Trying the new pre-mixed cocktails and seltzers in a can available in our market has been the most fun and the easiest job this girl has had in a while. I partnered with Republic National Distributors to do some research on the hottest trend in the liquor industry right now. These cans went to French Quarter Fest, a crawfish boil, poolside, and Jazz Fest pre-gaming. After this was over, I truly felt like a SELTZPERT!
So, here is the low down on these delicious products:
Perfect for poolside, beach, and afternoon sipping was Malibu Cocktail: Pina Colada & Pineapple Bay Breeze. They were refreshing, light, and made with natural flavors. I did not like them straight from the can, but thought they were very delicious over ice. I even added a little more Malibu to the Pina Colada for an extra kick. Other poolside favorites were the Absolut Berry Vodkarita, which was sparkling, and Absolut Pineapple Martini, which was still. Again, these two were light and refreshing and absolutely perfect for our hot summer days. Again, they both tasted better over ice. For a quick cocktail, I muddled a few fresh Louisiana strawberries in a glass and then filled with ice and topped with the Absolut Berry Vodkarita. The muddled strawberries added a nice little strawberry touch to the drink.
Next up was boiled seafood with the Ranch Rider Spirts: Ranch Water and Tequila Paloma. The Ranch Water was refreshing, light, and offset the spices from the boiled seafood. It is made with reposado tequila, sparkling water, and real lime juice. I liked the fact that it was a seltzer, had only 1 gram of sugar, was gluten free, and low-carb. It was the perfect balance with all the spices from the boiled crawfish, corn on the cob, and potatoes that a girl could want. Pro tip: this one tasted good in the can. The Tequila Paloma again was made with reposado tequila, sparkling water, and real grapefruit and lime. It too was gluten free, low in sugar, and low in carbs. This Paloma was the perfect after-crawfish- boil drink. It was refreshing, and the acidity of the lime and grapefruit paired perfectly with the tequila. This drink tasted better over ice.
French Quarter Fest and pool-side afternoons were more fun with the Onda Sparkling Tequila Blood Orange and Onda Sparkling Tequila Watermelon. Both were made with tequila and real juice. They had zero sugar and zero carbs. These delicious drinks can keep you hydrated, and they were light enough to enjoy throughout the day and were easy to carry because of their slim design. They easily fit into a can cooler holder, which kept it colder longer, while wandering around the French Quarter. The same thing held true to this one as well—it tasted better over ice.
Jazz Fest morning got off to the right start with the Tia Maria Cold Brew Iced Coffee Frappe on the walk to the Fairgrounds. This little delicious can packs a mighty punch. It is like an Espresso Martini or an Iced Coffee with a kick, lol. This one did not have a metallic taste while drinking from the can. I did drink another can over ice with a shot of espresso, and it was truly delicious for an afternoon pick me up.
My final cocktail experiment was the Batch & Bottle: Glenfiddich Scotch Manhattan and Monkey Shoulder Lazy Old Fashioned. These were perfect drinks. Just pour out of the bottle over ice and serve in a high ball glass. I garnished the Manhattan with a Bordeaux cherry, and for the Old Fashioned, I muddled an orange and Bordeaux cherry first before pouring over ice. These were simple and great. Best of all, they were easy when entertaining guests outdoors.
Bottom line: summertime cocktails just got easier, and there is something for everyone in today’s market. All these products can be found at Rouse’s, Total Wine, Walmart, or your favorite liquor store. Many bars with outdoor seating are also offering these cocktails, as well. I hope everyone enjoys these cocktails, and I look forward to hearing some of your favorites.
Cheers!!!
by Anna Tusa