readers' choice awards

Scary Mommy 2026 Readers' Choice Awards Best Canned Cocktail Brands

They’ve got our covered no matter your mood.

by Team Scary Mommy

We are all for people who have forgone alcohol — you do you — but over here, we’re sipping some pretty awesome canned cocktails. What’s great about these is that they come in a bunch of sizes and mixtures, so depending on what you’re in the mood for, they’ve got you covered. Here are some of Scary Mommy’s favorite canned cocktails, from margaritas to bloody marys, and many things in between.

Scary Mommy’s readers have spoken! Congratulations to our 2026 top Canned Cocktail Brands!

1. Hugo’s Cocktails

What Scary Mommy readers love about Hugo’s Cocktails:

  • Crafted by actual NYC bartenders, and you can tell! It tastes like a legit speakeasy drink instead of an artificial, cloying malt seltzer.
  • That passionfruit habanero margarita has the absolute perfect kick! Real squeezed fruit juice and balanced heat make it dangerous in the BEST way.
  • Love cracking a chilled can over ice and unwinding after a wild day is sorted. Zero sticky syrupy mess, and no next-day regrets!

2. The Original South Side

What Scary Mommy readers love about The Original South Side:

  • Thrilled to support a woman-owned business that totally nails it! Crisp, bright, and insanely refreshing when you finally get a quiet backyard minute. ❣️
  • No sketchy additives or weird aftertastes—just certified organic goodness. PLUS, a fully transparent label means enjoying that mellow buzz completely guilt-free.
  • That retro logo design is ridiculously cute! We always toss a four-pack into the wagon for our neighborhood block parties.

3. Cutwater

What Scary Mommy readers love about Cutwater:

  • Their espresso martini does not play around! Mixed with real liquor rather than watered-down filler. One pour packs a serious punch!
  • My “ol’ reliable” for camping coolers and beach days! From sweet Transfusions to poolside classics, having this variety gives an unbeatable bang for your $$.
  • Skip dirtying jiggers and cocktail shakers on Friday nights! That tangy Lemon Drop hits like the real deal without having all of the gear cleanup later.

Photos Courtesy of Cutwater, Golden Rule Spirits, Hugo’s Cocktails/Brz Studios, Mom Water, The Original South Side, Post Meridiem, Salt Point, St. Agrestis, Surfside/Stateside Brands, Tip Top Proper Cocktails/Andrew Thomas Lee, Via Carota Craft Cocktails

Have questions? Read the official Readers' Choice rules.