I certainly won’t say no to a drink when offered. So I took up the offer from Canteen Spirits to try their line of vodka sodas.

Unlike yer White Claw, and other malt beverages, this gets its kick from actual vodka, mixed to 5% abv with sparkling water, then natural fruit flavors. CEO Brandon Cason, got started in marketing for Deep Eddy Vodka, which ran a line of natural fruit-flavored vodkas. He and his partner began making fruit-flavored mixers, according to an interview in Forbes, and the concept took off with the “hard soda” craze. Their product is labeled as having no sugars, carbs or sodium, 99 calories, and gluten free.

Canteen Spirits Black Cherry

One of the flagships of the line. I’m guessing because that was one of the flavor for which they sent two cans. The first impression I got under the tab was of a Grape Nehi. Okay, a general fruit-flavored soda. It’s a clear, fizzy water pour. Once I got it into the glass, it was more of a black cherry soda smell.

The mouthfeel is a little extra fizzy, like a club soda. It definitely has not much sweetness to it.

Canteen Spirits Watermelon

I have been smushing up watermelon chunks and pouring vodka over them to refreshing effect. So how does it taste pre-made?

Pous clear and fizzy. Watermelon smell is pretty light. Taste is also light watermelon, likely kept modest by the lack of added sugar. I found a splash of Angostura bitters gave it a little more character.

More flavors will be discussed here as I get through them. Stay tuned!