Refreshing Choices for Hot Toronto Days in 2025
Summer in Toronto brings with it patio season, long weekends, and a thirst for something cold, light, and refreshing. While beer and cocktails have their place, coolers—pre-mixed, often fruit-flavoured alcoholic beverages—have made a major comeback in Ontario’s beverage scene. Whether you're chilling by the lake, enjoying a BBQ in High Park, or catching up with friends downtown, coolers are the perfect drink to cool down and enjoy the season.

As beverage trends shift toward convenience, flavour variety, and lower alcohol options, coolers continue to gain popularity in the Toronto area. Here's a list of the Top 10 Coolers to Try in Toronto This Summer, chosen for taste, popularity, local availability, and consumer reviews.

1. White Claw Hard Seltzer – Mango

White Claw continues to dominate the cooler market in Canada, and the Mango flavour is a fan favourite. With just 100 calories, gluten-free ingredients, and a light 5% ABV, it’s ideal for afternoons at Woodbine Beach or backyard gatherings in East York.

Why it’s a hit in Toronto: Available almost everywhere—from LCBO to convenience stores—and appeals to health-conscious drinkers.

2. Cottage Springs Vodka Soda – Raspberry Lime

A proudly Canadian brand, Cottage Springs offers a naturally flavoured cooler with no sugar, no carbs, and only 100 calories. Raspberry Lime is a standout for its crisp, clean finish.

Local touch: Produced in Ontario and perfect for long weekend trips up north or a picnic in Trinity Bellwoods.

3. Smirnoff Ice Original

A classic cooler that’s been around for years. Smirnoff Ice has a balanced citrus flavour and a nostalgic feel that brings back memories of your first patio nights.

Best for: Parties in the Annex or pre-drinks before a Jays game.

4. Social Lite Vodka Soda – Lemon Cucumber Mint

This Toronto-founded brand was one of the first to enter the premium vodka soda market in Canada. Light, refreshing, and ideal for sipping on a hot day.

Toronto appeal: Made by locals, for locals. Found in LCBOs across the GTA.

5. Palm Bay – Key Lime Cherry

Palm Bay is a go-to choice for fruity cooler lovers. Key Lime Cherry offers a tart-sweet blend that’s both refreshing and tropical.

Perfect for: Rooftop evenings in downtown Toronto or weekend getaways to the Islands.

6. Vizzy Hard Seltzer – Pineapple Mango with Acerola

What sets Vizzy apart is its inclusion of antioxidant vitamin C from acerola cherries. It’s a health-conscious twist on your typical cooler.

Bonus: Pineapple Mango is a refreshing combo ideal for summer BBQs in Leslieville.

7. Coors Seltzer – Blueberry Acai

Yes, the beer giant has gone seltzer! Coors Seltzer offers sustainability with every sip—they help clean 1 litre of water for every can sold.

Toronto impact: Great flavour, local availability, and an eco-conscious twist that resonates in environmentally aware neighbourhoods like Roncesvalles.

8. Nude Vodka Soda – Peach

A B.C.-based brand, Nude is popular across Canada, and its Peach flavour is perfect for fans of subtle, non-sweet profiles.

Where to find: Available in select LCBO locations, with strong demand in urban areas like Midtown Toronto.

9. Georgian Bay Gin Smash

This Ontario original mixes real gin with lemon, lime, tangerine, and mint, making it one of the most flavourful and unique coolers on the market.

Locally loved: A staple at cottage parties and city patios alike.

10. Nick's Pick: Ace Hill Vodka Water – Grapefruit

A newer player, Ace Hill is a Toronto-based company crafting premium coolers for a sophisticated audience. Their Vodka Water Grapefruit has zero sugar and a refreshing citrus note.

Toronto connection: Locally developed and quickly growing in popularity in the downtown core and across the GTA.

Where to Buy Coolers in Toronto

Most of these coolers are available at your local LCBO, The Beer Store, or select grocery chains like Loblaws and Metro that carry alcohol. You can also use SkipTheDishes Alcohol Delivery or Dial A Bottle Toronto for same-day service right to your door. If you’re looking for bulk purchases for an event, many Toronto retailers offer discounted cooler packs.

Final Thoughts: Choose Your Coolers Summer Refreshment Wisely

Coolers have evolved far beyond their sugary, early-2000s versions. Today’s market offers low-calorie, low-sugar, and premium quality options that appeal to a variety of tastes and lifestyles. Whether you’re into vodka sodas, fruity mixes, or craft gin blends, there’s a cooler waiting for you in Toronto this summer.

Be sure to check labels for ingredients, support Canadian brands, and enjoy responsibly.