Depending on who you ask, the Drink of Summer 2025 is either an orange-forward Creamsicle cocktail, a spa spritz (a fizzy fusion of basil and cucumber), or a vehicle for Aperol (the Naked & Famous).

In our opinion, though, the perfect summer drink is the one that’s easy to whip up or portable enough to toss in a cooler for surreptitious sipping in the park. Which is why we’ll be stocking up on these six Colorado-made sips, which are all sure to impress, whether you’re hosting a barbecue or sitting around a campfire.

Crafthouse Ready-to-Serve Cocktails

When Denverite Matt Lindner co-founded Crafthouse Cocktails, he probably imagined the canned drinks—made with small-batch craft spirits—would be enjoyed at a mile high. But he likely didn’t envision them being cracked open at 30,000 feet. Crafthouse has partnered with United Airlines to add Lindner’s ready-to-serve beverages to United’s in-flight menu. Now you can drink a local espresso martini or mai tai—two 2025 releases—or one of five other flavors no matter where you’re traveling. (Tip: Ask for them over ice.)

Ku Cha House of Tea 20th Anniversary Blends

A Japanese tea tray with a glass tea pot, ceramic rea cup, and tea strainer with tea leaves.
Ku Cha House of Tea released two new blends to celebrate 20 years in business. Photo courtesy of Ku Cha House of Tea

We were already fans of this local tea shop’s loose-leaf iced tea blends and have even mixed the Moroccan mint and peach oolong into cocktails, but, in a twist of irony, we’ve been converted into hot tea drinkers for summer thanks to Ku Cha’s duo of special 20th anniversary releases.

Ku Cha Renewal is a well-balanced and slightly floral blend of oolong and black teas. Ku Cha Radiance is a rooibos-based, caffeine-free tea with hints of sage, lavender, and citrus fruits (including pomelo, orange, and pomegranate). They’re perfect on a cool morning when you have a few moments to get lost in the ritual of steeping, pouring, and sipping.

Low Life, High Spritz

Composite photo with a can of Lady Justice beer and a beer glass on the left and an identical can nestled in ice on the right
Lady Justice and 4 Noses collaborated on Low Life, High Spritz. Photo courtesy of Lady Justice
  • Price: $16 for a four-pack
  • Where to buy: Lady Justice at 3242 S. Acoma St., Englewood, and 4 Noses at 8855 W. 116th Circle, Suite 4, Broomfield

This collaboration lager between Englewood’s Lady Justice and Broomfield’s 4 Noses was brewed to capture the essence of a Spaghett cocktail: a mix of Miller High Life, lemon juice, and Aperol typically served in the iconic clear-glass Miller bottle. The breweries came up with a refreshing blend of lemon, grapefruit, blood orange, and bitters to emulate the modern dive-bar favorite, but their version is far more refreshing—and, yes, even spritzier—than the original. Low Life, High Spritz has the added advantage of being more portable than bottles of beer and booze.

The Real Dill Cocktail Mixes

Bottles of the Real Dill cocktail mixes and cocktails on ice in glasses.
The Real Dill’s selection of cocktail mixers. Photo courtesy of the Real Dill
  • Price: $10 to $16
  • Where to buy: The Real Dill website, Marczyk Fine Foods, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, and the mixer section of most Denver liquor stores

The Real Dill has long been known for its Bloody Mary mix and, of course, handcrafted pickles. But now the Denver-based company is expanding its cocktail mixes and exploring all that cucumbers have to offer. First came the release of Pickle Juice, a zingy beverage that can be added to margaritas, martinis, or even marinades for a “pickle punch”—or sipped straight for a zing of post-workout electrolytes. Next came the refreshingly tart Cucumber Margarita Mix. (Pro move: Blend the two for a pickle margarita.) While the glass bottles aren’t as portable as an aluminum can, you can blend your own beverage in your favorite insulated tumbler.

Strongwater Canned Mocktails

A box of Strongwater Bitters and Soda mocktails with a hand holding a can
Strongwater’s Bitters & Soda NA cocktail. Photo courtesy of Strongwater

Denver-based Strongwater recently surpassed a decade in business. We can only assume the team toasted with one of their newest offerings: a line of sparkling, nonalcoholic cocktails. The Aperitif Spritz, Paloma, Bitters & Soda, and G&T (our favorite) are infused with whole plant botanicals and available in four packs or as a sampler pack of 12. Heads up: An NA mule and margarita will hit shelves this summer, too.

Suerte 100% Agave Tequila Cocktails

A box of canned tequila cocktails labeled pure 100% agave tequila mangorita with a can next to the box
Suerte’s canned mangorita. Photo courtesy of Suerte Tequila
  • Price: $17 for a four-pack
  • Where to buy: The Suerte website or well-stocked liquor stores like Total Beverage

Boulder’s Suerte Tequila is best known for its rabbit-adorned bottles of tequila. But the brand—which has its own distillery in Jalisco, Mexico—recently entered the ready-to-drink market with a quartet of canned tequila cocktails: a paloma, margarita, ranch water, and mangorita. The tipples are booze-forward and have no added sugar. We like the variety pack so that everyone can pick their own favorite.

Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer is an award-winning writer and editor based in Denver. You can find more of her work at daliahsinger.com.