Three festive ready-to-drink options for easy entertaining | Canada Voices

Canned and ready-to-drink selections continue to improve and extend beyond malt-based hard seltzers, also known as coolers, hard iced teas or lemonades.

The convenience factor of ready-to-drink formats as well as increasing shelf space in supermarkets, specialty and convenience stores is driving demand for new and innovative products, including low and no-alcohol drinks.

Here are three new and current quality releases to consider.

Partake Hazy IPA (Canada), $7.40 4 x 355 ml can

Calgary-based non-alcoholic beer company, Partake Brewing has gained a following with its growing selection of low calorie yet flavourful brews. Originally launched as a limited-edition release in 2022, the Hazy IPA has become one of the brand’s best-known drinks thanks to its engaging mix of tree fruit (apricot, peach) with citrus and hoppy notes. Easy to appreciate. 0.05 per cent abv. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices at select grocery and specialty stores across the country.

The Glenlivet Twist & Mix Old Fashioned (United Kingdom), $37.95 / 375 ml

The Glenlivet, which celebrates its 200th anniversary this year, has introduced an innovative, ready-to-drink Old Fashioned. This isn’t technically a premade cocktail because the mixing doesn’t happen until you twist the cap, which releases the necessary ingredients into a half bottle of Speyside single malt. The result is a nicely balanced and serious take on an Old Fashioned with a pleasant spicy and bitter orange character. Serve over ice in a rocks glass and garnish with an orange slice or cranberry. Once mixed, the cocktail is best enjoyed within two weeks. 40 per cent abv. Available at the above price in Ontario, $39.99 in British Columbia and Manitoba, various prices in Alberta.

Willibald Cherry Spritz (Canada), $3.95 / 355 ml can

From a family operated distillery, brewery and restaurant in Ayr, Ont., this vodka-based spritzer is made with cherry juice concentrate and citrus flavours (lime, lemon). Its fizzy, pink hue presents well in a wine or rocks glass, with a tart cherry flavour that gusts to medicinal for some tasters. A citrussy character keeps things balanced. Additions of ice, soda water and a dash or two of orange bitter dial up the refreshment factor. 5 per cent abv. Available at the above price in Ontario or $3.10 / 355 ml can direct, drinkwillibald.com