flavors so prominent you’ll think that you’re not sipping a freshly made libation. Flavors include Strawberry Lemonade and Vodka (my favorite), Mango Green Tea and Vodka, Peach Green Tea and Vodka, Iced Tea and Lemonade and Vodka, and several more.
Photo courtesy of Mingle Mocktails
Mingle Mocktails
Whether you’re abstaining from alcohol for the long run or simply need a break from the boozy summer days, Mingle Mocktails keeps the party going sans the liquor. The sparkling mocktails are part of a female-founded line and come in seven flavors. Choose from Blackberry Hibiscus Bellini, Cranberry Cosmo, Key Lime Margarita, Raspberry Rosé, Cucumber Melon Mojito, Blood Orange Elderflower Mimosa, and Pineapple Paloma. There are no artificial additives, and every flavor is both gluten-free and vegan-friendly, made with real fruit juice and botanicals.
Photo courtesy of Lake Hour
Lake Hour
I did start this article by saying I specifically enjoy canned cocktails on a lake in Upstate New York, didn’t I? Well, then I’d be remiss to not include Lake Hour, a canned cocktail line that offers different flavors with either 6x distilled vodka or 100% blanco tequila. What I especially love about Lake Hour is their fearlessness in going beyond typical fruity flavors. Some standouts include the rosemary yuzu with vodka and the honeysuckle ginger with vodka. They also offer a watermelon cucumber and tequila canned drink, as well as a peach jasmine vodka varietal. Lake Hour recently rolled out a new line of non-carbonated vodka iced teas that sound ridiculously refreshing, with flavors like raspberry, blackberry, green tea, and Earl Grey.
Photo courtesy of Straightaway
Straightaway Cocktails Nitro Espresso Martini
Canned cocktails have come a long way since White Claw and Four Loko, and the proof is in the pudding with Straightaway’s 100 ml Nitro Espresso Martini cans. Featuring Straightaway’s own coffee liqueur and Stumptown cold brew, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the marshmallow notes, fruit-forward acidity, nougat sweetness, and chocolate finish. Plus, because of the nitro, you’ll get that same frothy finish that you would from a freshly shaken espresso martini.
