With lockdown measures easing, it’s safe to say we are all excited about being able to get together again. And with backyard party invites comes BYOB, so why not make it an RTD? Convenience, compact sizes, low alcohol, and packed full of flavour, it’s no wonder Ready to Drink cocktails are exploding in popularity. Here are some of our top favourites:
BASK Rosé Wine Spritz
I don’t like overly sweet wines, ciders, or sodas and BASK makes sure that their spritzes and sodas are refreshing without the added sweetness. Every BASK spritz and soda has 0g of sugar so it’s a winner there. The BASK Rosé Wine Spritz is crisp with a refreshing strawberry taste. Only 110 calories and 5% alc/vol. For those in BC, you’re in luck, because that’s the only place you can get your hands on one (for now, anyway). Available at BCLS for $3/355mL
BASK Black Tea Goji & Blackberry Hard Sparkling Soda
My favourite flavour out of the BASK soda bunch. Made with real tea and fruit flavours, the BASK Black Tea Goji & Blackberry features energizing notes of black tea with sweet and sour berry and superfruit flavours. Very refreshing and I added a few sprigs of mint to mine. 0g sugar, 80 calories and 4% alc/vol.
You’ll be tempted to try the other flavours: Green Tea Peach and White Tea Passion Fruit. Let me know which one is your favourite if you do get to try them! Again, only available in BC at BCLS for $3/355mL.
Read Also: Sips of summer: An elevated, ready-to-drink wine cocktail experience
Growers Field Watermelon Lavender Sparkling Spritz
The Growers brand introduces a new spritz that balances crisp cider and sparkling water with a splash of fruit. Anything advertised with lavender, I just have to try. Some past purchases have been successes; some not so much. When infusing lavender into a cocktail, it can quickly turn into potpourri real fast, but not so with this one. But you do have to like the taste combination. Both the lavender and watermelon were subtle, so don’t be scared to try it! I added some lime and mint and it was definitely summer in a glass. 1g of sugar, 90 calories and 4% alc/vol. Available at Wine Rack stores for $3.45/473mL
Growers Peach Orange Blossom Sparkling Spritz
For those who like more of a traditional taste combo, try the Peach Orange Blossom. It’s bursting with fresh peach notes and aromas of fragrant orange blossom. Delicious. 1g of sugar, 90 calories and 4% alc/vol. Available at Wine Rack for $3.45/473mL
Good Fortune Citrus Orange Flower Sparkling Wine Cocktail
For fans of their Raspberry Hibiscus, you will not be disappointed with their latest release. This one has notes of freshly squeezed citrus fruit complemented with a gentle orange blossom flower aroma. I’m getting thirsty. 5% alc/vol. Available at Wine Rack and LCBO for $3/355mL.
In Good Order Mango Cherry Blossom Hard Soda
Known for their tropical and botanical flavour combinations, In Good Order knows how to mix ‘em! Juicy notes of ripe mango combined with a slightly sour hint of cherry blossom make their newest flavour a yummy combo. 4g of sugar, 100 calories and 4% alc/vol. Available at Wine Rack and LCBO for $3/355mL
Pixie Petite, Rosehall Run Vineyards
An absolute winner, this ready-to-drink wine spritzer from one of my favourite wineries in Prince Edward County is bursting with vibrant strawberry and citrus flavours. Made from the winery’s popular pink bubbly, Pixie (vidal and pinot noir blend), Pixie Petite is sold in 355 ml cans and has 5.5% alc/vol. $3.95 each. Available at rosehallrun.com, and the LCBO.
– Paula Henriques is Managing Editor and Co-founder of VineRoutes.
