With summer event planning in full swing, many organizers are wrestling with the idea of COVID-safe catering. Fortunately, more and more canned, ready-to-drink cocktails are entering the market every day, offering attendees a potentially safer way to socialize (and socially distance) without the need to crowd around a bar to order drinks. From margaritas (Cinco de Mayo is Wednesday, FYI) to mimosas, here are some of the newest and tastiest products to consider for your next event.
Social Hour
This line of craft canned cocktails, created by renowned bartenders Julie Reiner and Tom Macy, currently features three offerings: Gin & Tonic, Whiskey Mule and Pacific Spritz, which is a dressed-up version of a standard rosé thanks to a lightly bittersweet Aperitivo. The cocktails are sold in packs of four starting at $19.95 and are available for purchase online with shipping available to select states, as well as at retailers in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Photo: Courtesy of Social Hour
F!VE DRINKS CO.
This line of mixologist-developed, ready-to-drink canned cocktails includes Gin & Tonic, Margarita, Moscow Mule, Paloma, Mojito and Watermelon Vodka Soda. Its stripped-down packaging echoes the simple ingredients used to create the libations. Sold nationwide in retail stores and for purchase online with shipping available in select states, the cocktails start at $9.99 for a four-pack. Plus, the brand offers a corporate gifting program for virtual happy hours and more.
Photo: Courtesy of F!VE DRINKS CO.
Loverboy
This brand’s low-calorie, low-carb hard seltzers and teas feature natural sweeteners like monk fruit and offer elevated, not-too-sweet flavors like Mango Peach with chili pepper and Blueberry Lemon with basil. Loverboy spritzes are available for online purchase (with shipping available in select states), while the teas are sold at select retailers in a handful of states. The spritzes are sold in 12-packs for $69.
Photo: Courtesy of Loverboy
Evian+ Feed Your Mind
Looking for a non-alcoholic option? Instead of booze, this new sparkling water line contains naturally-occurring electrolytes for added magnesium and zinc. It’s available nationwide in four flavor combos: Raspberry & Ginseng, Lime & Ginger, Grapefruit & Basil and Cucumber & Mint. It costs $5.99 for a six-pack or $1.99 per can.
Photo: Courtesy of Evian
Tequila Cazadores Cocktails
Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, Tequila Cazadores’ new lineup of canned cocktails comes in the three traditional Mexican faves including Margarita, Spicy Margarita and Paloma. Each is naturally gluten-free and features agave syrup for sweetness. Available nationwide, a four-pack of 12-ounce cans costs $14.99.
Photo: Courtesy of Tequila Cazadores
Cocktail Squad
Small batched in Boulder, Colorado, Cocktail Squad offers classic cocktails in cans, including Gin and Tonic, Vodka Soda, Margarita, Bourbon Smash, Greyhound, Whiskey Sour and more. Four packs of the 12-ounce cans are available to buy online, starting at $14.
Photo: Courtesy of Cocktail Squad
The Modern Mimosa
This ready-to-drink canned mimosa is made with sustainably produced wine from Italy and organic California orange juice, making morning meetings and events a little easier to wake up for. Four cans ($32) equals 1.25 bottles and serves six. Plus, themed gift boxes are also available with accouterments like candles, flowers, candy and more. One thing to keep in mind: The cocktails cannot be shipped to states that restrict wine shipments.
Photo: Courtesy of The Modern Mimosa
Cantina Tequila Soda
The team behind Canteen Spirits has launched Cantina Tequila Soda. Made from premium blue weber agave from Tequila in Jalisco Mexico, the line includes three flavors—Ranch Water, Grapefruit Paloma and Watermelon Margarita—and is available in stores nationwide and online. It costs $9.99 for a four-pack.
Photo: Courtesy of Canteen Spirits
Rosé Water
Headquartered in Wilmington, N.C., Rosé Water blends dry rosé from Bordeaux, France, with pure sparkling water for a refreshing take on the popular summertime drink. It has 69 calories and 4.9% alcohol by volume, and is currently being sold in retailers in select states.
Photo: Courtesy of Rosé Water
Topo Chico Hard Seltzer
Inspired by the legendary Topo Chico mineral water, this hard seltzer, from Molson Coors Beverage Company, comes in four familiar flavors with unique twists: Strawberry Guava, Tangy Lemon Lime, Tropical Mango and Exotic Pineapple. Right now, Topo Chico Hard Seltzer is available in nine states and seven metro areas, with a full national rollout planned for later this year. A 12-pack of 12-ounce cans costs $16.99.
Photo: Courtesy of Topo Chico Hard Seltzer
Cacti
Travis Scott recently partnered with Anheuser-Busch to launch Cacti, a new agave spiked seltzer. Available in flavors including Lime, Pineapple and Strawberry, the drink comes in 12-ounce cans and is sold in a nine-count variety pack ($16.99) as well as 16-ounce and 25-ounce singles.
Photo: Courtesy of Cacti
Zuzu
This new bottled sparkling cocktail is made with organic agave spirit, fresh citrus, a touch of agave syrup and sea salt, and no artificial preservatives, synthetic sweeteners or other additives that can make a hangover worse. It comes in two signature flavors: Calamansi Lime and Passion Fruit, which is made with golden passion fruit puree sourced directly from farmers in Ecuador. The brand just launched national shipping via its website, where it sells a case of 16 bottles for $84. It’s also available in retail stores in NYC.
Photo: Courtesy of Zuzu
Hochstadter’s Slow & Low Rock & Rye
Available in cans and bottles, Hochstadter’s Slow & Low Rock & Rye is a classic old-fashioned made with rye whiskey, a pinch of rock candy, raw honey, navel oranges and angostura bitters. It’s available at select retailers and online (with shipping available to select states); a four-pack costs $23.99.
Photo: Courtesy of Hochstadter’s Slow & Low
Coors Seltzer
At 4.5% alcohol by volume, Coors Seltzer is a lighter option than most hard seltzers and it comes in four flavors: Black Cherry, Lemon Lime, Mango and Grapefruit. Plus, for every 12-pack sold, Coors Seltzer is partnering with Change the Course, an organization that helps to raise awareness about reducing water footprints, to restore 500 gallons of water to U.S. rivers. The seltzer is available at retailers nationwide and via online alcohol delivery services like Drizly for $15.99.
Photo: Courtesy of Coors
