We made it to summer, so chill out and grab a can of your very favorite cocktail. These are premixed, ready-to-go drinks, because we’ve had a hard year and we’re only willing to lift a single finger to pop open the best summer cocktails. Plus, they taste just as good as the real deal.
Fling Craft Cocktail Blood Orange Vodka Soda
This will transport you to Italy: It’s a combo of vodka, soda water and blood oranges for a day of lounging by the sea — or, more realistically, on your BFF’s patio. It’s light and sparkly, and ideal for brunch or even a light dinner. Bonus: It’s just 100 calories. $14 for four at Drizly.com
Pulp Culture Think Cider
We’ve come a long way from the ciders of our youth. This is a blend of matcha, peach, ginseng and guava — and it tastes similar to kombucha (without as much of the vinegar flavor). It has no sugar or added sweeteners, and is just 99 calories — which means you can have a few, obviously. $14 for four at Drizly.com
Cafe Agave Spiked Cold Brew Coffee Caffe Mocha
This has 12.5 percent alcohol, so it will wake you up with a jolt. It’s fantastic for brunch with the girls — or just for a nice midday pick-me-up. It contains Colombian cold-brewed coffee, agave nectar-infused wine and cocoa.
El Luchador Sparkling Paloma
Spice up your summer with this tequila cocktail, which tastes very similar to a margarita — with a touch of grapefruit. Made in Mexico from 100 percent blue agave Tequila, fruit juice, sparkling water and raw sugar, this really packs a punch and isn’t for lightweights. It contains 8 percent ABV, so it’ll get your summer block party really hopping. $5 each at Grapeandstill.com
Bartles & Jaymes Ginger & Lemon Wine Cooler
It’s a totally elevated wine cooler. Think ginger, lemon, green tea, mint, lime, cucumber and white wine. If you’re looking for a semi-sweet ginger drink, you’ll like this one. It is what we plan on bringing to every single picnic this summer. It’s fancy — but then again, it’s a wine cooler. Find at locations (price varies) at BartlesandJaymes.com
Lover Boy Sparkling Hard Tea Hibiscus Pom
If you’re a fan of reality TV, then you may already know about Lover Boy, the brand created by Kyle Cooke from Summer House. But don’t chalk this off to just another reality television-spurred success story. It would actually be legitimately fantastic sans the reality-star appeal. The tea is smooth but still feels (and tastes) alcoholic. It’s a great day-drinking beverage, which is exactly what the reality star does with it. Plus, we don’t mind at all that it’s just 90 calories, is sweetened with monk fruit rather than sugar and has only 2 grams of carbs. Price varies depending on location at Drinkloverboy.com
Two Chicks Sparkling Citrus Margarita
Heavy on the lemon and lime, this tastes like summer. It has 5 percent tequila, natural lemon and real lime peel. This is a little sweeter than hard seltzer, but it’s delicious and refreshing. It tastes fancy. $16 for four at Totalwine.com
