With warm summer weather comes a fresh crop of new canned boozy beverages to try. This summer, we’re seeing fruity takes on hard iced teas, better-for-you bevvies that are lower in sugar and carbs, and Canadian breweries and distillers making their mark with exciting new creations. In short, there are more options than ever before. Thankfully, we took it upon ourselves to do the taste-testing for you and try out summer 2022’s newest, most exciting drinks to help guide your shopping. Read on to find your new summer sip.
Related: Best Non-Alcoholic Beers to Try
Georgian Bay Mango Tequila Smash, 6%
While there are endless gin- and vodka-based drinks on the market, tequila has been an untapped niche in the canned bevvy market until now, thanks to Georgian Bay’s new Tequila Smashes. Our personal favourite was the Mango Lime flavour (it’s also available in Grapefruit Lime and Prickly Pear) – with slight hints of habanero and a light, fruity flavour that’s not too sweet, it’s easy to imagine sipping this chilled over ice alongside a plate of tangy fish tacos.
Aloette Espresso Martini Fizz, 5.5%
Summer 2022 is officially the summer of the espresso martini, and Aloette’s new Espresso Martini Fizz couldn’t have arrived at a better time. Created by the highly acclaimed Alo food group (makers of our favourite lemon meringue pie in Toronto), this canned take on an espresso martini is vodka-based, with hints of bitter chocolate, toffee and vanilla. Although delicious any time of day, we think it’d be a delightful addition to your next boozy brunch.
Topo Chico Strawberry Guava Hard Seltzer, 4.7%
From the makers of beloved Topo Chico sparkling water comes this new hard seltzer option that will surely become one of your next go-to’s. Available in mango, pineapple, lemon lime and strawberry guava flavours, our favourite was the latter. The addition of guava is both unexpected and delightful – think of it as a grown-up take on Fruitopia, but less sweet and with a little fizz. Despite being 4.7% alcohol, you can barely taste the vodka, which is always a win in our books.
Ace Hill Carb Free Light Beer, 4%
Touted as Canada’s first zero-carb beer, this brand new offering from Ace Hill is a game-changer. It’s refreshingly light and carbonated, with malty, citrus tones that aren’t over-powering. Even non-beer drinkers will enjoy this one for its light finish, so whether you’re looking to reduce your carb intake or just try a lighter version of a classic, this one’s a winner. Pair it with fish and chips for the perfect summer meal.
Dillon's Blackberry, Lemon and A Dash Of Elderflower Gin Cocktail, 5%
Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers is well-known for creating some of the best Canadian-made spirits, and their latest venture into the canned drink market is not one to be missed! We love the laidback sophistication of their Blackberry, Lemon & A Dash Of Elderflower flavour, but the Tangerine, Lemon & A Hint Of Mint flavour is equally as tasty. Skip the cocktail shaker and pour one of these over ice instead – you won’t be disappointed.
Twisted Tea Slightly Sweet, 5%
Sip on the classic Twisted Tea you know and love, with half the sugar. This drink is seriously refreshing and the perfect level of sweet – it basically tastes like a Brisk iced tea with just the right amount of sugar and a light kick of vodka. Unsurprising, considering that it’s crafted with real tea, lemon and vodka. This tasty bev is an easy summer sip that’s perfect for sunny picnics and long weekends at the cottage.
White Claw Hard Seltzer Pineapple, 5%
When it comes to summer drinks, White Claw’s hard seltzers are undoubtedly the reigning champ. They made waves back in 2020 when they officially arrived in Canada, so naturally their newest pineapple flavour offering is one worth celebrating. What we love about this flavour is that it doesn’t taste artificial – the authentic, punchy taste of pineapple shines through and adds a tropical feel to the beloved hard seltzer.
Truly Strawberry Lemonade, 5%
There’s nothing quite like a refreshing glass of sweet lemonade in the hot summer heat, and this boozy strawberry twist on classic lemonade is a must-try. Although it only has 1 gram of sugar, it’s also sweetened with stevia for an extra sweet kick, which gives it a playful sweet-tart flavour that’ll have you smacking your lips. Serve it with baked salmon for the perfect pairing.
Smirnoff Vodka Soda Berry Blast, 4.5%
Remember your favourite red, white and blue popsicle as a kid? This nostalgia-inducing vodka soda is a grown-up spin on it (with 0 grams of sugar!). Featuring a mix of cherry, citrus and blue raspberry flavours, it tastes *exactly* like the popsicle from your childhood. Plus, the can changes colour when chilled: your younger self would love this for you.
Collective Arts Daily Forecast Mimosa
A crisp mimosa meets your favourite sour beer with this inventive take from Collective Arts. Made with 30% unfermented, freshly pressed orange juice and blended with a slightly sour beer base, this bubbly sip will be the perfect accompaniment to your next laidback brunch.
Cottage Springs Vodka Iced Tea, 5%
Last but certainly not least – this vodka-based iced tea from Cottage Springs is one of the most popular drinks on the market, which is especially impressive considering it just launched in April. It’s popular for good reason – available in lemon, mango, raspberry and peach flavours, it’s made with premium vodka and steeped black tea for a refreshing summer sip that’s lightly sweet with 1 gram of sugar and stevia. Bonus: it’s also available in a party-sized 4 litre bag n’ box, perfect for summer entertaining.