Yes, there are alcoholic drinks in a can that aren't carbonated. They're just hard to spot. Most of the ready-to-drink (RTD) shelf in Canada is fizzy, so if bubbles leave you bloated or you just don't like them, you have to know what to look for. This guide covers which non carbonated alcoholic drinks you can actually find in cans, which categories are almost always sparkling, and how to check the label before you buy.
Which Canned Categories Are Usually Still?
Still alcoholic drinks in a can come mostly from a few categories:
- Spirit-forward canned cocktails: Ready-made Old Fashioneds, Negronis, Manhattans and martinis are usually still, because the bar versions are too.
- Canned Caesars and some margaritas: Many Caesar-style RTDs are still, and so are some canned margaritas. Check the label, though, because some brands add sparkle.
- Canned still wine: Plenty of canned reds, whites and rosés have no bubbles. Many others are sold as sparkling or spritz.
- Still vodka water: A small, newer category made from spirits and still water, with no added carbonation.
Which Canned Drinks Are Almost Always Fizzy?
If you want alcoholic drinks without bubbles, you can generally skip these:
- Beer and most canned cider
- Hard seltzers and spiked sparkling water
- Vodka sodas, gin and sodas, and gin and tonics
- Long drinks, coolers and most hard lemonades
- Mules (ginger beer is carbonated) and anything labelled "spritz"
Why Are Most Ready-to-Drink Cans Carbonated?
There are a few reasons the cooler aisle is so bubbly. Carbonation adds a crisp, slightly acidic bite that comes across as refreshing and helps hide the harshness of alcohol. Shoppers know the format because beer and soda trained them on it. Production plays a part too: the pressure from dissolved CO2 helps a thin aluminum can keep its shape. Still drinks need other methods, such as a small dose of nitrogen at filling, so making a good still can takes a bit more care. The result is that most RTDs on the market are sparkling, and non carbonated canned cocktails are the exception.
How to Tell From the Label Before You Buy
You can usually tell in about ten seconds by reading the can:
1. Scan the name for fizz words
"Seltzer," "soda," "sparkling," "spritz," "fizz," "tonic" and "mule" all mean bubbles. Look for words like "still" or "non-carbonated" instead.
2. Read the ingredient list
If "carbonated water" is one of the first ingredients, it's fizzy. Labels in Canada are bilingual, so the French side helps too: gazéifiée or pétillant means carbonated, and non gazéifié means still.
3. Check the can and the shelf
Brands that are still often say so on the front of the can, because it sets them apart. If you can't tell, ask the staff. Retail workers usually know which products are flat.
Where a Still Vodka Water Fits
A still vodka water is a light option for when a heavy cocktail feels like too much and a seltzer feels too gassy. Aura is premium distilled vodka with alkaline water (pH 8.5+) and natural flavour. It has zero carbonation, so there are no bubbles and nothing fizzy. Our whole idea is simple: no bubbles means no bloating. Aura also has no added sugar, no artificial sweeteners and no preservatives, and it's gluten-free.
There are three flavours: Cucumber Lime, Coconut Pineapple and Mango Peach. Each comes in a 355mL can, sold by the case of 24. Read more about why Aura chose to go still, or browse our vodka water cocktails.
Finding Non Carbonated Alcoholic Drinks Near You
Aura is sold across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. Our own direct and wholesale ordering delivers to Ontario addresses only. In Alberta, look for Aura at AGLC-licensed private retailers. In BC, check BC Liquor Stores and licensed private retailers. Our where to buy page lists current locations.
Please enjoy responsibly. Aura is only for adults of legal drinking age in their province.
Tired of the fizz? Try a still vodka water. Find Aura at where to buy, or explore our vodka water cocktails and choose a flavour for your next case.