The Best Canned Long Drinks for Summer, According to Bar Experts

Feb 17, 2024

They have fewer calories than most beer.

SUMMER CALLS FOR refreshing cocktails that keep you cool. A great option is a long drink.

In most of the world, the term “long drink” refers to a variety of cocktails that contain an ounce or two of booze with a larger volume of seltzer, soda, juice, water, or another nonalcoholic beverage, says Ivan Papic, beverage director at Sweetbriar in New York City.

“They’re usually lighter in style and easier to drink,” he says. “They’re a great thirst quencher, which is great in summer months.”

Long drinks are sometimes referred to as “tall drinks,” and bar experts consider them to be the same as a highball, which contains a base spirit with a bigger portion of carbonated water or another nonalcoholic mixer. Whatever you call them, Papic says the cocktails are typically lower in alcohol and sugar (when you’re making your own using seltzer and not a sugary mixer).

“As the name suggests, it’s typically served in a long glass, known as a Collins, as it contains a large volume of liquid,” explains Kyle Bradshaw, chief marketing officer of The Finnish Long Drink.

Drinks that are considered long drinks or highballs, including vodka and soda, a Paloma, Tom Collins, whiskey and soda, or a gin and tonic, he adds.

If you’re looking for a refreshing summer drink and don’t want to mix one up yourself, here are some canned long drink options (both the Finnish and general varieties). Most have about as much alcohol in a beer, but fewer calories.

Ranch water is a classic long drink, typically made from three ingredients: tequila, lime, and sparkling water. Lone River Beverage Co. has several flavors of canned ranch water drinks, including the original with lime juice, spicy, red grapefruit, and prickly pear. They’re sweetened with agave nectar and don’t contain artificial flavors—so, they’re not too sweet and the flavors are subtle and refreshing.

Per 12 oz. can: 80 calories; 3g carbs; 4% ABV

When you really want a Moscow mule, but don’t feel like making one, try this canned version. The vodka mule is made with vodka, ginger beer, lime, and a splash of bitters, and has a spicy kick. It’s also gluten-free and naturally sweetened. Cutwater has several other canned long drinks, including a whiskey mule, ranch water, and a paloma.

Per 12 oz. can: 270 calories; 24g carbs; 7% ABV

Highballs have been around since the 1800s and have been traditionally made with whiskey and carbonated water. Jim Beam put the classic highball in a can. The drink features Jim Beam bourbon, seltzer, and a touch of citrus.

Per 12 oz. can: 105 calories; 3.6g carbs; 5% ABV

Palomas, a drink of tequila, lime, and grapefruit soda, are fruity and refreshing, which makes them a great summer cocktail. There are several canned palomas out there. This one features pink grapefruit and light tequila blanco. Two Chicks uses all-natural fruit in its drinks, which also include a sparkling vodka fizz and sparkling apple gimlet.

Per 12 oz can: 180 calories; 20g carbs; 5% ABV

Vodka and soda is an essential highball cocktail. High Noon makes many different canned vodka sodas in different flavors, like lemon, passionfruit, lime, peach, and mango. They’re made with vodka, real juice, and sparkling water, with no added sugar.

Per 12 oz. can: 100 calories; 4.1g carbs; 4.5% ABV

This gin and tonic is made with London Dry Gin, blood orange tonic water, and a hint of lime. It features natural flavors and cane sugar, and there’s a regular version available, too. You & Yours offers several other flavors of vodka soda.

Per 12 oz. can: 180 calories; 11g carbs; 7.5% ABV

The Finnish Long Drink, a canned version of the classic drink from Finland, launched in the U.S. in 2018. The brand offers a traditional citrus long drink and a cranberry-flavored one. There’s also a zero-carb, zero-sugar version, and a strong 8.5% long drink.

Per 12 oz can: 180 calories; 18g carbs; 5.5% ABV

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