Colin Joliat
The bigger a party gets, the less inclined I am to make cocktails. For big bashes, I used to just stock the fridge with beer, fill the counter with wine and whiskey, and say, “have whatever you want.” Well, it turns out people want more options. And while no one ever shows up to a Boozist party empty-handed, I still want to have a little somethin’ for everyone. That’s where canned cocktails shine.
I’ve already talked about some of my favorite canned cocktails, but I’m adding more to the list. Each contains actual spirits, so we’re talking real cocktails, not malted beverages. They’re perfect for your next party – or for sitting on the couch watching the new Home Alone.
12 Days of Cutwater Cocktails
Cutwater wanted in on the boozy advent calendar action and put together a 12-pack of canned cocktails. Variety packs are nothing new, but finally, you have a brand giving you 12 different options instead of just three. I guess that’s what you can do when you have such an extensive lineup. Crack open the Tiki Rum Mai Tai and transport your snowy party to Hawaii. Mele Kalikimaka!
NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer
Anheuser-Busch dove into the deep end of the seltzer pool with options from Bud Light, Natty, Michelob Ultra seltzers. Now they’ve gone premium with NÜTRL, a terribly named but incredibly enjoyable-to-drink vodka soda. Neutral (I can’t bring myself to type that ridiculous brand name a third time – even for SEO) sets itself apart by using actual vodka and fruit juice, and you can taste the difference. I’ve been a hater of seltzers that have a mere hint of flavor, but this one crushes that stereotype. Plus, nothing says holidays like cranberry, and that’s one of their best flavors.
Russian Standard Moscow Mule
Russian Standard popularized the Moscow Mule, and they weren’t about to sit back and let others dominate their precious drink in the canned space. Now you can get the modern classic cocktail with no citrus juicing or ginger beer wasting required. You don’t even need to break out the fancy copper mugs, although you’re probably looking for an excuse to use the set you got for Christmas last year. Just be sure to dust them off first.
Onda Tequila Seltzer
Sparkling tequila cocktails are all the rage these days, and it’s tough to argue there’s one better than Onda Seltzer. They pitch the cocktails as endless summer, and the bright orange cans certainly lend themselves to that notion. I like to think of it as a way to fake the funk in the off-season though. That’s especially true with their new Paradise pack, with flavors like mango, passion fruit, and pineapple complimenting the tequila and seltzer.
Golden Rule Spirits
Good things come in small packages, at least when it comes to canned cocktails. You know you’re going to get a real-deal drink when they’re confident enough to serve it in a 100ml can. And that’s what Golden Rule delivers. They offer a margarita made with just tequila, triple sec, and lime that comes in at 27% ABV and an Old Fashioned that’s just bourbon, bitters, cane sugar, and orange that packs a heavy 29.5% ABV. Who says you have to sacrifice what’s tried and true just to make it convenient?
