Guide To Canned Cocktails for Summer 2024

Hannah Goodman

Summer is officially a month away, which means it’s time to start curating a great Spotify playlist to jam out to while you're by the pool or on the beach. Thoughts of summer and sunbathing also beg the question: what the heck are you drinking and how can you get the best daytime buzz while putting in the lowest amount of effort? Enter canned cocktails! Connecticut offers many local CT brands as well as some of our favorite national brands, both of which can be found in your neighborhood breweries, liquor stores, and even online. You cannot go wrong with any of these exciting spiked drinks, so whatever your plans are this summer, make sure you are fully stocked up, because nothing turns a good time into great time like a delicious and refreshing canned cocktail. Move over kids, it’s adult beverage time. 

Looking for an added twist to your summer beverage lineup. Check out THCV.

WYNK Seltzer

https://drinkwynk.com/

Since 2021, WYNK has become a trusted 1:1 THC:CBD zero-calorie seltzer. It's a delicious, sessionable way to indulge in a social buzz. WYNK is made with all-natural flavors and comes in Black Cherry Fizz, Lime Twist, Juicy Mango, and the newly released Tangerine! And WYNK makes it easy with two convenient sizes—standard (5mg of THC and 5mg of CBD per can) and mini (2.5mg of THC and 2.5mg of CBD per can). Their light and balanced blend offers a bubbly buzz that’s perfect for any get together or any night of the week. 

Sundial Cocktails

https://www.sundialcocktails.com/

Prepare to elevate your summer with Sundial Cocktails, where premium flavors and convenience blend seamlessly. Each beverage is carefully crafted with rum from the U.S. Virgin Islands and boasts an impressive 8% ABV. Indulge in the refreshing tastes of Island Rum Punch, Tropical Mai Tai, Sunset Mojito, or Spiced Rum & Ginger! Sean Cote, Co-Founder and alumnus of Quinnipiac University in collaboration with F&F Distributors is thrilled to bring Sundial Cocktails to even more Connecticut communities this season.

Waypoint Spirits

https://drinkwaypoint.com/

In the mood for some authentic flavorful cocktails in a can? Look no further than the canned cocktails from Waypoint Spirits, available statewide and in their updated taproom in Bloomfield. Waypoint is partnering with UConn Athletics, so, naturally, they named one of their signature cocktails the “Husky Spirit,” which is a hand-crafted raspberry iced tea that embodies the true essence of their Connecticut spirit. A few other cocktails include the Vodka Iced Tea Lemonade and Vodka Mint Lemonade, both made with their award-winning vodka, and the Bees Knees, made with their award-winning gin, fresh lemons, and locally sourced honey. When taste matters, choose Waypoint. 

Fifth State Distillery 

https://www.fifthstatedistillery.com/

Indulge in the exquisite craftsmanship of Fifth State Distillery's award-winning cocktails, meticulously crafted to perfection. Savor the rich and invigorating notes of their Double Gold Award-winning Espresso Martini, a velvety blend of espresso and premium rum. Experience the refreshing allure of the Bee's Knees cocktail, harmonizing the crispness of gin with the sweetness of lemon and honey, a timeless classic elevated to new heights. Delight your senses with the unparalleled sophistication of their unique Chocolate Old Fashioned, infused with the warmth of CT Maple Whiskey, offering a decadent twist on a beloved favorite. And immerse yourself in the allure of their latest innovation, the White Negroni, crafted in small batches to deliver a sublime balance of flavors, promising a journey of unparalleled taste and refinement. Elevate your cocktail experience with Fifth State Distillery's ready-to-serve masterpieces!

Litchfield Distillery 

https://litchfielddistillery.com/

Litchfield Distillery's ready-to-drink cocktail lineup includes four award-winning varieties: Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Espresso Martini, and Cosmopolitan. Each is crafted with 100% real ingredients and bottled at "full proof" cocktail strength, ensuring they taste just like you would expect at your favorite local bar. All you need to do is chill, or shake with ice, and pour. Litchfield offers a choice of bottle sizes, with the availability of 750ml, 375ml, and 100ml options. If you're seeking craft cocktail quality with the convenience of ready-to-drink, Litchfield Distillery Small-Batch Cocktails are sure to meet your expectations. You can find these cocktails at the Distillery and most retail locations where Litchfield Distillery spirits are sold.

Long Drink 

https://www.thelongdrink.com/

Created by Finnish founders and friends Evan Burns, Sakari Manninen, Mikael Taipale, and Ere Partanen, along with investors Miles Teller, Kygo, and Rickie Fowler, Finland’s most popular drink has been introduced to the U.S. with four refreshing expressions, served in convenient portable cans. The long drink is an incredibly delicious alcoholic beverage native to Finland. It comes in traditional citrus, cranberry, zero, strong, and peach. Traditionally served chilled and made with real liquor and fresh sparkling citrus soda, it has a low ABV that aligns with the slow and steady pace of the country’s drinking culture. The category was born from the country’s desire to create a drink that was both delicious and fast to serve during the 1952 Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki, when the country, with only four million people, was still recovering from World War II. Since then, it has become Finland’s top-selling liquor category.

NightOwl 

https://drinknightowl.com/

Featuring a line of ready-to-drink espresso martini canned cocktails: The Classic, made with Vodka, and The Original, made with Tequila. Following consumer trends and preferences, NightOwl has brought tequila to the forefront of the Espresso Martini recipe. Both the vodka and tequila styles contain 12.5% ABV, premium real spirits, and natural coffee (100mg of caffeine). Available in both single serve and a convenient 4-pack, both NightOwl’s tequila and vodka styles are offered in 200ml cans.

Alvarium Beer Co.

https://alvariumbeer.com/

While Alvarium Beer Company offers mostly beer, they also have hard soda and seltzer available for those interested in a canned cocktail. Avery’s Hard Sippin’ line rotates blackberry lemon, blue raspberry, and blue lemon flavors at the brewery and in bottle shops.

Bestie Hard Seltzer 

https://www.bestiehardseltzer.com/about

What sounds better than a drink with your best friend? That’s easy: enjoying a bestie hard seltzer with your bestie, of course. Check out these carb-free and gluten-free low calorie canned beverages, with flavors like mango, raspberry, black cherry, and more. Bestie must surely be the best!

Black Hog Brewing 

https://blackhogbrewing.com/

Black Hog isn’t just about the beer; they have a few unique canned cocktails that are perfect for when you’re just not feeling the heaviness of a beer. Try the locally crafted “Batcherita,” “Bourbon Legend,” or the “Christopher Oaxacan.” They also offer hard seltzers and teas! 

Brewport Brewing Company

https://brewportct.com/

At Brewport in Bridgeport, you’ll find more than just dozens of canned beer and beer on tap, as they also have several unique cocktails, including the “Ice Man,” which is a canned, blue raspberry-flavored hard seltzer topped with a scoop of Micalizzi’s Italian ice – yum!

Cafe Agave Spike Cold Brews

https://cafeagave.com/

Spiked coffee?! What could be better? Cafe Agave offers spiked gourmet coffee drinks in several delicious flavors, such as Caffe Mocha, Espresso Shot, Salted Caramel, and Vanilla Cinnamon. These drinks are smooth with little acidic flavor that is often found in coffee beverages.

Cann 

https://drinkcann.com/

Not in the mood for an alcoholic beverage? Cann’s seltzers are spiked with THC and CBD, offering a whole new type of buzz. Their all-natural “social tonic” has just 30 calories per can with cool flavors like Blood Orange Cardamom, Lemon Lavender, Grapefruit Rosemary, and more. Cann you dig it? I think you Cann. 

The Cocktail Chemist 

https://www.thecocktailchemist.com/

The Cocktail Chemist brings the bar to you with their exciting canned cocktails that consist of quality ingredients and spirits, fresh pressed citrus, and locally roasted coffee (used in their espresso martini). You can try their mojito, which uses the finest Caribbean rum, mint, freshly squeezed lime juice, and 100% pure cane sugar, or the “Something Good,” which is a floral version of a vodka-lemonade. 



Cool Cat

https://drinkcoolcat.com/

Cool Cat is an award-winning wine cocktail that is low in sugar and calories, but high in flavor and spunk. This sparkling beverage comes in four fun flavors, including berry, citrus, elderflower, and grapefruit. They keep it simple, while keeping it real (good). 

CT Valley Brewing 

https://www.ctvalleybrewing.com/

Located in South Windsor, CT, these folks believe in thinking outside of the box when it comes to brewing beer, seltzers, and most importantly, their distinctive Spiked Smoothies. These 5% ABV Spiked Smoothies include fun flavors like cherry pie, apple pie, blueberry acai, and many more. 

Daybreaker 

https://tworoadsbrewing.com/beer/daybreaker-variety-8-pack/

In 2021, Two Roads Brewing, one of the largest breweries in New England, launched Daybreaker Craft Cocktails - a line of bar-quality, ready-to-drink cocktails in a can, all made with 100% real fruit juice. Look for the Vodka Blood Orange and Tropical Punch flavors or their 8-can variety pack. These award-winning cocktails are a must-try!

Drink Mechanics 

https://drinkmechanics.com/

Drink Mechanics is a Hartford-based company established by out-of-work bartenders during the pandemic. Their canned cocktails use only premium spirits, real fruit, and just a little agave nectar for sweetness. This “bartender in a can” can be found in retail liquor stores all across CT, making it easy for everyone to check them out! 

Faux Pas 

https://www.instagram.com/drinkfauxpas/?hl=en

Faux Pas has been around for just a couple of years, but they have grown quickly in popularity and trying one of their canned cocktails will prove why! Their ready-to-drink canned cocktails are made with real spirits (tequila or vodka), no artificial flavors, and have an 8% ABV. 

Fishers Island Lemonade

https://www.filemonade.com/

Made with premium vodka, barrel-aged whiskey, lemon, and honey, Fishers Island Lemonade offers spiked lemonades, Spiked Tea, Pink Flamingo, Island Fizz, and Frozen Spirit Pops. Their drinks are perfect for a hot summer day on the beach and have no artificial taste…and they’re gluten-free! 

Flavortown Spiked 

https://flavortownspiked.com/

The one and only Guy Fieri, Mayor of Flavortown and Food Network star, has teamed up with Two Roads Brewing to create Flavortown Spiked – a series of spiked drinks at 6% ABV that taste like fresh cocktails made in your own kitchen. Try Flavortown Spiked Fruit Punch, or the 8-can variety pack that includes Fruit Punch, Tiki Town Tropical Punch, Fidddy Fidddy (half tea and half lemonade), and Tangerine-N-Tea.

Foxon Park and Thimble Island Brewing

https://www.thimbleislandbrewery.com/beer/foxon-park-soda/

Foxon Park and Thimble Island Brewing Company, located in Branford, have come together and are collaborating on a unique idea: hard soda. Not sure if you want a soda or an adult beverage? You don’t have to choose! Try the Thimble Island Foxon Park Hard Cream Soda. Available at Thimble Island Brewing Co. and other retail liquor stores. 

High Noon 

https://www.highnoonspirits.com/

C’mon, we all know about High Noon canned cocktails, with good reason! Their spiked carbonated drinks are made with quality vodka and tequila, real fruit juice, and sparkling water. They have no added sugar and they’re gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy (well, as long as you’re 21)! 

Links Drinks 

www.linksdrinks.com

Links Drinks has created a brand of ready-to-drink Transfusions in a can! The "Classic" is made with vodka, ginger ale, and grape juice, the "Front Nine" is made with orange juice, and the "Back Nine" is made with cranberry juice. Sold in 4-packs or a new variety 8 pack, all three cocktails are 7% ABV, gluten-free, and made with all-natural ingredients. 


Loverboy

https://drinkloverboy.com/

Loverboy is a zero-sugar sparkling hard tea, consisting of organic brewed tea, botanicals, an array of juices, monk fruit, and gluten-free spirits. A few of their flavors include mango peach, passion fruit guava, pineapple hibiscus, and plenty more, all in less than 90 calories! 

‘Merican Mule

https://www.instagram.com/mericanmule/

‘Merican Mule is a CT-based canned cocktail brand founded by a UCONN graduate – it doesn’t get more local than that! Their craft Mule cocktails are made with real spirits and real ginger, and they’re all gluten-free. Some fan favorites include Tropical Mule, Moscow Mule (a true classic), Mexican Mule, and the Southern Mule. 

Montauk Hard Label

https://www.instagram.com/montaukhardlabel/

Montauk Hard Label is a bottled whiskey-based beverage, which has a light bodied and smooth flavor profile that can be enjoyed either on the rocks or combined with your favorite mixer. A few of their whiskey flavors include peach, black cherry, and blueberry. You can’t go wrong! 

ONDA

https://drinkonda.com/

Onda offers a sparkling canned tequila cocktail experience, made with blanco tequila and real juices. Each can has just 100 calories, with classic flavors like grapefruit, lime, watermelon, blood orange, and plenty more, ensuring a refreshing taste with each sip. 

Owl’s Brew

https://www.theowlsbrew.com/hard-tea-seltzer

Owl’s Brew is serving up some exciting spiked tea flavors in the form of canned cocktails. They’re vegan, gluten and preservative-free, and have no sugar substitutes. Try their hand-crafted English breakfast & lemon, jasmine & blueberry, or white tea & watermelon flavors. Can’t decide? Get the variety pack and try them all!  

Partáy Craft Cocktails

https://www.drinkpartay.com/

Owned and operated out of Stamford, CT, and made locally in CT, Partáy offers a classy drinking experience, made with blue agave, real fruit juice, and no artificial flavors. These perfectly curated cocktails can be found in liquor stores all across Connecticut and can be ordered from their website directly to your door. 

Reed’s

https://drinkreeds.com/hard/

Reed’s is the maker of America’s #1 ginger beer and now they have exciting canned cocktails that are brewed with real, fresh ginger root and natural ingredients. They source their ginger sustainably from the Peruvian Amazon—a bold strain found nowhere else. Try their watermelon strawberry or pineapple coconut flavors, or even their zero-sugar classic mule, which, duh, has zero sugar! 

Sono 1420

https://sono1420.com/

Sono 1420 produces 100% natural, non-GMO RTDs (ready to drink cocktails) using nothing artificial. Try their three canned vodka-based cocktail flavors, including “Transfusion,” “Orange Kush,” and “Strawberry Lemonade Haze.” You should also check out their ready-to-mix “Threesome Cocktails,” which can be enjoyed at home or on the go! 

Spritz Society 

https://www.spritzsociety.com/

Spritz Society sparkling wine cocktails take real, recognizable ingredients and pack them into convenient 8.4 oz cans. Each can contains just 120 calories and comes in six delicious fruit flavors: Passion Fruit, Grapefruit, Lemon, Peach, Blood Orange, and Pineapple.

Tribus Beer 

https://tribusbeer.co/

Tribus is located in Milford and offers dine in and takeout, including drinks too! They sell a canned pink lemonade hard seltzer, which contains strawberries, raspberries, and lemons…mmm, fruity. 

Velvet Llama 

https://velvetllama.com/

Velvet Llama isn’t just a company with a sick name and a cute logo; they’re a canned beverage brand offering a twist on cocktail classics, curated and crafted by skilled NYC bartenders. Check out their espresso martini, Moscow mule, or the spicy margarita, all offered in 8.4 oz and 12 oz cans.