Five easy cocktails in a can that are perfect for the beach, BBQs, and more. Just mix a few ingredients into a can of sparkling water and you’re ready to party!

A side image of five cocktails in a can on a marble counter surrounded by cocktail garnishes, alcohol bottles, and a plate of salt.
An overhead image of five cans of La Croix with garnishes on a marble counter next to a white bowl of limes, jar of herbs, and bottles of alcohol.

We went on vacation! We left the dry hot weather to go to the humid slightly-less-hot weather in Newport Beach. Apparently it was the first week in months that was actually sunny, so we felt v *blessed*. But luckily, we still got to take advantage of those lovely, moody mornings that SoCal is known for. Nothing in the world makes me happier than slightly chilly mornings, wearing sweaters, drinking coffee, and staring at the beach. YES the very weather that most locals constantly complain about. I truly cannot comprehend how they don’t love those cloudy mornings?! I think if the weather stayed like that all day, I probably would have never even put on a bikini. Maybe it’s the winter-lover in me, idk.

But alas, it was beautiful sunny California weather, so we went to the beach and Marc swam in the cold ass ocean the entire time. He even created a game where he would run up and hug me with his arctic-temp body while I was happily lounging in the sun like a kitty. (I would say that was the worst part of the trip, but really, traffic in the LA Metropolitan area is actually the worst. Which is to say, the trip was pretty damn great).

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the food! Tacos GALORE. I ate the most wonderful al pastor with lots of pineapple + green salsa at Taquiero Taco, and it was my heaven. Then, we found a hidden speakeasy in Irvine with some of the best drinks I’ve ever put into my face. I had a smoked old fashioned that I could write an entire blog post about. And, I got this ramen + pork bun combo at Hiro Nori that changed my life. Honestly, I could talk about the food forever, but what we’re really here for is cocktails in a can!

A closeup image of a can of lime La Croix with a lime and mint garnish on a white counter next to garnishes, more cocktails in a can, and bottles of alcohol.

I originally came up with the idea for cocktails in a can all the way back in December! I was dying to make them a reality, but honestly, they just seemed more summery so I held off. (Now I realize that cocktails in a can are perfect literally anytime, but back then I was younger and less wise I guess 🤷). Homemade canned cocktails have been the perfect drink to sneak on to the beach and bring on picnic lunches! Also, I like them for house parties because it lessens the chance that someone will accidentally break one of your favorite glasses. Basically, if you want an easy af cocktail that requires just a few ingredients and no bartending skills, these cocktails in a can are for you.

Oh, and pro tip: there’s something about chugging half a can of water before drinking liquor that just really prevents you from getting killer hangovers soooo bonus! FINALLY, let’s talk flavors…

Pineapple Mojito Spritz

A side image of a lime can of La Croix with lime and mint on a white table next to a bottle of rum, lime wedge, and plate of salt.

White rum, pineapple juice, mint, sugar rim, lime sparkling water! I think it’s obvious that you need to drink this on a beach or by the pool. Also, I won’t lie that this one does require a bit of muddling, but it’s not a big deal so long as you own a wooden spoon or any smashing device.

Citrus Gin Spritz

A side image of a lemon can of sparkling water with citrus garnish on a marble counter next to citrus wedges, gin, and a copper shot glass.

Gin, grapefruit, lime, rosemary, lemon La Croix. First, citrus + gin belong together so I kept it simple with this drink. But then, I added a sprig of rosemary because citrus + gin + rosemary = a correct combination. I love that this drink is super refreshing and kind of tastes like a fancy G+T!

Five Spice Bourbon Spritz

A side image of a can of orange sparkling water with a lime wedge and cinnamon stick next to a bottle of bourbon, white bowl of limes, copper shot glass, and cinnamon on a white counter.

Bourbon, five spice, lime juice, orange La Croix. Okkkkkk we need to talk about this drink! I had never heard of five spice bourbon punch and decided to make a cocktail in a can version. IT’S SO GOOD! I completely underestimated the power of a good bourbon spritz. Marc and I were arguing over who got to finish this one. I’ll be drinking it all year long since the spiciness will be great for fall and winter too!

Cosmo Spritz

A straight on image of a can of cran-raspberry La Croix with a lime wedge and polka dot straw next to a bottle of vodka, lime wedges, and marble pestle with a white background.

Vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, lime, cran-raspberry La Croix. Think of like, if a cranberry vodka + a vodka soda had a baby. You would get this cosmo spritz cocktail in a can, and life would be good. It’s like your regular college order meeting your new, sophisticated post-grad drink. (Why yes, I can handle the taste of straight vodka like a grown up, thank you for asking). And, this one will bring back that nostalgia from the time during your senior year where you spilled a vodka cran all down the front of your sweater at a bar crawl. Not speaking from experience or anything.

Paloma Spritz

A can of grapefruit sparkling water garnished with citrus and mint on a white table next to a bottle of tequila, citrus wedges, and copper shot glass.

Tequila, grapefruit juice, lime, pampelmousse La Croix. You need this paloma cocktail in a can during your next late-night taco run. Trust.

Cocktails in a Can


Notes: I do recommend a funnel for these recipes. However, It’s not required! If you don’t have a funnel, you can just pour the ingredients straight in the can. Also, feel free to adjust the ingredients on these drinks according to your taste. I like less-sweet drinks, so these cocktails will be on the drier side. To make them sweeter, add more simple syrup. If you want more fruity flavors, add more juice. Or, cut down on the alcohol if you’d like. Really play around with these and see what you like best!

Five cans of La Croix in various flavors on a marble counter next to a bowl of limes, plate of salt, and bottle of vodka.
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Cocktails in a Can!

Yield: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Five simple recipes for cocktails in a can. These are perfect for the beach, BBQs, and more!

Ingredients

Pineapple Mojito Spritz

  • 1 can lime sparking water
  • 2 oz white rum
  • 2 oz pineapple juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • Mint, sugar, and limes for garnish

Citrus Gin Spritz

  • 1 can lemon sparkling water
  • 2 oz gin
  • 2 oz grapefruit juice
  • 3/4 oz simple syrup
  • Limes and rosemary for garnish

Five Spice Bourbon Spritz

  • 1 can orange sparkling water
  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 3/4 oz simple syrup
  • 1/8 tsp five spice
  • 1/2 oz lime juice

Cosmo Spritz

  • 1 can cran-raspberry sparkling water
  • 1 1/2 oz vodka
  • 1/2 oz triple sec
  • 3 oz cranberry juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup (for a sweeter drink)
  • Limes for garnish

Paloma Spritz

  • 1 can grapefruit sparkling water
  • 2 oz tequila
  • 3 oz grapefruit juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • Limes for garnish

Instructions 

Pineapple Mojito Spritz

  • First, line the rim of a can of sparkling water with lime, and dip the top of the can into some sugar (optional). Then, open the can and drink about half a can of lime sparkling water (or pour half into a cup and make a drink for a friend! You just need some room here for all the other good stuff). In a small bowl, muddle together the simple syrup and a couple mint leaves until the mint has released its oils. Add the mint simple syrup, white rum, and pineapple juice to the can. Gently swirl to combine. Garnish with mint and lime, and enjoy!

Citrus Gin Spritz

  • Drink about half a can of lemon sparkling water (or pour half into a cup and make a drink for a friend! You just need some room here for all the other good stuff). Add the gin, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and a squeeze of lime juice to the can. Gently swirl to combine. Slap a sprig of rosemary against your hand to release some of the oils. Garnish with the rosemary and a slice of lime, and enjoy!

Five Spice Bourbon Spritz

  • Drink about half a can of orange sparkling water (or pour half into a cup and make a drink for a friend! You just need some room here for all the other good stuff). Add the bourbon, simple syrup, five spice, and lime juice to the can. Gently swirl to combine. Garnish with lime and enjoy!

Cosmo Spritz

  • Drink about half a can of cran-raspberry sparkling water (or pour half into a cup and make a drink for a friend! You just need some room here for all the other good stuff). Add the vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, simple syrup (if using), and a squeeze of lime juice to the can. Gently swirl to combine. Garnish with lime and enjoy!

Paloma Spritz

  • Drink about half a can of grapefruit sparkling water (or pour half into a cup and make a drink for a friend! You just need some room here for all the other good stuff). Add the tequila, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and a squeeze of lime to the can. Gently swirl to combine. Garnish with lime and enjoy!
Cuisine: American
Course: Drinks
Serving: 1cocktail, Calories: 206kcal, Carbohydrates: 19.2g, Protein: 0.2g, Fat: 0.1g, Sodium: 83mg, Potassium: 91mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 5.7g, Calcium: 28mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @sundaytable.co on Instagram!

xo Sara Lynn

*Song of the day: Juice by Lizzo

A side image of five cocktails in a can on a marble counter.