No need to buy liquor, soda and limes to enjoy your favorite summer cocktail.
Two Salt Lake City companies have introduced versions of a Moscow mule, gin and tonic, margarita and other cocktails in a can. The premade drinks — part of a national ready-to-drink trend — are available at select state-run liquor stores in Utah.
The mixed drinks contain 9% alcohol by volume and cost $3.49 to $3.59 per container.
Beehive Distilling, known for its Jack Rabbit Gin, is one of the companies making the convenience cocktails under its new Desolation Distilling label. Simplicity Cocktails, a new Salt Lake City company, is the other maker.
The U.S. market for ready-to-drink cocktails has been growing in recent years as busy consumers look for more convenient ways to enjoy their favorite boozy beverages. With canned cocktails, they spend less time buying and mixing ingredients, and the recyclable cans are easy to pack for outdoor activities.
Canned cocktails also are becoming popular on airplanes, at concert venues and in sport stadiums around the country, because they can be sold at concession stands without hiring a bartender.