Ready-to-drinks are everywhere and for good reason. Gone are the days (read: the things I remember my parents drinking when I was a kid) when the only RTDs were super-saccharine iterations of tropical drinks. I vividly remember a constant stash of both the Mudslide and Orange Dreamsicle premade drinks from TGI Fridays as well as the Jack Daniel’s Jack and Cokes. I’m sure there were others, but this isn’t about those.
Now, there are RTDs from countless brands covering just about every type of drink you can think of. Not all RTDs are created equal, of course, but that’s fine too. Different strokes. As I’ve started going to more events and finding myself not wanting to chug tallboys of cheap beer, I’ve been looking to what other options are out there. For sporting events, especially tailgating, I’ve been turning to the likes of premade Bloody Marys or other easier drinking cocktails in cans. (The fact that my local ice hockey team serves up Cutwater Spirits RTDs makes me quite happy.)
But, in different circumstances, I’ve been looking for something different. I’ve been looking for something that packs even more of a punch yet is also more convenient. That’s where Golden Rule Spirits’ new drinks come into play.
Created in San Francisco GRS produces two RTDs, Margarita and Old Fashioned, in 100mL (~3.4oz) cans. Where these batch cocktails stick out, though, is their potency. The margarita (54 proof) and the Old Fashioned (79 proof) are much higher than many other RTDs out there. (Off the top of my head, the only one that is higher is Slow & Low’s Rock & Rye Whiskey at 84 proof.)
The flavors are solid, with the Margarita being sweet but not cloying with just the right amount of citrus. It’s great over a rock but was also good right out of the fridge. The Old Fashioned is smooth with subtle orange and honey notes with enough of a bourbon kick that reminds you what you’re drinking.
The size, though, is really my favorite part of it. They’re perfect for hiking, as they barely took up space in my daypack and offered enough of a punch to make sitting by the lake at the top of the trail quite relaxing. I wouldn’t necessarily take these tailgating — I’d drink them too quickly and end up passed out in a lawn chair — but for when I only need one and maybe a little bit of a buzz, it’s perfect.
I look forward to seeing, hopefully, more expressions from Golden Rule in the future.