Tip Top Canned Cocktails (Photo by the brand)

Instant Classic Cocktails

Although convenience, cost, and practicality are problems solved by the canned cocktail craze, there does seem to be some redundancy infiltrating the market. Overly sweet, ultra-fizzy drinks that barely live up to the cocktail’s name are pervasive, while those made properly are scarce – until now. Fortunately, a group of cocktail aficionados teamed up with a James-Beard-award-winning bartender to deliver. The result, dubbed “Tip Top Cocktails,” encapsulates everything we love about classic drinks, particularly their timeless simplicity and proper balance.

Old Fashioned

Despite the numerous ways classic cocktails have been reinvented and reimagined, something about the original Old-Fashioned trumps any variation it has inspired. I’ve been skeptical of a canned version of this drink simply because so many three-ingredient canned recipes go overboard on sugary sweetness. But with Tip Top, everything is exactly as advertised. It’s perfectly balanced and immediately captures the classic Old Fashioned. The 37% ABV keeps it stiff, highlighting the blissful combination of whiskey and bitters, and even without an orange peel garnish, the subtle aromas are nicely captured.

Manhattan

Multiple details on Tip Top’s packaging make these products great. For example, a symbol of the glassware best suited to the cocktail and whether or not to shake the can before pouring are but two confirming that these come from true enthusiasts. Tip Top’s Manhattan rightfully advises not to shake and to pour into a coupe. Its use of rye whiskey (my personal preference) is another indicator of its quality. This is as good a Manhattan as I’ve mixed at home – the proper objective of canned cocktails. My only surprise was the color – a deep, dark brown I hadn’t seen in a Manhattan before. Nevertheless, its rich, rounded character is well-balanced, boasting a 31% ABV, making it another well-executed take that checks every box.

Boulevardier

Of the countless variations of the three-ingredient Negroni, the Boulevardier is among my favorites. The substitution of American whiskey for dry gin instantly transforms the negroni into a cold-weather cocktail with added warmth and a fuller body. This iteration highlights Compari’s unmistakable and proprietary qualities. Its herbal bitterness and striking red color make Campari irreplaceable, but the red bitters Tip Top adds to the mix are at least reminiscent of what I would expect. That said, if you find yourself in the mood for an aperitivo, this definitely gets the job done.

Final Thoughts

If you like classic cocktails made the right way, Tip Top Cocktails are for you. While there is tangible appeal and satisfaction in mixing drinks yourself, cracking open a cold canned cocktail and pouring directly into the glass provides the delight of convenience. Tip Top provides that in the form of these simple and delicious drinks, each of which comes in a plentiful-sized portion. The only thing missing is the garnish!