Ready, Set…. Chill

BY TOM FIRTH AND LINDA GARSON

Boldr Vodka Soda, Canada

A counterpoint to the “nude” movement of low sugar, restrained flavour, ready to drink coolers, Boldr is trying to be a little….bolder. Still chasing that demographic with 100 calories and 3 grams of carbs, but with a straightforward, bigger flavour. Available in Black Cherry, Grapefruit, Mango, and Peach, we found them very refreshing on a hot day and easy to enjoy. Special nod to the black cherry and peach flavours, expressions I don’t often enjoy, but very well done. CSPC +843662 (12-pack cans) $27-30

Truly Tea Hard Seltzer, United States

Evoking the Long Island Iced Tea of my younger days, these hard seltzers hit the spot on those hot days. Plenty of iced tea flavours with various fruit options, a little carbonation, and the right amount of alcohol notes. One big plus is that these aren’t rife with sweetness either, but nicely balanced with the other flavours. The Lemon Tea was the favourite, but the other flavours stand up nicely to round out the selection. CSPC +846250 (12-pack cans) $27-30

Tommy Bahama Travelers, United States

Just in time for summer come four Tommy Bahama cocktails, all just vodka with sparkling water and natural flavours. Following the “guilt-free” trend of low… calories (100 calories per can), sugar, carbs, and alcohol (5 percent ABV) it’s, they say on the can, 100 percent vacation! The cans are distinctive and all wearing Hawaiian shirts, ready for chilling (you and the cans) in the sun. We really enjoyed Hibiscus Lime (+853565), but look for Island Orange (+853566), Mango Citrus (+853564) and (+853567) Island Tonic too. (4-pack cans) $15-18

Last Best Distilling Gin Cocktail Collection, Alberta

Last Best Distillery have now released their much acclaimed gins as premixed canned cocktails – perfect timing for summer outings! We’re really enjoying 'Savage Love' which now appears as a Tom Collins (CSPC +848403), sparkling, super refreshing and citrus forward, with notes of sage and lavender. The citrus, cucumber, and verbena flavours of ‘Afterglow' make for a terrific Gin and Soda (CSPC +848415), and 'Fortunella' is perfectly suited for the mandarin-flavoured, effervescent Citrus Iced Tea (CSPC +848394). (4-pack cans) $14-16

Eau Claire Distillery Bottled Cocktails, Alberta

New from Turner Valley’s Eau Claire Distillery are two ready-to-serve bottled cocktails – a classic Negroni (CSPC +852690) with a hint of cherry for the gin drinkers, and a warm and welcoming Old Fashioned (CSPC +852683) for whisky lovers. These are the real deal, well made and balanced, full strength cocktails ready for you to pour over a cube of ice in chilled glasses, and garnish with a twist of orange peel. Put your feet up and relax, the work’s been done for you, and we won’t tell if you take the credit! 375 mL $27-30

Twisted Tea “Slightly Sweet” Hard Iced Tea, Canada

For those whose childhood included copious amounts of powdered ice tea mix in the summer months, you might want to check out the new breed of hard iced teas. Lots of iced tea flavour shows up in the can, but best of all, a reasonably well balanced sweetness makes it easy to enjoy a couple of these non-carbonated summer treats. Maybe bust out the ol’ slip n’ slide too for your next adult gathering! CSPC +845322 (6-pack cans) About $14-15