The ready-to-drink canned cocktail is a drinking trend that is both delicious and easy — with or without the alcohol. You can get the kick of botanicals and bartender-quality concoctions just by cracking open a can.
Drifter Craft Cocktails Moscow mule
You could pour it into the traditional copper mug for the full effect, but Drifter Craft Cocktails’ extra spicy take on a Moscow mule comes in a stunning 12-ounce can. Drifter Craft Cocktails uses small-batch spirits producers and bartenders across the country to create its cocktails. Drifter Craft Cocktails’ mule was developed with bartender Michael Neff from the CottonMouth Club in Houston, Texas. The ginger that jumps out with each sip comes from Assam, India. The bit of heat warming Griffo Distillery’s six-times-distilled vodka, used in the drink, comes from jalapeno, and lime juice adds zesty balance. While refreshing, it’s also a splendidly warming, gingery take on a classic. Drifter Craft Cocktails also carries spicy margarita and passionfruit caipirinha flavors. Each can contains 7% alcohol by volume. $19.99 for four cans at Capital City Wine & Spirits, Minks Package, Smyrna World of Beverage or at driftercraftcocktails.com/home
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
6 O’Clock London Dry gin and tonic
Award-winning 6 O’Clock craft gins are available in select U.S. cities, including Atlanta. Known for its carefully selected botanicals, the artisanal gin is made by Bramley & Gage in Bristol, England. Carry on the long-held British tradition of enjoying a gin and tonic at 6 p.m. with one of these refined 200-milliliter cans. Pour it into a glass, with perhaps a wedge of lime, and you never would guess this wasn’t freshly mixed by hand. As the fizz settles, piney juniper aromatics hit the senses. Subtle flavors — coriander, angelica and orange peel — come through with bracing bitterness. It’s outstanding from a cold can, or poured over a large ice cube with citrus or sprigs of herbs. $4 for 7% abv cans at Hal’s Package Store, J’s Beverage Depot and Smoke Rise Bottle Shoppe.
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
SpritzIsh
When I tried this nonalcoholic cocktail with a friend, I could not tell this wasn’t a full-on Aperol spritz. It has that eye-catching vibrant orange color, and the intense bubbles carry citrus notes and a hint of spice to the nose. There is a sweet-bitter balance that has depth and complexity, bolstered by an almost chewy texture. This is an aperitif you truly could sip all day long. Danish spirits company Ish has a full-time team dedicated to innovation, and they work closely with the University of Copenhagen and Copenhagen’s best restaurants to develop their award-winning range. GinIsh & Tonic and DaiquirIsh also taste surprisingly like the real thing, with all of the intensity and roundness of a classic cocktail, but without the alcohol. Find four-packs of 250-milliliter cans ($21.99) at Elemental Spirits, Star Provisions and on the menu at Georgia Boy, or at thezeroproof.com nonalcoholic bottle shop.
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
Cool Cat grapefruit wine spritzer
There’s a new cool cat in town, and it is wine’s answer to the hard seltzer. Cool Cat founder Rocco Venneri set out to make a tasty, low-calorie portable beverage made with all-natural ingredients. Venneri launched the brand with elderflower mint lime and citrus flavors. The new grapefruit wine spritzer is made from California pinot grigio and natural grapefruit flavors. A 12-ounce can is equivalent to two standard glasses of wine, with only 150 calories and 2 carbs. It’s gluten-free, thirst-quenching and, yes, cool. Find four-packs ($15.99) at Vinoteca, Bim’s Package, Johns Creek World of Beverage and Pinkies Up Beer & Wine.
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