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Lejana Y Sola (“afar and alone”) is a sister brand of PaQui Tequila, which we reviewed when it was first released a whopping 11 years ago. This joven mezcal is an “ensemble” made from espadin and cuishe and is made in Lachila, Oaxaca via traditional methods that include the use of a horse-drawn tahona to crush the agave.

This is a delightful little mezcal. The nose is sweet and only mildly smoky — citrusy with a light vanilla note, backed up by a touch of campfire smoke and sweet mesquite. The mezcal is just as lively on the palate, a gentle caramel note kicking things off and a punchy lemon-orange character perking up right away. A strong saline and mineral note becomes evident in short order, which is effective at tempering the smoky elements that linger around the edges of the spirit. It’s never overwhelming with smokiness even on the finish, the citrus notes coming off as practically fresh-squeezed and continuing to burst on the tongue well into the conclusion.

This may not be the most complex mezcal I’ve ever tasted, but it’s impossible not to fall for its brightness and sunshine. Excellent for mixing, too.

With all of the ready-to-drink cocktails that have been coming out lately, it is surprising that it took so long for the classic gin and tonic to appear (though perhaps that’s because this is literally the easiest cocktail in the world to make). Now they are starting to arrive, and today we will finally try an RTD gin and tonic made with one of the most classic of London Dry gins (although it’s made in Scotland): Tanqueray.

Cracking the can and sticking a straw right in, this is a lovely gin and tonic with everything expected in place. The juniper character that dominates Tanqueray Gin is front and center, offering a nice piney nose and palate. The juniper and angelica in the Tanqueray along with the quinine in the tonic introduce a pleasant, mature bitterness to the cocktail, and it’s never too sweet. Additionally, the level of carbonation is just about perfect right out of the can. Alas, poured over ice, the Tanqueray Gin & Tonic quickly gets too watery. Tanqueray may be an iconic bottling, but isn’t a terribly complex gin. The canned cocktail expression at least does justice to the product with which it’s made.

6% abv.

B+ / $15 per four-pack of 12 oz. cans / tanqueray.com [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]

The first Elijah Craig Barrel Proof release of the year, coded A121, is upon us — and hold on to your hats, folks, as it is one of the best releases in the series to date.

For those unfamiliar, these single barrel releases of Elijah Craig (made with a modest amount of rye in the mashbill) are bottled uncut and unfiltered and always at 12 years old. At just under 62% alcohol, it’s a relative lightweight in the series — but I assure you, pay that no mind.

The nose here instantly transports the drinker to the rickhouse, effusive with woody aromatics and some smoldering, scorched earth — but tempered beautifully with sweetness and fruit. Honey and blackberries meld beautifully with peppermint jelly and a grind of pepper, with all the components in lovely balance.

One of the pioneers of ready-to-drink cocktails is Fishers Island Lemonade, launched by Bronya Shillo in 2014 based off the popular signature cocktail served up at the Pequot Inn (based in Fishers Island), which was owned by her family. This year they have added 3 new flavors and a frozen version of their lemonade.

Their motto is “find your island.” So let’s see where we land as we chart our course through their full line.

Fishers Island Lemonade (“FIL”) – Fishers’ original cocktail is made of premium vodka, barrel-aged whiskey, lemon, and honey. This is the benchmark for any drink that promises you “summer in a can.” Straight out of the can, it is refreshing and crisp. Pour it over some ice and a garnish for fun, and you would not believe that there is not a bartender hiding around the corner that is squeezing lemons and jauntily shaking this up on the spot for you. There is no imbalance in any of the ingredients that you may find in other versions; the alcohol sits just right — and I cannot emphasize just how fresh and clean the lemonade tastes. 7% abv. A / $17 per 4-pack of 355ml cans [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]

Fishers Island Pink Flamingo – Here they’ve added fresh cranberry to the signature FIL, giving it a sunset pink hew. If the FIL is perfectly balanced and evokes sun-kissed bliss, this one will send you into island nirvana. The hint of cranberry actually brings out a zesty grapefruit flavor, complete with a welcoming hint of grapefruit rind to make your tongue dance. Be warned: There is not a trace of alcohol here. None. It would be tempting to sip on this all day long. At 7% abv though, it would be good to muster up some discipline, as challenging as it will be. A+/ $17 per 4-pack of 355ml cans [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]