This Labor Day weekend we are popping the top on refreshing hard seltzers and spritzers because, well, it’s August. From refreshing ranch water to tongue tingling spritzers and Mom-approved vodka cocktails perfect for the pool, we say, don’t kick the can! 

Roseade is Summer Aid

She’s svelte, lemony and bubbling with rosé wine. Roseade spritzer is packaged in cute slim pink cans that are easy to pack, and its flavors of rosé and tart lemonade are spot-on fresh sans the canned taste. To cool down fast, try it over ice. Hint: Its four-pack box makes a fun hostess gift.

Karbach Brewery Goes Ranch

Texas-based Karbach Brewing Co. has been on the hunt for a Karbach Ranch Water Wanderer to celebrate the expansion of its Ranch Water Hard Seltzer, an iconic, refreshing Texas beverage that recently debuted. Ice down some Ranch Water and prepare for a thirst-quenching bubbly drink much like beer but lighter with a hint of lime.

The Mom Squad

Mom Water is a ready-to-drink cocktail made with lightly fruit-infused vodka water created by a mom. Unlike many hard seltzers, it has zero carbonation, zero sugar and zero carbs, and weighs in at just 90 calories per can. After enjoying a similar drink on vacation and not finding anything else on the market like it, founder Jill Morrison left her lifelong career in healthcare to bring her new drink to life. Mom Water comes in several flavors with names like Julie, Sandy and Karen, and is rapidly expanding across the U.S. – it just launched in Texas.

Wine Forward 

Cliché is a wine-based seltzer for wine lovers seeking a more elevated seltzer option. The new brand is being launched in Houston, Austin and Dallas. Unlike malt-based seltzers, Cliché stars California white wine, sparkling water, and carefully sourced natural flavors. Renowned Napa winemakers Dave Phinney (creator of the wine brands The Prisoner, Orin Swift and Locations) and Joe Wagner are the team behind the brand. Cliché is available in two flavors: lemon with blueberry and Mirabelle plum and hibiscus.

Texas Collab

The founders of Austin’s Revolver Brewing and Houston’s Yellow Rose Distilling have joined forces to create Watertight Cocktail Co. Its canned cocktails, which are gently sweetened with agave, launched exclusively in Texas this spring. Counting calories? Each drink is 130 calories with 6 percent ABV. Choose from Mango Sipper, Guava Paloma and Beach Margarita.

European Flavors in a Can

Bright and eco-friendly Lila offers gently sparkling wine in varietals including French rosé, Italian pinot grigio, and Italian sparkling frizzante made with prosecco. The latter is full of refreshing citrus and tropical fruit aromas, mixed with a hint of honeysuckle and juicy nectarine. All wines contain zero added sugar and are low in calories and carbs. Score!

Oh Yes to Mimosa Brunch

Ohza, “the original canned mimosa,” is an impressive line of sparkling canned wines created for brunch wherever you may wander. Think instant mango mimosa, grapefruit mimosa, fizzy red sangria, fizzy white sangria, and classic bellinis for the beach, the lake house, the back yard, or pool party. Classic Bellini was the best we tried due to its true peach and prosecco flavors. Happy Sunday Funday!

 Buy cans: Most selections are sold at Texas Spec’s locations, HEB, and Total Wines & More.

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Cover Photo courtesy The Mom Squad

Robin Barr Sussman (rbs@pdq.net) is a freelance culinary and travel writer who studied at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone, Calif. As a chef for Sonoma County wineries, her specialty was food and wine pairing. Sussman is a columnist for Houston Modern Luxury Magazine, Houston CityBook, Prime Living and Houston House & Home. Her work also appears in Texas Monthly, Fodor’s and Private Clubs Magazine.