As a food blogger who’s always on the hunt for the next big thing in beverages, I’ve discovered a game-changing addition to the canned cocktail scene: Veranda Cocktails. This woman-owned, LA-born brand is revolutionizing ready-to-drink cocktails with their expertly crafted, spirit-forward offerings that taste like they’ve been freshly shaken by your favorite mixologist.
Last weekend, while binging the newest season of Severance, I cracked open my first Veranda cocktail – and let me tell you, this is not your average canned drink. These sophisticated sips are “meticulously crafted with real juices and garden-inspired flavors,” says founder Jordana Hazel, striking the perfect balance between convenience and craft cocktail quality. And did I mention they’re also delicious!
So, just how did this canned cocktail line come to be? Veranda’s founder Jordana Hazel gave us the inside scoop on the story of her line, her favorite flavors, and her favorite dishes to pair with them.
How Did Veranda Cocktails Come About?
The short version is pretty short… I love cocktails and I own a canning line. The long version is that I love cocktails and really wanted to create something tangible. I’ve been an entrepreneur for most of my career, but always in service (I am a photographer and have been working for myself since 2008.) My husband Chris left television in 2018 to launch a mobile canning company and we quickly realized he wouldn’t be able to handle it all on his own, so I took over the business operations. I loved the growth we were seeing in convenient canned cocktail options, but very few offered the taste I wanted. They were overly complicated, or 5% ABV or left a sickly sweet aftertaste. Really, I wanted to make something that I wanted to drink and share with my friends. I always joke that even if we never sell another can of Veranda, I’ll probably still ask Chris to can it just for me.
The Flavors
How Did You Come Up With Your Flavors?
I created the flavors slowly… knowing that I wanted to keep them simple, but interesting. It was important me that they tasted fresh because they used real ingredients, ample alcohol and just enough sugar to taste good. Each Veranda offering includes a premium spirit, fruit juice or puree and natural botanical flavor. The first combination I wanted to produce was actually Long Weekend (Bourbon/Peach/Mint). It wasn’t like anything else I was tasting on the market! Unfortunately Bourbon is so much more complicated for a number of reasons, so we launched with Good Day (Vodka/Blackberry/Thyme) and Fresh Air (Vodka/Grapefruit/Basil). It took us nearly a year to finalize and can Long Weekend! We’ve since stocked up on bourbon barrels and are giving them some time to age gracefully.
Let’s dive into their impressive lineup.
- Good Day (12% ABV) is the perfect unwinding companion, featuring premium vodka mingling with blackberry puree and fresh thyme in a smooth, uncarbonated blend. I found it absolutely perfect for those Netflix marathons when you want something special but don’t want to play bartender.
- Fresh Air brings the party with its effervescent personality. At 14.5% ABV, this vodka-based sparkler combines vibrant grapefruit and lemon juices with aromatic basil – ideal for those sun-soaked Santa Monica beach days or rooftop gatherings in Downtown LA. Trust me, it’s like summer in a can.
- For bourbon lovers, Long Weekend is your new best friend. This ingenious blend marries peach puree with bourbon’s caramel notes and adds a whisper of mint that screams sophisticated refreshment. If bourbon is your drink of choice and you want to elevate your libations game without the hassle of mixing cocktails, Long Weekend is for you.
- And, perfect for those cold nights relaxing on the couch under a blanket, Veranda has released their limited edition Sweater Weather. This festive 14% ABV gin-based beauty combines pomegranate and lime with a hint of rosemary, all wrapped up in an Instagram-worthy metallic gold-striped can.
What’s Your Favorite?
My favorite Veranda depends on the weather, the mood, the vibe. In the winter I’m a Sweater Weather girlie (Gin/Pomegranate/Rosemary), it’s light and refreshing but so festive when it’s cold and dark outside! I feel the same way about Fresh Air in the summer, it’s perfect for sitting by the pool on a hot day (or trick-or-treating on a hot day, because Los Angeles). At the end of a beautiful day, Good Day is my happy hour go-to. It’s a touch sweeter and so smooth! But when the sun goes down and I’m sitting on the back patio, I love a Long Weekend. If I really and truly had to choose, Fresh Air everyday of the week. (Also, Fresh Air won a Gold medal at The San Francisco Spirits Competition last year and I am so proud.)
Do You Have Any Favorite Pairings?
Never imbibe on an empty stomach! I love a Fresh Air and fried chicken. Or Fresh Air and a margherita pizza (both with extra basil!) It’s bright and sparkling, that basil peeking out from behind… it’s perfect. But a Long Weekend and an entire platter of cheese & crackers, that’s a different kind of magic.
Blend of Sophistication and Ease
For my fellow Angelenos looking to elevate their drink game without the mixology homework, Veranda Cocktails offers that perfect blend of sophistication and ease. Whether you’re plotting a Pinterest-worthy Malibu beach day, hosting a sophisticated dinner party in the Hollywood Hills, grabbing drinks for a Super Bowl party, or planning a cozy night in, these premium canned cocktails deserve a spot in your lineup. Cheers to raising the bar on ready-to-drink cocktails – literally!
Where Can I Buy Them?
Veranda Cocktails are $7 per can, and can be purchased at your favorite stores around Los Angeles. Remember to drink responsibly and always have a designated driver or rideshare app ready when enjoying these premium cocktails. Your future self will thank you!
