There was a time when packing a cooler full of “canned drinks” meant making a compromise. You either settled for a basic light beer, a sugary malt beverage, or a hard seltzer that tasted vaguely of artificial chemicals.
Not anymore. The modern beverage market has officially entered the era of the Premium Spirit-Based Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Cocktail. Distillers are bypassing the artificial additives and putting real, top-shelf spirits and authentic fruit juices directly into portable cans.
Whether you are heading to a backyard barbecue, packing for an Indianapolis Colts tailgate, or loading up for a weekend at the lake, you can bring an upscale, bar-quality experience with you without packing a single shaker or cutting a single lime. Here are the absolute best canned cocktails to stack in your cooler this weekend.
1. The Undisputed Vodka Standard: High Noon Vodka & Soda
If there is a definitive crown jewel of the canned cocktail movement, it belongs to High Noon. While many massive brands use cheap malt alternatives, High Noon stays on top because it uses exactly what it says on the can: real vodka and real fruit juice.
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The Vibe: Exceptionally clean, crisp, and refreshing.
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Flavors to Look For: The classic Peach and Watermelon are legendary crowd-pleasers. If you want a tropical upgrade, keep an eye out for their El Pres Variety Pack, which packs bolder punches like Passionfruit and Pineapple.
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Why it’s cooler-worthy: At 100 calories, zero added sugar, and a sessionable 4.5% ABV, it is built for long afternoons under the sun.
2. The Heavy-Hitting Tequila Champ: Casamigos Margarita Variety Pack
Margaritas are notoriously difficult to capture in a can because real citrus juice behaves unpredictably when shelf-stabilized. However, premium spirit brands have completely cracked the code. The Casamigos Tequila RTD lineup delivers a pour that tastes remarkably close to what you’d get at a high-end cocktail lounge.
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The Vibe: Premium, uncarbonated, and highly authentic.
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Flavors to Look For: The variety pack features a stunning mix of Classic Margarita, Strawberry & Colima Lime, and a wonderfully complex Guava & Hibiscus.
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Why it’s cooler-worthy: Clocking in at a robust 10% ABV, these aren’t watered-down seltzers. They use authentic Casamigos Blanco Tequila and real fruit juice, making them perfect to pour over a glass of fresh ice.
3. The Modern Nightlife Staple: Cutwater Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini remains one of the most sought-after cocktail orders in the country, and Cutwater Spirits has successfully captured that late-night energy in a daytime-friendly aluminum can.
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The Vibe: Indulgent, rich, and velvety.
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Flavors to Look For: The Classic Espresso Martini features award-winning vodka mixed with cold brew coffee and a touch of coffee cream liqueur. For an extra luxurious treat, grab their Chocolate Espresso Martini variant.
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Why it’s cooler-worthy: This is the perfect “transition drink” for when day-drinking turns into an evening party. It balances a deep, sweet espresso depth with a clean, boozy kick.
4. The Whiskey Drinker’s Escape: Jameson Ginger & Lime
Whiskey enthusiasts are often left out of the traditional canned cocktail conversation, but Jameson stepped in with a brilliant, highly accessible RTD that perfectly honors its signature pub serve.
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The Vibe: Zesty, smooth, and gently spiced.
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Flavor Profile: It beautifully bridges the gap between the natural vanilla sweetness of triple-distilled Irish whiskey and the spicy, peppery snap of crisp ginger ale, finished with a bright squeeze of real lime juice.
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Why it’s cooler-worthy: It offers incredible consistency and carbonation. It is an exceptional, refreshing option for someone who wants to take a break from clear spirits without drinking a heavy beer.
Tailgate and Party Pro-Tips for Canned Cocktails
To get the absolute most out of your premium RTDs this weekend, follow these three golden rules:
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Mind the ABV: Canned cocktails vary wildly. A High Noon sits at a gentle 4.5% ABV, while a Cutwater or Casamigos pour can soar up to 10% or 12% ABV. Pack a variety so you can pace yourself throughout the day.
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Ice Matters: While these are designed for on-the-go consumption directly from the can, higher-proof options (like margaritas and espresso martinis) taste dramatically better when poured over a plastic cup filled with fresh ice.
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Check the Base: Flip the can over and read the label. Look for phrases like “made with real distilled spirits” rather than “flavored malt beverage” to ensure you are getting premium, hangover-friendly quality.
Fill Your Cooler in Minutes
Don’t spend your weekend driving around looking for individual packs. Whether you are stocking up for a massive backyard gathering or just want a few chilled cans for a quiet evening on the patio, we have Indy’s premier selection of craft and spirit-based canned cocktails ready for you.
Indianapolis Locals: Skip the grocery store lines. You can find all of these top-tier canned cocktail variety packs fully stocked at our neighborhood retail location at 2915 English Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46201. Or, take advantage of the fastest local delivery around by ordering online directly at thetrueliquor.com. Need a specific brand or want to verify if a limited-edition pack is in our cooler right now? Give our local team a shout at +1 317-280-7816. Must be 21 or older with a valid government-issued photo ID to order or receive delivery.
