Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

This ready-to-drink cocktail is my new go-to summer drink

Skip the heavy drinks on the beach

Dad Water
Dad Water

Lately, it’s been pretty clear that the worlds of health and alcohol have collided. The rising interest in health and fitness has made many drinkers rethink their alcohol choices, with more health-focused options on the market than ever before. From low-calorie options to non-alcoholic options, we live in a time where there’s a canned cocktail option for every type of drinker. For those who have sensitive stomachs, drinks with no carbonation are the smartest choice. Here’s why the zero-carbonation Dad Water is my go-to summer ready-to-drink cocktail.

A ready-to-drink cocktail with no carbonation

As a sporadic drinker, I carefully consider my drink choice when I do finally decide to drink. Throughout the summer, I’m more likely to drink while relaxing on the beach or attending a backyard BBQ. Though I enjoy other low-sugar, low-calorie canned options like High Noons or White Claws, these drinks have one clear disadvantage: carbonation.

Recommended Videos

Carbonated beverages like these leave me feeling full and bloated after drinking just one or two. The heaviness of the bubbles makes it almost impossible to drink in a reasonable amount of time. The Carbon Dioxide bubbles in carbonated drinks are responsible for leaving you with that heavy, full feeling. As someone with a sensitive stomach, I consider that heavy feeling almost to be a buzz-kill. After a while, I’ve learned to avoid carbonated drinks whenever possible. If I drink them, I’ll not only feel sluggish, but I will likely not enjoy my meal or event.

The lack of carbonation is why I’m hooked on Dad Waters. As the name suggests, the beverage’s texture is more like “water” and less like your typical beer or seltzer. This is a game changer (especially if you hate that heavy fullness feeling from carbonation, too).

Dad Waters are like water

Dad Waters was marketed as non-carbonated fruit-infused tequila water, specifically for those who don’t enjoy carbonation. These ready-to-drink cocktails contain no artificial sweeteners or preservatives, no sugar, and of course, no carbonation. If you’re not big on tequila, you can also give the sister product, Mom Water, a try. Mom Waters are similar but are made with fruit-infused vodka instead of tequila.

The packaging of Dad Waters seems like your typical canned beverage, but the taste is unique. If you want something light and classic, start with the “Tom”, an original tequila water infused with lime. This flavor has a very faint lime taste that is refreshing and easy to sip. This is my favorite flavor because it’s like drinking water.

If you like cocktails with a bit more of a kick, the “Gary” might be your go-to choice. The “Gary” flavor adds a touch of spice to your drink with an infusion of pineapple and jalapeno. The “Rodney” flavor has a slight blood orange flavor, and the “Steve” is slightly more tart with an injection of grapefruit. All the drinks are pretty smooth, and most importantly, have no carbonation. You can now enjoy a light buzz without feeling stuffed, bloated, and uncomfortable.

Emily Caldwell
Emily is a freelance journalist with a focus on food, travel, health, and fitness content. She loves to travel to new…
Sam Adams toasts the coming summer with new blueberry lager
A berry beer for for the warmer days
Sam Adams Beers of Summer Variety Pack.

Summer approaches, which can only mean one thing: Brand new beers from a host of breweries from coast to coast. Labels are embracing the sun and issuing refreshing light beers that seem to capture the very essence of the season. Sam Adams is the latest in line, with a new beer mixed up with a popular berry.

The limited-edition lager is made with blueberry juice from concentrate and comes in at 5.5% ABV. It pours a dark golden hue and is made with Tettnang hops and a pair of malts. Fans can access the beer by way of Sam Adams' Beers of Summer Variety Pack.

Read more
Woodford Reserve is launching a new whiskey finished in Tawny Port casks
Woodford Reserve's new Distillery Series whiskey was finished in barrels that previously held Tawny Port Wine
Woodford Reserve

Located in Versailles, Kentucky, Woodford Reserve is a distillery that seems to release nothing but noteworthy whiskeys. Its newest Distillery Series expression is no exception. That's because this limited-edition whiskey was finished in barrels that previously held Tawny Port wine.
Woodford Reserve Distillery Series – Tawny Port Finish

To say that the creation of this whiskey is complicated is an understatement. Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall begins with a blend of rye whiskey and bourbon, which is then blended with a bourbon finished in Tawny Port barrels.

Read more
Sunshine in a cup: This coffee brand’s summer solstice collection is here
Three new ways to savor the summer season
Sightglass summer solstice

As longer days and golden hours take hold, coffee roaster Sightglass Coffee is ready for the summer season with the debut of its summer solstice collection. The limited-time seasonal blend, Summer Solstice 2025, is crafted for long days and golden light, with a medium roast and blackberry, guava, and honeysuckle notes. This year's fruit-forward blend combines silky, washed Ethiopian heirloom coffee from Worka Chelbessa and lush, naturally processed Bourbon from Huye, Rwanda. This medium roast coffee blend is perfect for slow summer mornings or sun-drenched afternoons and is available in three sizes: 12 ounces, 2lb, or 5 lb bags.

The summer solstice coffee can be purchased independently or in one of three brand-new, thoughtfully curated coffee sets to pair with the season’s slower pace and brighter mood. While these roasts can be enjoyed in any of your favorite brewing forms, Sightglass recommends trying them over ice to highlight the floral, tropical notes, using a simple iced V60 brewing method.

Read more