The Best Canned Cocktails | Wine Enthusiast
Summer is the time to take things easy—including drinking and entertaining.
As much as we love a traditional well-crafted cocktail, sometimes measuring out ingredients for and mixing drinks feels like too much trouble. And there are occasions—like road trips, camping expeditions and other al fresco gatherings—where we don’t want to be bothered with toting around extra bottles and equipment.
That’s where ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails come in. Luckily, the proliferation of these bottles and cans make it easy to pop one open and relax, without all the measuring, shaking, stirring and mess.
However, not all RTDs are created equal.
After reviewing dozens upon dozens of RTDs over the past couple of years, we’ve selected a coolers’ worth of our highest-scoring favorites. Whether you want to pick the right one to enjoy at the beach, an outdoor concert, backyard barbecue or wherever else the summer takes you, add these picks to your must-try list.
Bold tropical-fruit aromas are energized by a hint of spice. Barely there coconut and pineapple linger into the lightly bitter finish. Made with reposado tequila, carbonated water, pineapple flavors. Best Buy. 88 Points — Kara Newman
$ Varies
Reserve Bar
If you enjoy spicy margs, this is your drink—, tongue -tingling from start to finish. Expect a bright orange hue and pleasing pineapple and citrus aromas. On the palate, tropical fruit – such as pineapple, passionfruit, tangerine – mingle with a zippy burst of jalapeno heat and vanilla sweetness on the finish. 94 Points — K.N.
$ Varies
Tipxy
Break out the retro V-shaped glasses for this easy sipper. It pours with a ruddy hue and pleasant raspberry aroma. An appropriate amount of cranberry-like pucker enlivens the relatively sweet palate, but a quick squeeze of lime would balance out this petite canned cocktail perfectly. Made with Crystal Head vodka, cranberry juice, lime extract and triple sec. 95 Points — K.N.
$5
Total Wine & More
$25
Total Wine & More
From music powerhouse Jennifer Lopez and bartending powerhouse Lynette Marrero, this bright orange, lightly bubbly Paloma variation offers mild grapefruit and orange peel aromas. Lively agave shines through but doesn’t overwhelm, finishing with a grapefruit peel exhale. Made with tequila, grapefruit and elderflower. 93 Points — K.N.
$22
Bevmo
Pour this crowd-pleasing bottle for parties. Guests will be drawn by the Windex-blue hue, but it also offers a pleasing coconut aroma and bright, zingy tropical flavor that spans from citrus to pineapple. Just add a paper umbrella. Made with Light Cruzan rum, blue curacao liqueur. 93 Points — K.N.
$ Varies
Bevmo
This ready-to-drink espresso martini hits all the right notes. Look for a deep brown hue and rich, nutty aroma that suggests hazelnut coffee. The espresso flavor lingers on the plush palate, along with a pleasing hint of dark chocolate. Neil Patrick Harris is listed as a co-founder. Released in May 2023. Vodka based. 95 Points — K.N.
$ Varies
Wine-searcher
$69
Drink Via Carota
Shaken with ice, this little can is as close as you can get to drinking a fresh daiquiri. Expect a golden hue and mild, citrusy aroma. The sweet-tart palate opens with tons of lime acidity, and finishes crisp. It’s potent, too. Made with rum, lime and sugar. 95 Points — K.N.
$ Varies
Seelbach’s
This crushable summer drink offers a bold berry aroma and drinks a little like a Bellini, meaning peach and ripe berry flavors lightened with plenty of fizz, plus a faint herbaceous exhale. What’s in the can: vodka with strawberry puree and lemon juice and natural flavors. 95 Points — K.N.
$ Varies
Wine-searcher
$ Varies
Wine-searcher
This crushable G&T would be refreshing on a hot day. Clear and bubbly, with a crisp lime zest aroma and lightly sweet palate that hints at lime lollipop, a squeeze of fresh lime would only improve this easy sipper. 94 Points — K.N.
$ Varies
Wine-searcher
More Ready-to-Drink Coverage
New Arrival
Vanity Unbreakable Signature Cocktail Glass – Set of 2
In Stock | $41.00
Published: July 11, 2024
