BuzzBallz: 5 Best & 3 Worst Flavors + 3 Types
Since 2009, BuzzBallz have taken the American alcoholic beverage market by storm. What are BuzzBallz? They’re fun premixed cocktails packaged in portable, spherical cans. We’ll cover the best (and the worst) flavors in this article and give you the lowdown on just what BuzzBallz is.
They’re unique both in their presentation and flavors, filling a gap in the market that nobody had even considered at the time.
Today, BuzzBallz is a $1 billion company with their drinks being available and popular in all of the US American states plus multiple countries worldwide.
There are many flavor varieties which are both classic and more unusual. They’ve made the enjoyment of cocktails more convenient for when you’re wanting to bring something a little bit different to your next beach party or BBQ.
Interesting Facts about BuzzBallz Flavors
BuzzBallz haven’t been around that long yet, but they’ve garnered lots of interesting, fun facts about them in that time.
For a start, you’ll already have noticed their unique spherical packaging, which of course resembles a ball. This really makes them stand out amongst the competition.
The fun little pre-mixed drinks contain between 15-20% ABV, making them fairly potent compared to other mixed drinks.
For example, hard seltzers usually contain around 5% ABV, making them a lot easier to drink with less likelihood you’ll get too drunk.
BuzzBallz actually offer a customization option, allowing you to create fun, personalized labels. This makes them a quirky option for party favors for a bachelor or bachelorette party, or a birthday.
The brand has a very active social media presence and frequently shares serving suggestions and unusual cocktail recipes.
They’re also big on sustainability and strive to use recyclable materials in their packaging. BuzzBallz work towards their eco-credentials goals with recycling leader TerraCycle.
BuzzBallz is family-operated and woman-owned. The Texas-based distillery, brewery, and winery was founded in 2009. They’re big on crafting their drinks with completely natural flavors and premium ingredients.
There is a little bit of controversy surrounding the packaging, which some say deliberately takes aim at appealing to underage drinkers. On the other hand, the fun cans really make the drinks stand out, and anyone underage with sinister intentions would probably avoid them because they’re so blatantly obvious.
Lastly, Merrilee Kick, Buzzballz’ clever founder actually re-mortgaged her home to launch her business. Thankfully the gamble worked out in her favor and, of course, BuzzBallz is a multi-million dollar company today.
Fun fact: Merrilee allegedly sent letters to 17,000 convenience stores to launch her product. She’s certainly an example of hard work paying off.
What BuzzBallz Is
BuzzBallz are sometimes described as being silly, loud drinks that are meant to be pulled from a cooler rather than a fancy drinks cabinet.
BuzzBallz are ready-to-drink, premixed cocktails in fun ball-shaped cans.
They’re heavy on the alcohol content but include natural ingredients, making them flavorful, enjoyable drinks to have at your next party.
Origin of BuzzBallz
The origins of BuzzBallz take us back to Dallas, Texas in 2009.
Founder Merrilee Kick wanted to provide consumers with a flavorful ready-to-drink cocktail option that’s convenient and portable.
They were to be delicious without the requirement for additional ingredients or tedious preparation, and as such BuzzBallz was born.
Alcohol in BuzzBallz
BuzzBallz contain 15% alcohol by volume (ABV), or a little more than a bottle of wine, which usually has around 13.5% ABV. BuzzBallz contain just under 7 fl oz per serving, so they’re sure to get you ‘buzzed’, and are probably designed for that.
What Is Special About BuzzBallz
As some fans have noted, BuzzBallz are loud, fun, slightly silly and gimmicky drinks. Their packaging is bold, their flavors are bold. Like them or not, they’re a refreshing alternative to other readymade alcoholic beverages. They’re also fun party favors and make for a quirky talking point.
The Best BuzzBallz Flavors Ranked
With so many flavors to choose from, BuzzBallz offer some fairly delicious concoctions. Here we list some of our favorite varieties to try. Enjoy these on their own, iced cold from a cooler or drinks fridge, or mixed into some fabulous long drinks.
Forbidden Apple
This is one of BuzzBallz’ most loved flavors, largely because it tastes just like apple-flavored Jolly Rancher candies.
It’s sweet, nostalgic, and nicely balanced. Some people apparently like to mix it with prosecco to create a bright green, fizzy cocktail.
It’s pretty good on its own, however, though we do recommend having it ice cold.
Chili Mango
Chili Mango BuzzBallz are described as ‘vodka and tequila with natural flavors’ on the cans.
They’re fruity and actually pretty delicious — perfect for when you want a ‘cocktail’ at a beachside BBQ, but don’t want to bring all the mixers and booze.
The only downside to this flavor is that it isn’t as widely available (yet?) so grab one if and when you can.
Lotta Colada
This BuzzBallz flavor contains ‘premium rum’ as well as pineapple and lime juices, and coconut cream.
So it’s pretty close to a real Piña Colada, if that’s what you’re into. It is a very sweet version and the rum doesn’t shine through much, but it’s good all the same.
Top tip: pour this into a shaker alongside some ice cold coconut water to tone down the sweetness and make it more refreshing.
Cran Blaster
The Cran Blaster BuzzBallz appears to get fairly consistent good reviews. It features a nicely balanced cranberry flavor which has a nice sweetness alongside a slightly tart flavor. Allegedly it’s made with 188 proof brandy, and some like to enjoy it frozen.
Worst BuzzBallz Flavors
When you look at the packaging of BuzzBallz, you know they’re a little gimmicky.
Like them or loathe them, it comes with the territory that some flavors are just a little too out there.
Here we list the ones that are really not that great — if you’re new to BuzzBallz, you may want to opt for one of the flavors above instead.
PeachBallz
This flavor weirdly gets quite a lot of hate. It’s made with vodka, orange juice, as well as natural orange and peach flavors.
What many seem to complain about is the very strong taste of just plain booze.
The peach flavor is also very artificial and somewhat reminiscent of peach-scented candles. All in all, this is one you’d better avoid.
Horchata
For those of us who don’t know this traditional Mexican drink, it’s usually made with a rice base, condensed milk, and spices. The ‘spiked’ version is often enjoyed with rum.
BuzzBallz Horchata is made with orange wine and vodka, though it does also have the creamy, spiced base.
Some find it a little too heavy on the cinnamon, and the choices of added alcohol are perhaps a little strange. This flavor does have some fans though, who particularly commend it for the wintertime.
Espresso Martini
This one seems to be a weirdly divisive flavor, with some fans really enjoying it while others describe it as ‘gross’.
It’s apparently made with a mix of natural flavoring, roasted coffee, and premium vodka, but you’d likely be better off just having the real cocktail on this occasion.
The Original BuzzBallz Flavors
BuzzBallz started out with just six flavors, all of which are still around today. Below is a rundown of the originals, as well as what’s good (or not so good) about each one.
We should note that, given all of the original flavors are still around, BuzzBallz did a pretty good job creating these.
Cran Blaster
This is sometimes described as a cranberry-flavored premixed cocktail that has a slight kick to it (probably
from the added brandy). As mentioned above, it does have a fair number of fans, and is pretty tasty when enjoyed ice cold or even frozen.
Choc Tease
Choc Tease apparently contains real cream, natural chocolate, and of course alcohol. It’s one of the more popular original flavors and makes for a great alternative to more traditional cocktails.
We think this one’s ideal as a boozy dessert or drink on a night out during the colder months of the year.
Lotta Colada
As already mentioned above, this one’s fairly popular.
Weirdly some people seem to complain about a change in the makeup of this drink (though we couldn’t find out what supposedly changed).
For the most part, Lotta Colada is a refreshing ‘Piña Colada’ style cocktail featuring pineapple juice, coconut, and rum. What’s not to like?
Ruby Red Grapefruit
Ruby Red Grapefruit isn’t quite as sweet as many of the other BuzzBallz flavors. It’s made with real grapefruit juice and natural flavoring.
Not everyone seems to love this flavor (perhaps because it isn’t that sweet?) but it is a good, somewhat generic option if you want a simple cocktail.
PeachBallz
As mentioned above, this flavor is one of the lowest ranked BuzzBallz flavors around. It’s reminiscent of very artificial peach-scented candles mixed with overly strong booze.
Really, this one can only be recommended as a mixer, and we’re frankly surprised this original flavor is still around.
Forbidden Apple
This flavor, as mentioned before, is one of the top BuzzBallz flavors around. The apple candy flavoring is delicious, if perhaps a bit sweet, and bright green spherical cans are just fun.
You can enjoy Forbidden Apple BuzzBallz on their own (though ice cold) or mixed to lighten the flavors a little.
Types of Drinks You Can Get At BuzzBallz
BuzzBallz really offer two standard ranges, their Cocktails and Chillers, which are largely different based on the type of alcohol they contain. There’s also a larger format range called ‘Biggies’, which we’ll explain below.
Ready-to-Go Cocktails
This range includes some of the most popular standard cocktails as well as more creative varieties.
For example, you might enjoy a Strawberry ‘Rita (a Margarita-style drink) or Lotta Colada (their version of a Piña Colada).
Or you could have their popular Chili Mango cocktail, a Forbidden Apple, or a Choc Tease.
The key difference compared with the Chillers here is that BuzzBallz Cocktails contain spirits rather than orange-wine.
Chillers
The BuzzBallz Chillers are largely less popular than their Cocktails range.
Per their own website, BuzzBallz Chillers are made with the same kinds of natural juices and natural creams as their cocktails, but contain an orange-wine base.
Many BuzzBallz fans seem to not like this as much, though everyone’s taste is different of course.
Biggies
Biggies are fairly straightforward: They’re a limited edition range of 1.75 liter drinks you can share with your friends. So far these come in three popular flavors, including Choc Tease, Tequila ‘Rita, and Strawberry ‘Rita.
Tasty Alternatives to BuzzBallz
BuzzBallz are, we admit, a little bit of a gimmick. They’re fun party or pre-party drinks that are sure to get you ‘buzzed’. If you’re after something that’s perhaps a little more classy or, well, tastier, here is a list of our top alternatives.
VoCo Vodka and Coconut Water
This may seem like the ultimate Gen X drink, and perhaps it is, but it’s delicious as well.
VoCo is made with vodka, soda water, and coconut water.
They contain natural lime and coconut flavors and only have 4.9% ABV and 100 calories per 12oz can. These are also entirely gluten free, making them a great option for those with dietary intolerances.
White Claw Hard Seltzers
Hard seltzers have been a popular alcoholic beverage choice for some years now.
White Claw regularly leads the market, featuring sparkling water blends made with triple-distilled spirits and natural flavoring.
They’re not as sweet or heavily flavored as BuzzBallz (or the Tip Top cocktails below), but offer a refreshing alternative if you don’t like that anyway.
Tip Top Canned Cocktails
Tip Top cocktails look very classy. They offer ‘stirred’ as well as ‘shaken’ flavors (007 anyone?) and start at 24% ABV, so they’re still heavy-hitting.
Flavors include their popular Margarita, Espresso Martini, and Daiquiri.
Fans describe these as the most ‘real’-tasting canned, pre-mixed cocktails, so they’re certainly worth checking out.
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