Seven ready-to-drink cocktails and other drinks to enjoy on the go | Canada Voices

The selection of ready-to-drink cocktails, mixed drinks and beer in cans continues to expand and evolve, as companies invest more in these convenient, portable options. The prepackaged category has blossomed from hard lemonades and other beer alternatives – including White Claw, which gained widespread acceptance in the late 2010s – to encompass bar culture, offering appealing variations of mai tais, margaritas or palomas for on-the-go enjoyment.

The range of styles is versatile, from zero alcohol and zero sugar selections to double shot, high-proof (12.5-per-cent to 13-per-cent alcohol) offerings, which were popularized by Cutwater, Anheuser-Busch’s line of canned cocktails with smooth, sweet flavours that mask their potent alcoholic content.

Strong competition from ready-to-drink premixed cocktails, beer and hard seltzers is one of the reasons that wine in cans has not become more established in Canadian liquor stores. There is a continued stigma about the quality of wine sold in alternative packages rather than traditional glass bottles, and there are challenges regarding how the chemistry of various wines reacts with the lining used to prevent them from coming into direct contact with the aluminum wall of the can. Wine does not seem to have the same shelf life as other canned alcoholic beverages. It can take on a spoiled, cooked egg smell from the container if not sold and consumed quickly.

Meanwhile, consumers are spoilt for choice in all the other adult beverage categories. These seven, single-serve format cans, which come in a variety of styles and flavours, seem to me to be the perfect warm-weather beverages for enjoying over the long weekend and on warm days ahead.

Blanche de Chambly (Canada), $3.40

Rating: 89

Launched in 1991 by Quebec’s Unibroue, Blanche de Chambly is made in a classic wheat beer style, with a hazy and cloudy appearance and flavourful coriander, clove and citrus character.

Its thirst-quenching and complex style suggests a nice balance of lemony, peppery and yeasty flavours that are extremely satisfying in the summer heat.

This has 5 per cent ABV. Drink now.

Available at the above price in Ontario (473 ml can), various prices in Alberta, $15.49 (4 x 473 ml) in New Brunswick.

Dillon’s Blackberry, Lemon & A Dash of Elderflower (Canada), $3.55

Rating: 90

Niagara-based Dillon’s continues to expand its range of ready-to-drink gin- and vodka-based cocktails.

This refreshing gin seltzer delivers the advertised berry and citrus flavours.

It isn’t overly sweet and has a clean, crisp aftertaste that is even more refreshing when served well-chilled.

This has 5 per cent ABV. Drink now.

It is available with other flavours as part of a Dillon’s gin cocktail variety pack of 12 cans in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba. Individual 473 ml cans are available at the above price in Ontario at the above price, various prices in British Columbia and Alberta, $5.50 in Nova Scotia, $5.23 in Newfoundland.

Edna’s Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Mojito (Canada), $3.95

Rating: 92

Created by Vancouver-based bartender Nick Devine, Edna’s is a non-alcoholic cocktail company that produces sparkling mocktail versions of mojitos, palomas, collinses and mules.

Their fresh, vibrant alcoholic-free sparkling mojito drinks has become a staple for family entertaining.

The fresh mint and lime flavours take centre stage in this enjoyable, single serving can.

Adding a dash of salt brings out the zesty citrus flavours when the drink is served over ice.

This has 0 per cent ABV. Vegan-friendly. Drink now.

Available at the above price in Ontario (355 ml), $15.99 (4 x 355 ml) in British Columbia, $16.99 direct (4 x 355 ml), ednascocktails.com, $17.99 (4 x 355 ml), well.ca.

Great Lakes Brewery Canuck Pale Ale (Canada), $3.35

Rating: 88

A long-standing core product from Great Lakes Brewery in Etobicoke, Ont., Canuck Pale Ale is brewed in a crowd-pleasing style.

Its flavour profile suggests citrus and hops with hints of tropical fruit and woody (pine) notes.

The slight bitterness of the aftertaste contributes to its refreshing character.

This has 5.2 per cent ABV. Drink now.

Available at the above price in Ontario (473 ml), $13.40 direct, greatlakesbeershop.ca (4 x 473 ml).

J.P. Wiser’s Canada Dry Whiskey & Ginger Ale (Canada), $3.65

Rating: 91

Wiser’s and Canada Dry introduced this premixed cocktail partnership in February, marking the first time that the popular ginger ale was used for a ready-to-drink product.

This gets the balance right, with the toffee- and vanilla-flavoured whisky adding depth to the familiar taste of the spicy ginger ale.

It is enjoyable straight from the can or poured over ice.

This has 7 per cent ABV. Drink now.

Available at the above price in Ontario (473 ml can), $11.99 in British Columbia ($10.99 until June 27, 4 x 355 ml cans), various prices in Alberta, $4.39 in Manitoba ($3.86 until June 30, per 355 ml can), $12.40 in Quebec (4 x 355 ml cans), $4.98 in New Brunswick (473 ml can), $4.99 in Prince Edward Island (473 ml can), $5.23 in Newfoundland (473 ml can).

Madison Park Breakfast Gin Iced Tea (Canada), $3.50

Rating: 88

Madison Park is a brand produced by the 1769 Distillery in Montreal.

One of the botanicals in its Breakfast Gin is bergamot, and the gin is infused with a blend of teas to create a spirit with the scents of orange blossom and Earl Grey tea.

This sophisticated, non-carbonated alcoholic iced tea is made using that spirit as its base.

Its dry and spicy finish adds to its appeal.

This has 5.5 per cent ABV. Drink now.

Available at the above price in Ontario (355 ml can), $15.40 in Quebec (4 x 355 ml cans).

Poptail Vodka Popsicle Mixed Pack (Canada), $32.95

Rating: 88

These carbonated vodka sodas successfully capture the flavour of orange, cherry and grape popsicles.

They are made with stevia and contain no added sugar, with 100 calories a can.

The three flavours have a surprisingly balanced boozy Kool-Aid vibe that some drinkers will appreciate for the nostalgia factor.

This has 4.5 per cent ABV. Drink now.

Available at the above price in Ontario (12 x 355 ml cans), various prices in Alberta and Saskatchewan, $34.99 in Manitoba (12 x 355 ml), $33 in Quebec.