Canned cocktails are nothing new, but in the last few years we’ve seen not only a huge surge in brands infiltrating the market, but also an impressive improvement in quality of product.

A mere handful of years ago, canned cocktails were something often scoffed at. The techniques were not quite there yet for creating fresh, flavorful cocktails that would last in a can. Now, however, demand is there for consumers looking to enjoy a fancy drink with little hassle and no waste.While there’s no shortage of delicious cocktails on the market, there is still a large margin of error, as not all drinks in a can are created equal.The perfectly balanced, refreshing cocktail in a can is an art, and if you’re looking for something a little more high-brow than your typical White Claw, look no further.

Flying Embers

Sure, they make hard seltzers (and in very unique flavors, too), but the real standout from Flying Embers is their hard kombucha. Touted as a “buzz with benefits,” these drinks are ideal for a relaxing day by the lake, or to pre-game for an energetic night out.

Their line of Light & Live offerings are only 85 calories, 4.5% ABV, and come in four fun flavors—watermelon basil, grapefruit thyme, wild berry, and cucumber juniper. Take it up a notch with their high ABV version, which ranges from 6.8-7.2% alcohol. Pineapple chili, black cherry, and mango coconut comprise just a few of their flavor options. Best of all, you’re also getting those live culture benefits with each sip you take.

FlyingEmbers.com

Golden Rule Spirits

Known for their small cans with big flavor—and an even bigger buzz–Golden Rule Spirits focuses on simple, quality ingredients and uncomplicated recipes. Their journey began with their Margarita Original, made from 100% agave tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice—a sophisticated, yet straightforward take on one of everyone’s favorite drinks.Clocking in at a whopping 27% ABV and setting you back only 80 calories, these Margs are no joke. Similarly, their Old Fashioned, crafted with three-year old rye bourbon, bitters, cane sugar, and orange, packs a mighty strong punch at 38.5% ABV. We recommend pouring these bad boys over ice and garnishing as you see fit.Be on the lookout for their new Espresso Martini, which is expected to launch this May.

GoldenRuleSpirits.com

Nude Beverages

This Canadian company sought to create sugar- and sweetener-free ready-to-drink cocktails when they launched in 2017. And after much success with their vodka sodas, they’ve expanded to include gin sodas, tequila sodas, and our favorite, hard iced teas. Luckily, they can now be found in the United States and come in three flavors–peach, raspberry, and lemon. Made using a Canadian triple-distilled corn-based vodka, these iced teas, like all of Nude’s offerings, are stripped free of any artificial additives and offer consumers a vegan, keto-friendly, and gluten-free option to enjoy. Brewed using caffeine-free black tea and only 100 calories, these iced teas are as easy to drink as an ice-cold water, but luckily, with quite a bit more flavor. NudeBeverages.com

Hochstadter’s Slow & Low Rock and Rye

Sipping on an Old Fashioned in the evening is a comforting way to end the day, but making one yourself can take time. Enter Slow & Low’s tiny canned variation, doling out an impressive 84-proof cocktail you can enjoy right at home or out on the go. Made with rye whiskey, raw honey, angostura bitters, rock candy, and orange peel, this classic Old Fashioned is best enjoyed over ice and sipped slowly so you can savor the craftsmanship that went into creating a canned cocktail this good.

DrinkSlowAndLow.com

Social Hour

Crafted by two industry bartenders, Julie Reiner and Tom Macy, these canned cocktails are made with the same finesse you’ve grown accustomed to at your favorite watering hole. Made with premium spirits from New York Distilling Company, Social Hour’s cocktails began with a classic Gin and Tonic, Whiskey Mule, and the Pacific Spritz. They’ve since grown to expand their offerings with three new cocktails—Sunkissed Fizz, Prizefighter, and Strawberry Rhubarb Spritz. The cocktails range from 8% to 11.5% ABV, so you can expect a good buzz from these well-executed happy hour libations.

SocialHourCocktails.com

Fishers Island Lemonade

One of the original canned cocktails, Fishers Island Lemonade has been around since 2014, and their original boozy lemonade is comprised of a premium blend of distilled vodka, whiskey, lemon, and honey.Last year, they expanded their line of lemonades to include the Lemonade Fizz, a lighter, bubbly version of the original; Spiked Tea, a 50/50 blend of their lemonade and tea; Pink Flamingo, their original recipe with fresh cranberry added; and Frozen Spirit Pops, which are a slightly less boozy, frozen version of their original lemonade.While these are on the sweeter side, they more than get the job done, and make for a wonderfully refreshing summer sipper.

FILemonade.com