Food & Drinks, Lifestyle

Sick of Drinking the Same Alcoholic Beverages? Try These Canned Cocktails!

good summer alcoholic drinks

This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Megan Pavek. Find her on Instagram at @megan.pavek. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.

Stepping out on the other side of the seltzer craze, we could all likely use a break from White Claw and Truly. Besides, your local liquor store has plenty of alternative options to explore. Now’s the time to try a new seltzer or canned cocktail, do your homework, and prepare a list of good summer alcoholic drinks! In 2023, you don’t have to worry about sacrificing taste or quality if you’re drinking a cocktail out of a can. 

Craft cocktails have come a long way, and are now easily accessible thanks to the growing market for canned beverages. Gone are the days of settling for a beer or wine cooler when out at the beach or on the lake. Before, we had to lug bottles of liquor, mixers, glasses, and any other additional fixings in order to make our cocktail dreams come true. Now, thanks to these trendy brands, the future is filled with tasty and easy-to-drink beverages to get our buzz on.

Light & Refreshing

Happy New Year GIF by HBO - Find & Share on GIPHY

You’ve surely heard of the brand Cutwater by now, and if not, do yourself a favor and try one of their 26 award-winning, canned cocktails! The brainchild of a former beer brewer, this company now distills all of the spirits used in its beverages. It’s hard to stray from the glittering array of margarita flavors being offered, but Cutwater also makes canned vodka sodas, vodka mules, Palomas, and other easy drinkers!

This one’s for the gin-lovers. If you haven’t heard of or tried The Finnish Long Drink, now’s the time! Across the internet, this canned cocktail has received rave reviews. The flavors include a traditional gin and soda with added citrus flavor, a stronger version with more alcohol, a cranberry-flavored can, and the “long drink zero” which boasts zero sugar and carbs.

On The Sweeter Side

Happy Hour Cocktails GIF by London Dewey - Find & Share on GIPHY

Flavored mimosas in a pretty can made with sparkling brut and fresh-squeezed juice. A collab with Joe Jonas to make the perfect summer sangria. Need we say more? Ohza is a brand that needs to be on your radar!

If you have a sweet tooth, chances are you grew up drinking Shirley Temples as a kid. If not, know that this classic drink is made with lemon and lime-flavored soda, grenadine, and cherries. Even better, adults have put a spin on this beverage by adding vodka and cleverly naming it the Dirty Shirley. This a go-to bar drink for some, and the good news is now you can buy it in a can! To quote the company behind this genius idea, Black Infusions markets this beverage as “the Shirley Temple all grown up” and with no artificial additives or added sugar, we can definitely see why! 

Honorable mention for the Bacardi Rum Punch. While it doesn’t seem as fun as some of the other options, we can’t deny how good it is. With six tropical flavors to choose from and reviews that deem the beverages as a “worthwhile addition to the canned cocktail trend,” we think rum drinkers will approve.

Sophisticated and Strong

Sex And The City Party GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Whiskey drinkers are likely used to not having as many canned beverage options up until now. Jim Beam currently has two options for their “highballs to-go” including a classic bourbon and soda mix, and a bourbon and ginger ale cocktail. These drinks offer a spirit-forward option for whiskey drinkers on the go and also boast fewer calories. 

Don’t be deceived by the small can, Hochstadter’s Slow and Low packs a punch and cuts straight to the point: a rye old-fashioned with straight rye whiskey, rock candy, raw honey, angostura bitters, and orange peel. 

Looking for other strong, classic cocktail options? Check out Tip Top Proper Cocktails for gin martinis, negronis, manhattans, and more. Any of these will make a stellar addition to the list of good summer alcoholic drinks!

Are you a fan of the canned cocktail trend? Do you have any good summer alcoholic drinks recommendations? Have any favorites? Let us know in the comments below!

More Lifestyle Articles

Pop Culture Articles

Health + Wellness Articles

Relationship Articles