INSPIRED BY A PROHIBITION LEGEND AND BACKED BY SERIOUS STAR POWER, THIS COLLECTIVE OF PREMIUM, HIGH PROOF CANNED COCKTAILS OFFICIALLY CARRIES THE RTD CRAZE INTO THE LUXURY SCENE JUST IN TIME FOR BEACH SEASON

BY AMANDA MCCOY PHOTOS BY ZACH SCHEFFER

In the summer of 2018, a bubbly craze swept over beaches, backyard barbecues, and brunch spots alike, eclipsing beers, bloodies, and hard punches as the daytime sipper of choice: the hard seltzer. Light, fizzy, and low calorie, the boozy water was also exceedingly convenient, easy to throw in a cooler and tote to the shore. But according to BevAlc Insights, a data platform that analyzes spirit trends and challenges, Americans are thirsty for greater flavor innovation and a higher ABV. Forgoing the malt for genuine liquor, ready-to-drink cocktails are on a tear, poised for record-breaking growth after putting up triple digit increases in 2021.

Boasting celebrity ownership or endorsement isn’t a novelty in the industry these days, but a newly launched RTD label does one better six better, actually, with a collective of high-profile partners that include Sarah Jessica Parker, John Cena, Ashley Benson, Rosario Dawson, Vanessa Hudgens, and Playboi Carti. Thomas Ashbourne (named for the prominent Prohibition mixologist and led by former L’Oréal VP Cara Kamenev) features four premium, pre-made cocktails, all classics. Per the brand, each celeb crafted their own signature sipper based on their personal tastes and styles. Each drink is available in 375ML bottles or four-pack of 200ML cans. thomasashbourne.com

THE PERFECT COSMO
SARAH JESSICA PARKER
This one comes as no surprise for Sex and the City fans. Carrie Bradshaw’s signature drink is a blend of vodka, triple sec, fresh lime, cranberry, and strawberry.

CLASSIC OLD FASHIONED
JOHN CENA
The WWE legend shows his classy side with the Prohibition favorite, made with premium bourbon cut with notes of bright orange bitters, sweet maple wood, and a kiss of caramel.

MARGALICIOUS MARGARITA
ASHLEY BENSON, ROSARIO DAWSON, AND VANESSA HUDGENS
The glam squad teamed up for their version of the tangy summer staple, made with high-quality tequila, triple sec, fresh lime, orange zest, and pure sea salt.

HARDSCATTO
PLAYBOI CARTI
The synth-rap sensation from Atlanta is a white wine fanatic with an edge. This vodka-based cocktail is reminiscent of muscat blanc grapes with notes of peach, apricot, and delicate elder flower.