6 Drinks That Will Help You Kick Off The Canned Cocktail Revolution This Summer

Summer is finally here, which means days lounging poolside with a cocktail in hand, or by the beach with a nice cold brew are already likely a part of your weekly routine. Or maybe you prefer to spend your Saturdays barbecuing with the crew, or out in the mountains moto-camping. Whatever your summer flavor, the newest craze surrounding canned cocktails is about to spice up your activities in the best of ways.

No longer do you have to worry about glass bottles breaking in your pack or poolside, or even having to exert the effort to mix your own cocktails and drink out of red solo cups like you're still in college.

This cocktail revolution is single-handedly changing the ready-to-drink beverage game, as it's now more convenient than ever to sip on a refreshing Moscow Mule, Gin & Tonic or Greyhound. Here is a list of our seven favorite exceptionally-designed canned cocktails to look out for this summer.

Hochstadter’s Slow and Low Rock & Rye

For those who prefer to sip nice and slow, Hochstadter’s Slow & Low Rock and Rye delivers a blend of straight rye whiskeys varying in age along with notes of citrus, rock candy, horehound (a flowering plant in the mint family), and raw honey all in one black, white and gold retro-styled can. It's the perfect on-the-go whiskey for all your outdoor needs, and it's ideal for sipping next to the campfire.

Can Can Cocktails

Sacramento based-artist and bartender, Ryan Seng introduced a collection of cocktails under the playful name Can Can Cocktails via a successful Kickstarter campaign a few summers ago. One of the delicious cocktails on deck included a tasty twist on the classic Moscow Mule as he adds more fresh ginger, local honey, mint, saffron and a bit of pink Himalayan salt. He's even got a Raspberry fizz made of mint-infused vodka, real raspberries, lemon and cane sugar that is sure to make an appearance at any beach gathering I have this summer.

As Seng is also an artist, you best believe he gave each of his signature cocktails a unique design, delivering personality to every beverage. The Boar's Bourbon Root Beer delivers vibrant shades of red and blue with the figure of a nude individual, some dollar-dollar bills y'all, and boars.

You & Yours Distilling Co.

You&Yours' cocktails combine their in-house distilled spirits with all natural flavors and a hint of carbonation to provide you with a fresh take on your favorites, like a Gin & Tonic, Cranberry Vodka Soda, and Vodka Mule. All of which starts with the way they distill their spirits as the Vodka, for example, is made from a blend of corn, potato and grapes delivering floral notes with a vanilla-like sweetness.  As such, a typically tart Cranberry Vodka soda becomes mellowed by the sweetness of the Y&Y Vodka.

As for the can themselves, they are an excellent fit for your summer festivals and picnics as the whimsical, monochromatic designs are nothing short of eye-catching and mega-Instagrammable.

CANDID Cocktails

CANDID Cocktails, formerly known as WheelHouse Canned Cocktails, takes an ornate, yet rustic approach with the hand-crafted lettering and illustrations that highlight the ingredients unique to each cocktail.  These designs were strategic to not only reflect the artisanal-crafted, small batch vibe founder Quinton Bennett sought after, but to ensure the beverage was approachable to all.

Guess what? His plan worked, because his Vodka with Black Tea, Lemonade and Thyme is calling my name and would be a superb addition to any sporting event, pool party or evening with face masks and romantic comedies that come my way.

Salt Point

Established in Mill Valley, CA, Salt Point found the inspiration for its line of canned cocktails via life on the Pacific Coast. Small batch and handcrafted, as are most good things in life, each of Salt Point's beverages is made with the highest quality of non-GMO ingredients and recipes that have been dialed in to create a consistent, flavorful drinking experience.

Let's be real, once you see the Wes Anderson-esque designs featuring hand-drawn illustrations, and those pops of pastel, you're already committed to making Salt Point part of your life.

Portland Sangria

Does a Sangria cocktail count? Well, this is our list, so, yes.

Growing up with Italian godparents and being half Italian myself, the love for sangria runs deep within my blood as it was served up every Sunday alongside fresh pasta and marinara sauce. The only bummer is, I'm too lazy to cut up the fruit and make it myself, which is why Portland Sangria is a saving grace, especially because he uses a dry Riesling. Yum!  

Now, all I have to do is pop open a can and allow the delightful fruity flavors, with a hint of carbonation, to cool me down in what's about to be the summer heat.