A Review of Cutwater Canned Cocktails: From Calories to Flavor

A Review of Cutwater Canned Cocktails: From Calories to Flavor

Mar 30, 2022Johnna Rossbach

Who's ready to party? Nothing says party quite like fruity cocktail cans on the go. Haven't tried canned cocktails yet? Well, Cutwater should be the one you reach for first.

When prepping for your next shindig, reach for Cutwater canned cocktails for delicious ready-to-drink cocktails that come in a variety of flavors.

Let's break down all the essential info, from calories to flavors. Read on!

What Are Cutwater Canned Cocktails?

Over the last five years, canned cocktails have grown immensely popular. One instigator of the recent success is Cutwater Spirits, which uses its own liquor in each canned cocktail. The company began as a side project in a brewery, broke off on its own, and was later purchased by Anhehr Busch to take advantage of nationwide distribution and marketing. According to reports, sales have increased 640 percent since last year.

In addition to the massive popularity with consumers, the brand is receiving good reviews from industry critics as well. The brand and many of its products have long lists of awards attached to them; we'll check some of them out a little later on.

You can currently find offerings at the distillery from four different categories: spirits, canned cocktails, frozen cocktail pops, and mixers. Cutwater can help you create plenty of cocktail recipes, from herbal liqueurs to spicy Bloody Mary mix to ginger beer.

Now, it has a wide-ranging canned cocktail lineup, with more than twenty on offer.

Fruit Cocktail Cans--Spiked!

Mixologists have constantly shaken fruity cocktails for guests, and they've always been well-loved. But what if that fruit cocktail can come ready to go on the fly? Well, that's essentially what Cutwatter's canned cocktails are!

Let's break down some of their refreshingly satisfying flavors, shall we? But like we said, they have well over twenty options, so we may not touch every single one.

Does Cutwater Use Real Liquor?

Yes! As we mentioned before, the Cutwater Spirits brand has its very own line of mixers, spirits, canned cocktails, and frozen cocktail pops. They are indeed a one-stop-shop for all things drinking. Today, however, we are zeroing in on their fruit-based can cocktails.

How Long Do Cutwater Canned Cocktails Last?

One of the most frequently asked questions about Cutwater's canned cocktails is, "how long do these last?" According to an interview with Cutwater's Master Distiller, published by Forbes, the shelf life varies from product to product. He says that it typically falls somewhere between six months to one year.

Curious about how they taste? Here's our overview! We'll be looking at three flavors from each type of product.

Cutwater Rum Cocktails in a Can

Cutwater currently has five rum-based cocktails in a can, but our top three picks are the Rum Mojito, Tiki Mai Tai, and Pina Colada.

Rum Mojito

The gently muddled mint and lime notes combine with Cutwater Bali Hai White Rum and club soda to provide a refreshing sipper. Here are the stats:

  • 5.9% Alcohol By Volume (ABV)
  • 12oz Can
  • Gluten-Free
  • 170 Calories
  • 12g Carbohydrates
  • 0g Fat
  • 0g Protein
  • 12g Sugar

Tiki Mai Tai

This rum cocktail, a fruity canned version of the classic cocktail, combines pineapple, coconut, citrus, and aged rum. It's high in alcohol content and high on tropical vacation vibes.

  • 12.5% ABV
  • 12oz
  • Gluten-Free
  • 350 Calories
  • 24g Carbohydrates
  • 0g Fat
  • 0g Protein
  • 24g Sugar

Pina Colada

Cutwater's Pina Colada is another cocktail in a can that contains high alcohol content. But this one focuses on the classic coconut flavors of the beloved pina colada.

  • 13% ABV
  • 12oz
  • Gluten-Free
  • 545 Calories
  • 70g Carbohydrates
  • 8.5g Fat
  • 1g Protein
  • 32g Sugar
  • 9g Calcium

There you have it; three refreshing cocktails spiked with rum ready for whenever you are.

Cutwater Ranchwater Cans (aka Tequila Cocktail Cans)

Any tequila fans out there? Well, these canned cocktails are for you. Cutwater playfully names their tequila-based libations Ranchwater, and they come in several flavors, seven to be exact. Their margarita variations are wildly popular. Their margarita canned cocktail sales grew 190% in 2020. With numbers like that, we had to give them a try. See below for our top three favorites.

Lime Margarita

This cocktail can is a classic, but with a San Diego spin (as the brand states). With this Tequila Margarita, the south of the border favorite is now easily at your fingertips. Tequila imparts a fragrant, floral scent that complements a mix of tart lime, pure cane sugar, and a delicate hint of orange to end with a smooth finish. Put it all together, and you have a yummy cocktail with a Cutwater twist.

Additionally, this lime margarita may have been the fruity cocktail can that started it all. It has a whopping number of awards and accolades:

  • American Distilling Institute: 2019 Silver, 2020 Silver
  • Berlin International Spirits Competition: 2020 Silver
  • Denver International Spirits Competition: 2020 Silver
  • Distilled: San Diego Spirit & Cocktail Competition: 2020 Gold, 2020 Best of Class
  • New York International Spirits Competition: 2018 Silver, 2019 Bronze
  • San Francisco World Spirits Competition: 2019 Bronze
  • Spirits International Prestige (SIP) Awards: 2018 Gold, 2019 Gold, 2019 Innovation Award, 2019 Consumer's Choice
  • Tastings.com: 2018 Gold

Now, that's a lot of margarita love! Here's all the nutritional information on offer:

  • 12.5% ABV
  • 12oz
  • Gluten-Free
  • 360 Calories
  • 27g Carbohydrates
  • 0g Fat
  • 0g Protein
  • 27g Sugar

Strawberry Margarita

Inspired by summers spent south of the border, this Margarita is made with 100% authentic tequila and strawberry puree. It's a well-balanced, fruity cocktail can that is deliciously ready to drink on its own but can also provide an alcoholic boost of fizz and flavor when combined with other ingredients. In short, it's a drink you can enjoy anytime you want to get away from it all.

  • 10% ABV
  • 12oz
  • Gluten-Free
  • 290 Calories
  • 25g Carbohydrates
  • 0g Fat
  • 24g Sugar
  • 3mg Calcium
  • 2mg Sodium

Tequila Paloma

In America, the Mexican cocktail of choice is the Margarita. However, the Paloma hits the top of the best-seller charts when venturing south of the border. A refreshing mix of tequila and grapefruit makes Cutwater's grapefruit citrus twist on the drink transport you south of the border. The tequila provides a floral fragrance that complements grapefruit soda's sweet, bright flavors. It's a sparkling citrus fruit cocktail in a can that will have you dreaming of your next beach getaway.

Cutwater's Tequila Paloma also has a slew of awards under its belt! Check 'em out:

  • American Distilling institute: 2019 Gold, 2020 Silver
  • Denver International Spirits Competition: 2020 Silver
  • San Diego Spirit & Cocktail Competition: 2020 Bronze
  • San Francisco World Spirits Competition: 2020 Bronze
  • Spirits International Prestige Awards: 2018 Double Gold
  • Tastings.com: 2018 Silver

Here are the Paloma's nutritional stats:

  • 7% ABV
  • 12oz
  • Gluten-Free
  • 212 Calories
  • 17g Carbohydrates
  • 0g Fat
  • 0g Protein
  • 17g Sugar

Cutwater Vodka Cocktail Cans

Alright, vodka lovers, you're up! Cutwater offers eleven canned cocktails containing vodka, but our top three favorites are the Cucumber Vodka Soda, Huckleberry Vodka Spritz, and the Spicy Bloody Mary.

Other options are the Vodka Mule, White Russian, Grapefruit Vodka Soda, Lime Vodka Soda, Watermelon Vodka Soda, Orange Vodka Smash, Grape Vodka Transfusion, and the Classic Bloody Mary. They're all yummy, but we had to narrow it down. Check 'em out!

Cucumber Vodka Soda

Many people love vodka sodas but adding cucumber to the party ramps it up a notch. In this ready-to-drink cocktail, Cutwater blends their US-mad vodka (six times triple distilled and carbon filtered) with their cucumber-infused sparkling water. The result? A crisp, boozy refresher.

Here's what you need to know:

  • 5% ABV
  • 12oz
  • Gluten-Free
  • 99 Calories
  • 0g Carbohydrates
  • 0g Fat
  • 0g Protein
  • 0G Sugar

Only 99 calories and zero sugar? Yes, please! A canned cocktail that you can drink guilt-free. Oh, and did we mention it has won a bunch of awards?

  • American Distilling Institute: 2018 Bronze, 2019 Silver, 2020 Silver
  • Berlin International Spirits Competition: 2020 Bronze
  • Denver International Spirits Competition: 2020 Gold
  • New York International Spirits Competition: 2018 Silver
  • San Francisco World Spirits Competition: 2020 Bronze
  • Spirits International Prestige (SIP) Awards: 2018 Bronze
  • Tastings.com: 2018 Gold

Huckleberry Vodka Spritz

This libation honors Idaho's state fruit with a kick of bubbles, served on the rocks or straight from the can when nicely chilled. It's finished with Cutwater's US-made vodka and tart huckleberry notes. This fruit cocktail can is a perfect refreshment when spending time in the great outdoors. Check out the serving facts below!

  • 7% ABV
  • 12oz
  • Gluten-Free
  • 180 Calories
  • 12g Carbohydrates
  • 0g Fat
  • 0g Protein
  • 12g Sugar

Spicy Bloody Mary

Thinking about all the ingredients involved in making a killer Bloody Mary, one might hesitate to drink one straight from a can. But Cutwater cuts through that bias to produce a delicious, Spicy Bloody Mary perfect for a bit of the hair of the dog goodness. The fiery blend combines Cutwater vodka, exotic spices, lots of pepper, and ripe tomato to create a ready-to-drink version of the brunch favorite.

It seems we aren't the only fans; Cutwater's Spicy Bloody Mary canned cocktail has over 15 awards:

  • American Distilling Institute: 2019 Silver, 2020 Bronze
  • Berlin International Spirits Competition: 2020 Gold
  • Denver International Spirits Competition: 2017 Silver, 2019 Silver, 2020 Silver
  • Distilled: San Diego Spirits & Cocktail Competition: 2018 Bronze, 2019 Bronze, 2020 Silver
  • Los Angeles International Spirits Competition: 2017 Bronze
  • New York International Spirits Competition: 2017 Silver, 2019 Silver
  • San Francisco World Spirits Competition: 2017 Gold, 2018 Gold, 2019 Double Gold, 2020 Silver
  • Spirits International Prestige (SIP) Awards: 2016 Silver, 2017 Bronze, 2017 Consumer's Choice, 2019 Double Gold

Here are the serving stats:

  • 10% ABV
  • 12oz
  • Gluten-Free
  • 255 Calories
  • 14g Carbohydrates
  • 0g Fat
  • 6g Protein
  • 9g Sugar
  • No Shellfish or Fish

Cutwater Whiskey & Gin Cocktails in a Can

Cutwater only offers one option for the whiskey and gin categories. While they are both certainly, delicious, we hope to see more flavors available in the future! We're big fans of all the refreshing fruity cocktail cans they produce, so we're keeping our fingers crossed.

Let's look at each one, shall we?

Cutwater Gin & Tonic

This canned cocktail is a new take on a timeless classic. Even when adjusted, some cocktails will never go out of style; the gin and tonic is a prime example. Cutwater mixes their clean and fresh gin with their citrusy cucumber tonic to recreate the refreshing combo loved by many. The fragrant and bright flavors are great for any occasion, day or night.

And when we say it's excellent, we mean it. The Gin & Tonic's awards speak for themselves:

  • American Distillers Institute:2017: Bronze, 2018 Silver, 2019 Bronze, 2020 Silver
  • Berlin International Spirits Competition: 2020 Silver
  • Denver International Spirits Competition: 2017 Silver, 2019 Gold
  • Los Angeles International Spirits Competition: 2017 Silver
  • San Francisco World Spirits Competition: 2017 Bronze, 2018 Bronze, 2019 Gold, 2020 Silver
  • Spirits International Prestige (SIP) Awards: 2016 Gold
  • Tastings.com International Review of Spirits: 2017 Gold, 2017 Best Buy

Here are the nutritional stats:

  • 6.2% ABV
  • 12oz
  • Gluten-Free
  • 230 Calories
  • 29g Carbohydrate
  • 0g Fat
  • 0g Protein
  • 28g Sugar

Cutwater Bourbon Whiskey Mule

Another take on a classic! In this one, Cutwater mixes their aromatic bitters, bourbon, and ginger with a dash of lime juice to make a mule that hits the spot—spicy, eye-catching, and ready-to-drink. Check out the serving facts below!

  • 7% ABV
  • 12oz
  • 220 Calories
  • 20g Carbohydrates
  • 0g Fat
  • 0g Protein
  • 20g Sugar

A Final Sip of Cutwater Canned Cocktails & A Splash of Mixly

Many of Cutwater's alcoholic fruit cocktail cans pair well with Mixly mixers.

mixly mixers

Combining Cutwater with Mixly is a delightfully refreshing, boozy match. You get fresh ingredients topped off with fizzy, tipsy deliciousness. Many of their flavors align with ours, such as:

You get the gist—the list goes on. The best part? With Cutwater, your cocktail's soda water component becomes alcoholic--sounds like a win to us. Grab your favorite Mixly mixer, reach for your favorite Cutwater cocktail and mix 'em up. Cheers!

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