Are you in the mood for a cocktail but don’t feel like heading out? That’s where canned cocktails come in! People can now enjoy a bar-quality beverage in the comfort of their own home. Canned cocktails have become all the rage and come in a variety of flavors. To help you choose, StudyFinds has put together a list of the best canned cocktails to drink.
Not only can it be fun to go out and have some drinks with friends, but it also might lead to weight loss. A recent study reveals that alcohol can help people lose weight. Booze could actually help people shed extra pounds — as long as people nosh on nuts and other healthy bar snacks. High-protein foods soak up alcohol without leading to pot bellies and love handles, say Australian scientists. Alcohol fuels the “munchies” but doesn’t necessarily cause weight gain. It has been dubbed the “aperitif effect.”
Outside of watching your weight, another study shows that older adults who regularly drink alcohol have a better qualify of life before and after surgery. German researchers found that people over 60 who enjoy drinking experience improved mobility, self-care, and fewer problems undertaking daily activities compared to those who don’t drink or only have an occasional beverage. Health officials generally advise men and women to drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week — which equates to six pints of beer or 10 small glasses of wine.
Are you ready to dive into the world of bar-style blends at home? StudyFinds scoured the internet and found the top five best canned cocktails. Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments below!
The List: Best Canned Cocktails, According to Experts
1. Cutwater Spirits
The top pick for canned cocktails belongs to Cutwater Spirits and the variety they offer to consumers. Food & Wine was particularly taken by the Elderflower Vodka Spritz. “We found this spritz, which contains Cutwater Fugu Vodka, elderflower, lemon, and ‘other natural flavors’ to be aromatic and floral, with a lightly sweet flavor. ‘This reminds me of the Dryck Fläder elderflower juice boxes at Ikea in the best way,’ an editor wrote. ‘Love it.'”
“Cutwater isn’t new to the canned cocktail game, but their slim new cans are,” writes Parade. “As one of the most popular canned cocktail brands, they’re always on the cutting edge of new trends which is why they recently released a new assortment of Ranch Waters, Rum Mojitos and Vodka Sodas. Chose from single flavors in 4-can packs or 8-can variety packs.”
My Bartender says Cutwater Spirits “has made waves in the world of canned cocktails.” “With a dedication to expert craftsmanship and quality ingredients, Cutwater has gained recognition for its wide range of offerings, including vodka sodas, canned cocktails, and spirits. Cutwater’s roots in sunny California and its commitment to flavor innovation and premium craftsmanship make it a standout contender. From classic flavors to unique concoctions, Cutwater embodies the essence of convenience and taste, offering a delightful experience with every sip.”
2. The Finnish Long Drink
The Finnish Long Drink — a legendary cocktail in Finland — is made from a pre-mixed gin and grapefruit soda. “This easy-drinking version tastes like a grown-up Fresca: refreshing and slightly herbaceous with a mouthwatering tang,” says Good Housekeeping.
“Your first question might be, ‘What is a Finnish Long Drink?’ This is an entirely reasonable question considering we’ve never seen it listed on a cocktail menu at any bar in the U.S. Essentially, it’s a gin and soda with grapefruit and juniper berry flavoring,” notes Tasting Table. “The Finnish Long Drink website claims the drink was commissioned by the Finnish government to serve the large crowds attending the summer Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland, in 1952. Now, keep in mind that the average daily temperature in the summer in Helsinki is only 62°F (via Weather Spark), and grapefruit doesn’t actually grow in Finland, although juniper does.”
Sporked reveals “Top Gun” actor Miles Teller is behind the popularity of The Finnish Long Drink in the U.S. “If you want to drink like actor Miles Teller, this is the best canned cocktail for you. Teller, you see, is a huge fan of the Long Drink and one of the people responsible for spreading the word of the Finnish canned mixed drink amongst Americans. Who can blame him for wanting to get involved? This canned cocktail is delicious. Made with citrus soda, gin, and a hint of juniper berry, it’s essentially a spiked Fresca. It’s also a better take on a Gin & Tonic than most canned Gin & Tonics currently on the market. I’m all in on the original, but the company also offers a festive cranberry flavor along with Long Drink Zero, which has zero sugar and just 99 calories, and Long Drink Strong, which comes in at 8.5% ABV (3% higher than Long Drink Traditional).”
3. Tip Top Proper Cocktails
Tip Top has canned cocktails ranging from margaritas to martinis. The Kitchn is a fan of Tip Top’s daiquiri. “I’m a rum girl through and through, and, poor thing, it often gets a bad rap. The same is absolutely the case for daiquiris. Don’t get me wrong — I’ll never pass up a creamy, frozen beachside daiquiri extruded straight from a Slurpee machine, but sometimes you want to go back to the basics. Let’s just say, this is the tastiest return around. With a blend of three rums (aged, Jamaican, and silver), lime, and just the slightest zhuzh of cane sugar, this petite can packs in all that you’d expect from the classic cocktail (and will definitely scare the scurvy away and get you a solid buzz at 24% ABV).”
“All of the drinks that Tip Top sells in its signature small cans are worthy of having at your next party, but my favorites are the ones that would be harder to make yourself,” writes Esquire. “That category includes the daiquiri, which has a lively blend of Caribbean rums, and Tip Top’s take on the Jungle Bird.”
Tasting Table recommends pouring your Tip Top cocktail into a garnished glass, either on the rocks or straight up. “Tip Top Proper Cocktails is a collection of six genuine classic cocktails, including a Negroni, Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Margarita, Bee’s Knees, and classic Daiquiri. You’ll immediately notice the small stature of the cans, each only 100 ml, which is substantially smaller than many of the other canned cocktail options that are sold in 12-ounce cans. Even though the other cans are 3.5 times larger, most of them range from 5% to 10% ABV, whereas the Tip Top cocktails are anywhere from 24% to 37% ABV. These little cans pack a real cocktail punch and are made with real liquors and ingredients.”
4. You and Yours Distilling Co.
You and Yours Distilling Co. is also a popular canned cocktail that people can enjoy in the comfort of their own home. “You & Yours canned cocktails come in a variety of flavors like Vodka Soda Cranberry, Blood Orange Gin & Tonic, Cucumber Mint Vodka Soda, and Vodka Mule,” writes Delish. “These delicious canned drinks are not only perfect for ocean or poolside lounging, but they’re even more Instagrammable. Look how pretty the cans are!”
Food & Wine’s favorite is their Vodka Mule. “Made with You & Yours Vodka and ‘natural flavor,’ the Vodka Mule reigned supreme in the You & Yours spread. We liked how bright it was, with delicate gingery undertones — some editors expressed they wished the ginger flavor was even stronger. ‘It’s not too sweet,’ an editor said. ‘I like the little hints of ginger.'”
Tasting Table notes that even though You and Yours canned cocktails might be hard to find outside of San Diego, they do ship nationwide. “You & Yours began as a distilling company in San Diego, California, but has grown to include a beautifully packaged line of canned vodka sodas and gin and tonics. Using their own spirits, You & Yours has created six vodka soda flavors, including Cucumber Mint, Meyer Lemon, Cranberry, Tangerine, Key Lime, and a Vodka Mule. There are also two gin and tonics in the collection that include a classic version of the cocktail and a Blood Orange version. Most of the sodas are 7.5% ABV and come in 12-ounce cans.”
5. Hochstadter’s Slow & Low Rock & Rye
Hochstadter’s Slow & Low Rock & Rye rounds out the top five canned cocktails. “The ‘Rock’ in the name refers to rock candy and the ‘Rye’ is for the type of whiskey,” writes Good Housekeeping. “The two ingredients are rounded out by raw honey, Angostura bitters and orange peel, yet never veers overly sweet. At a whopping 42% ABV in a diminutive 100-mL can, this baby calls for slow sipping.”
“Hochstadter’s Slow & Low offers something decidedly different than anything else you’ll find on this list. The brand produces only one canned cocktail, and it’s a small but oh-so-mighty can. Slow & Low has re-created the classic liqueur from the mid-1800s, the Rock and Rye, which was originally created as a medicinal drink (via Whiskey Advocate),” notes Tasting Table. “While the ‘rye’ part of this drink is self-explanatory, the ‘rock’ part refers to the addition of rock candy to sweeten the liquor and is an essential part of the drink. Different Rock and Rye makers have added everything from citrus and fruits to herbs and spices, occasionally in pursuit of healing effects, but most often in the name of taste.”
Esquire recommends the Slow & Low Coffee Old-Fashioned. Instead of dessert or an espresso martini, consider this mix. Rye whiskey, Intelligentsia coffee, demerara cane sugar, raw honey, bitters, and navel-orange peel make something that tastes a bit like breakfast, with a hefty 40 percent ABV kick.
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Sources:
- Food & Wine
- Parade
- My Bartender
- Good Housekeeping
- Tasting Table
- Esquire
- Delish
- Sporked
- Liquor.com
- The Kitchn
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.