Fun & Festive Summer Sips: Citrus Jello Shots and our Favorite Beverages to Fill Your Cooler
Summer is all about sun‑drenched moments, easy entertaining, and drinks that feel as special as the season itself. These citrus jello shots served in crisp lemon and lime wedges are a fresh, elevated twist on a nostalgic favorite, perfect for summer celebrations.
And when it’s time to pack the cooler for a boat day, patio hang, or lakeside picnic, canned drinks are the ultimate summer move — no glass, no mixing, just grab‑and‑go refreshment. From craft beers to low-dose THC sippers and sparkling cocktails, there’s something for everyone. These are some of our favorites that are stylish, portable, and coller ready.
🍋 How to Make Citrus Jello Shots
These aren’t the jello shots you remember from college — this version is a fresh, elevated take that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Served in crisp lemon and lime wedges, they’re a fun and festive way to brighten any summer gathering. Here’s how to make them.
🍋 Pink Lemonade Vodka Jello Shots (in Lemon Wedges)
Ingredients:
4–5 lemons, halved and juiced
1 packet (3 oz) unflavored gelatin
1 cup boiling pink lemonade
½ cup Valentine vodka
½ cup cold pink lemonade
Simple syrup to taste
*Valentine Distilling also has Lionblood Orange, White Blossom, and Berry Blossom vodka that would pair perfectly with alternative fruity combinations.
Instructions:
Prep the lemons: Slice in half lengthwise, scoop out the flesh, and arrange the shells in a muffin tin or on a tray so they stay upright.
Make the jello mixture: In a bowl, whisk unflavored gelatin into 1 cup of hot pink lemonade until fully dissolved. Stir in vodka and cold pink lemonade. Add simple syrup to taste.
Pour and set: Carefully pour into lemon halves and refrigerate 3–4 hours or until firm.
Slice and serve: Cut into wedges and serve chilled.
You can’t go wrong with these great Summer picks!
CANN - The Original Microdosed THC Social Tonic
CANN is the go-to for a microdosed, elevated sipping experience. Infused with hemp-derived THC and CBD, each can is light, bubbly, and crafted more like a cocktail than a cannabis product. With its bold flavors and stylish branding, CANN is redefining the social beverage.
Highlights:
2 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg THC per 8 oz can — designed for sessionable sipping.
Fast-acting, light buzz with no alcohol or hangover
Flavor profiles include Blood Orange Cardamom, Grapefruit Rosemary, and Lemon Lavender
Made with real juice, herbs, and agave — no artificial aftertaste no artificial sweetners or flavors, sugar substitutes, and no cannabis taste.
Vegan, Gluten-free, and only 30-40 calories.
🧊 Why It’s a Summer Cooler Must-Have
CANN is stylish, sessionable, and refreshingly unique — ideal for those who want a little lift without alcohol. Whether you're by the lake, at a rooftop hangout, or just enjoying golden hour with friends, it’s a perfect low-dose companion to keep the vibes high and the moments easy.
WYNK THC Seltzers: Crisp, Chill and Alcohol-Free
WYNK is a sparkling seltzer infused with hemp-derived THC and CBD in a perfectly balanced 1:1 ratio. With no alcohol, no sugar, and zero calories, it’s designed to deliver a light, social buzz—without the hangover.
Highlights:
Available in 2.5 mg, 5–10 mg THC + CBD per can
Fast onset (around 10–15 minutes) with a mellow, uplifting high
Flavor-forward options like Lime Twist, Juicy Mango, and Black Cherry Fizz
Sold in 30+ states and federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill
🧊 Why It’s a Summer Cooler Must-Have
WYNK’s canned THC seltzers are portable, chill, and easy to dose—making them a seamless addition to picnics, boat days, or lakeside hangs. No fuss, no glass, no alcohol, and no regrets. They’re perfect for guests who want something refreshing, social, and a little different—without compromising on style or ease.
Bent Paddle: Craft Beer That Paddles Well with Summer
Brewed in Duluth, MN, Bent Paddle Brewing Co. is known for its clean, approachable beers and Northwoods spirit. Their lineup is perfect for summer adventures — whether you’re kicking back at the cabin or loading up the boat cooler.
Highlights:
Light Lager – Crisp, refreshing, and ultra-drinkable. A clean, classic lager brewed with precision and perfect for all-day sipping.
Lime Light – A light-bodied beer with a natural lime twist. Bright, citrusy, and a little zesty — like a beer and a squeeze of sunshine.
Retro Haze – A juicy, hazy pale ale with tropical vibes and nostalgic summer energy. Low bitterness, high flavor, and serious cooler cred.
All are canned, portable, and locally brewed with sustainability in mind
🧊 Why It’s a Summer Cooler Must-Have
Bent Paddle nails the balance of craft quality and easygoing appeal. Whether you’re reaching for something light, zesty, or juicy, this trio has you covered — and the flavor holds up wherever the day takes you.
Mamitas - Tequila Seltzers That Taste Like Vacation
Mamitas brings the party with real tequila-based seltzers that are light, fizzy, and packed with flavor. Made with natural ingredients and only 95 calories per can, they’re designed for beach days, boat decks, and backyard fiestas alike.
Highlights:
Made with real tequila — 5% ABV, 95 calories, gluten-free
Available in crave-worthy flavors like Pineapple, Paloma, Mango, and Spicy Margarita
Lightly carbonated and easy to sip without being overly sweet
Great for those who love the taste of tequila without the hassle of mixing a cocktail
From Phusion Projects, the brand behind iconic party drinks (but all grown up)
🧊 Why It’s a Summer Cooler Must-Have
Mamitas delivers that vacation-in-a-can feeling — bright, beachy, and ready to chill. Perfect for tequila fans and anyone looking for an easy, flavorful option to toss in the cooler and crack open in the sun.
NEW - SixSip from Phillips Distilling
SixSip is a new line of wine-based hard refreshers from Phillips Distilling that brings cocktail-inspired flavor to your cooler — without the glass. Packaged in a standout six-sided, resealable plastic bottle, it’s perfect for summer adventures that call for flavor, portability, and a little extra fun.
Highlights:
Made with a wine base, not spirits
11.1% ABV for a bold, cocktail-style experience
Available in vibrant flavors like Peach Mango, Strawberry Lemonade, Pineapple Passionfruit, and Raspberry Rita
Non-carbonated and naturally flavored
Lightweight, durable, glass-free and resealable — ideal for the boat, beach, or backyard
🧊 Why It’s a Summer Cooler Must-Have
SixSip is everything you want in a ready-to-drink cocktail: juicy flavor, a solid buzz, and packaging that’s made for real life. Toss a few in your cooler for a bold, easygoing option that stands out from the crowd — no mixing required.
🌞Sip, Chill, Repeat
From elevated jello shots to THC seltzers, bold wine refreshers, crisp cocktails, and easygoing craft beer — these picks are made for soaking up every moment of summer. Whether you're packing the cooler for the lake, hosting friends on the patio, or just looking to try something new, there's something here for every vibe and every guest. Here's to sunshine, good company, and making every sip count.