The Birth of Cutwater Spirits: A Passion for Innovation
Cutwater Spirits is a brand built on the idea that premium spirits and cocktails should be accessible anywhere, anytime. Founded in San Diego, California, Cutwater was created by a group of passionate distillers who wanted to bring high-quality spirits and ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails to the market without sacrificing flavor or craftsmanship.
The brand’s roots trace back to the founders’ experience in the craft beer industry. Before launching Cutwater, they were key players at Ballast Point Brewing, one of San Diego’s most well-known breweries. As Ballast Point grew, the team started experimenting with spirits, creating small-batch whiskeys, vodkas, rums, and tequilas. Eventually, their passion for distillation led them to break away and establish Cutwater Spirits as an independent venture in 2017.
Today, Cutwater is a leader in the ready-to-drink cocktail market, offering award-winning spirits and canned cocktails that have changed the way people enjoy premium drinks on the go.
Crafting Award-Winning Spirits
While Cutwater is widely recognized for its canned cocktails, the brand is also a respected distillery, producing a variety of high-quality spirits, including:
- Vodka – Made from 100% North American corn, distilled six times for a smooth, clean finish.
- Rum – Aged in American oak barrels for depth and complexity.
- Tequila – Crafted in partnership with a family-owned distillery in Jalisco, Mexico, using traditional methods.
- Whiskey – Aged in charred oak barrels to develop rich, bold flavors.
- Gin – Featuring a botanical blend inspired by California’s coastal landscape.
These spirits serve as the foundation for Cutwater’s extensive lineup of canned cocktails, allowing the brand to maintain control over quality at every step of the process.
Revolutionizing the Ready-to-Drink Cocktail Industry
When Cutwater launched its first canned cocktails, the idea of premium, bartender-quality drinks in a can was still a novelty. Most pre-made cocktails on the market lacked depth and balance, but Cutwater changed that by using real spirits and carefully crafted recipes.
Some of their most popular RTD cocktails include:
- Vodka Mule – A bold take on the Moscow Mule with real ginger beer and a refreshing kick.
- Rum Mojito – Made with Cutwater’s white rum, fresh mint, and lime for a crisp, tropical experience.
- Whiskey Lemonade – A smooth blend of Cutwater’s American whiskey and lemonade for a balanced, easy-drinking cocktail.
- Tequila Margarita – Crafted with real lime juice, agave nectar, and Cutwater’s authentic Jalisco tequila.
- Mai Tai – A tiki-inspired classic with pineapple, coconut, and Cutwater’s barrel-aged rum.
Each cocktail is designed to deliver bar-quality taste with the convenience of a can, making Cutwater a favorite for outdoor adventures, poolside lounging, and casual get-togethers.
Award-Winning Excellence
Cutwater’s commitment to quality has earned it numerous industry awards, including top honors at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition. Their spirits and cocktails continue to receive high praise for their balanced flavors, smooth finishes, and innovation in the RTD market.
Sustainability and Community Involvement
Beyond crafting exceptional spirits, Cutwater is dedicated to sustainability and community engagement. The brand takes steps to minimize its environmental impact by using responsibly sourced ingredients, improving energy efficiency in production, and supporting local initiatives in San Diego and beyond.
Final Thoughts
Cutwater Spirits has redefined what it means to enjoy premium cocktails with convenience. By combining expert distillation with innovative canned cocktails, the brand has become a leader in the ready-to-drink revolution.
Cocktail Suggestions: How to Enjoy Cutwater Spirits
While Cutwater’s canned cocktails are ready to drink straight from the can, their spirits also make excellent bases for classic, handcrafted cocktails. Here are some must-try recipes:
Whether you’re sipping a handcrafted cocktail at home or cracking open a Cutwater canned drink on the go, you’re getting quality, flavor, and craftsmanship in every sip.
Cutwater Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
2 oz Cutwater American Whiskey
1 sugar cube
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 dash orange bitters Ice Orange peel (for garnish)
Instructions:
Muddle the sugar cube with bitters in a glass.
Add ice and pour in Cutwater Whiskey.
Stir well and garnish with an orange peel.
Cutwater Spicy Paloma
Ingredients:
2 oz Cutwater Tequila Blanco
3 oz fresh grapefruit juice
½ oz lime juice
½ oz agave syrup
2 dashes hot sauce (optional, for spice)
Club soda
Grapefruit wedge (for garnish)
Ice
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice and add Cutwater Tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup.
Stir well, add a dash of hot sauce (if using), and top with club soda.
Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.