I Tried Simply’s New Extra-Boozy Strawberry Lemonade, Here’s My Honest Review

Gen Z may not be drinking as much as us Millennials, but those of us who are still consuming alcohol are getting treated to more and more super-charged, extra boozy bevies. One of the newest is Simply Spiked Bolder, the new canned cocktail from juice company Simply that comes in at a whopping 12% ABV (the original Simply Spiked drinks are 5% ABV and Simply Spiked Bolder is 8% ABV). For reference, 12% ABV is about the same level of strength that you’ll find in Cutwater canned cocktails.

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Available now in Strawberry Lemonade, this new, potent drink comes in 7.5oz mini cans (probably for the best) and can be found in singles and 12-packs nationwide. But is it any good? I cracked open a can way too early in the day to find out.

New Stronger Simply Spiked!

Simply Spiked Bolder Strawberry Lemonade

BevMo!

Pros: The ingredients are pretty simple for a canned cocktail. The packaging lists carbonated water, alcohol, cane sugar, lemon juice from concentrate, strawberry juice from concentrate, citric acid, natural flavors, sodium citrate, and stevia extract. It’s no three-ingredient craft cocktail, but it’s not bad for a mass-produced canned cocktail. And it contains actual juice! The aroma is cidery, there’s a definite strawberry flavor, and you can definitely tell you’re drinking alcohol.

Cons: There’s no apple juice in the ingredients, but it really ends up tasting more like strawberry cider than strawberry lemonade. It’s not necessarily bad, it’s just not what I was promised. It’s not super carbonated—which is a pro for some, but I think it could use more bubbles to brighten up the perceived acidity. And my real quibble is with the finish. As I mentioned above, you’ll know you’re drinking alcohol because you can taste it at the end. It’s a bit bitter and not the most pleasant flavor to be left with in your mouth.

Verdict: While I wouldn’t say you should run out and buy a 12-pack, you won’t be unhappy if you grab one at a party. Just remember to expect cider flavors rather than tart lemonade.

Credit: Liv Averett / BevMo!

Rating:

5/10

Sporks

About the Author

Hi! I’m the editor-in-chief of Sporked. I will never turn down a fresh-shucked oyster but I’ll also leap at whatever new product Reese’s releases and I love a Tostitos Hint of Lime, even if there is no actual lime in the ingredients. Why you should trust me: I have been writing about food and beverages for well over a decade and am an avid at-home cook and snacker. I began my career writing about fine dining and recipes, moved into cocktails and spirits, and now I talk about groceries. If you can eat it or drink it, I’ve probably written about it. What I buy every week: Trader Joe’s dried okra. Appleton Farms prosciutto from Aldi. Some sort of Trader Joe’s cheese (I’m into the aged gouda at the moment). Frozen waffles (usually the Eggo Cinnamon Toast Minis). Spindrift water (loving the Cosmopolitan right now). Favorite ranking: Smoked salmon. Imagine me as Scrooge McDuck but instead of coins I’m diving into a vault of slippery smoked salmon slices. Pure joy. I also found some real steals in that taste test! Least favorite ranking: Canned oysters. I had such high hopes for this but it quickly became a chore. The kitchen smelled like an uncleaned aquarium.