As the canned cocktail trend continues to rise, brands are rapidly introducing new and refreshing beverages to meet demand. Simply Beverages, known for its high-quality juices, has entered the market with Simply Lemonade Spiked—a spiked lemonade that’s already causing a buzz. But is it worth the hype? In this review, the chefs and culinary experts of Fronteras KC restaurant offer their expert opinion on the taste, ingredients, and whether Simply Lemonade Spiked deserves a place in your summer cooler.
What is Simply Lemonade Spiked?
Simply Lemonade Spiked is the latest addition to the growing market of canned cocktails. Created by Simply Beverages—a brand famous for its fresh, natural juice drinks—this new alcoholic lemonade promises a refreshing balance of tartness, sweetness, and a hint of alcohol. Available in a variety of flavors, it’s designed for those looking for a convenient and tasty way to enjoy a summer drink without mixing their own cocktails.
With the rise of similar spiked beverages like White Claw and Truly, Simply Lemonade Spiked enters a competitive market. But does it hold up?
Packaging and First Impressions
The first thing we noticed about Simply Lemonade Spiked was the sleek, minimalist can design. It’s modern and clean, featuring the iconic Simply Lemonade logo with an added touch of sophistication. The packaging instantly communicates freshness, while the brand’s reputation adds a layer of trust. It’s a can that stands out on the shelves, making it an attractive choice for consumers browsing in-store or online.
Flavors and Taste Test
As culinary experts, we were particularly interested in the flavor profiles of Simply Lemonade Spiked. Here’s a breakdown of the main flavors we tried:
Signature Lemonade
The original Simply Lemonade Spiked flavor is what you’d expect from a spiked lemonade—refreshing, slightly tart, with a smooth finish. It’s not overly sweet, which we appreciated, as it lets the citrusy tang of the lemonade shine through. The balance between the lemonade and alcohol is well done, making this flavor an easy favorite for casual sipping on a hot day.
Strawberry Lemonade
This flavor leans on the sweeter side, but it still maintains the refreshing characteristics of a lemonade-based drink. The strawberry adds a pleasant, fruity twist, making it feel like a more indulgent option. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their cocktails.
Watermelon Lemonade
Watermelon Lemonade is the most summery of the bunch. The watermelon flavor comes through strongly, providing a burst of juicy sweetness that complements the tart lemonade base. It’s a great choice for fans of fruit-forward drinks who want something fun and flavorful.
Blueberry Lemonade
This is perhaps the most unique of the Simply Lemonade Spiked flavors. The blueberry adds a rich, slightly tangy flavor that pairs surprisingly well with the lemonade. It’s a bold choice and one that’s sure to stand out among other canned cocktails.
Flavor Breakdown:
- Sweetness vs. Tartness: Simply Lemonade Spiked strikes a good balance, ensuring that the sweetness doesn’t overwhelm the natural tartness of the lemonade.
- Alcohol Content: With an ABV of 5%, it’s comparable to White Claw and other popular spiked beverages, making it a light and refreshing drink that won’t overpower your palate.
Ingredients and Alcohol Content
Simply Lemonade Spiked prides itself on using real fruit juice, which sets it apart from some competitors. The clean ingredient list is a major selling point, especially for those who prioritize natural flavors in their drinks. As for the alcohol, it’s malt-based, similar to other spiked seltzers and canned cocktails, which keeps it light and easy to drink.
- ABV (Alcohol by Volume): 5%
- Calories: Approximately 170 per can
Simply Lemonade Spiked contains no artificial sweeteners or overly processed ingredients, which is a big plus for health-conscious consumers. It’s gluten-free, making it a safe choice for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Price Point and Availability
At around $9.99 for a 4-pack, Simply Lemonade Spiked is competitively priced within the canned cocktail market. It’s available in most major retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Kroger, as well as online delivery platforms like Drizly. This price is on par with Mike’s Hard Lemonade and other well-known spiked beverages.
While it’s affordable, the real value lies in the quality of ingredients and flavor, making it a worthwhile purchase for those looking for a high-quality, refreshing alcoholic drink.
Pros and Cons of Simply Lemonade Spiked
Pros:
- Real fruit juice for authentic flavor
- Perfect balance of sweetness and tartness
- Refreshing and easy to drink
- Gluten-free
- Competitively priced
Cons:
- Limited variety of flavors compared to competitors
- Some flavors may be too sweet for those who prefer drier drinks
Final Verdict from Fronteras KC Chefs
After tasting the various Simply Lemonade Spiked flavors, our team at Fronteras KC is impressed. The Signature Lemonade and Blueberry Lemonade are standout flavors, offering a balanced and refreshing experience that’s perfect for summer gatherings or casual sipping. The use of real juice sets Simply Lemonade Spiked apart from many other canned cocktails, and its affordability makes it an easy choice for consumers.
We highly recommend Simply Lemonade Spiked for anyone looking to try a new, convenient spiked beverage that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality.
Comparison to Other Spiked Beverages
How does Simply Lemonade Spiked hold up against popular spiked beverages like White Claw and Truly? While those brands focus on seltzer, Simply Lemonade Spiked offers a richer, juicier taste profile due to its real juice content. It’s more flavorful than traditional spiked seltzers, which often lean heavily on carbonation and artificial flavors. However, if you prefer a drier, less sweet drink, you might still prefer the lighter taste of White Claw or Truly.
FAQs
How much alcohol is in Simply Lemonade Spiked?
Simply Lemonade Spiked has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5%.
What flavors does Simply Lemonade Spiked come in?
Currently, the flavors available are Signature Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, Watermelon Lemonade, and Blueberry Lemonade.
Is Simply Lemonade Spiked gluten-free?
Yes, Simply Lemonade Spiked is gluten-free.
