Buzzballz have become an Instagram sensation with their round, colorful cans packing a boozy punch. But are these vodka and rum-based cocktails worth the hype?
In this 2500+ word Buzzballz drinks review, I crack open these ball-shaped beverages to provide an in-depth analysis. From their origins to their most popular flavors, I explore what customers love about Buzzballz, where they fall short, and whether they stand out from competitors.
Discover their best and worst flavors, alcohol percentage, sustainability efforts, promotions, and more so you can determine if stocking up on a case of Buzzballz should be your next happy hour purchase.
Buzzballz Brand Background
The Buzzballz brand was founded in 2009 by Merrill Kuhn Kick and her two sons Alex and Andrew. Their goal was to create fun, innovative ready-to-drink cocktails served in unique packaging.
Produced in Carrollton, Texas, Buzzballz cocktails stand out on store shelves due to their spherical shape. The plastic balls certainly grab your attention along with their bright, neon colors.
While they started out only selling in Texas, Buzzballz has expanded distribution across 40 states. You can now find them at liquor stores, grocery stores, convenience stores and in some bars/restaurants.
They‘ve also gone viral on social media, especially on TikTok where the #buzzballz hashtag has over 4.5 million views. Videos feature people trying the drinks for the first time and coming up with Buzzballz cocktail recipes.
The brand caters primarily to millennials looking for convenience, quality ingredients, unique flavors and higher alcohol content from their ready-to-drink beverages. But their products also appeal to green conscious consumers thanks to sustainability initiatives I detail later.
Now that you know Buzzballz backstory, let‘s crack open these balls and see what‘s inside.
Types of Buzzballz Products
Buzzballz has created three product lines:
Cocktails
The Cocktails come in a 200mL slim can and are made with either rum or vodka mixed with natural juices and flavors. With 15% ABV, these will definitely give you a buzz.
Some cocktail flavors are:
- Watermelon Margarita
- Hurricane
- Long Island Iced Tea
- Mai Tai
Chillers
Next up are the Chillers served in 330mL cans. Unlike the Cocktails, these are made with an orange wine base instead of distilled liquor.
That means they have less alcohol at only 8% ABV. Chillers are designed to be refreshing wine cooler type drinks served over ice.
Popular Chiller flavors include:
- Strawberry Daiquiri
- Pina Colada
- Mojito
- Margar‘rita
Biggies
Lastly, for larger gatherings and parties, Buzzballz offers the Biggies. These come in 1.75 liter resealable plastic bottles holding over half a gallon of pre-batched cocktail.
Biggie flavors are similar to the Cocktails but they allow you to serve a big group without all the bartender prep work.
Some of my favorite Biggie flavors are:
- The OG Margar‘rita
- Hurrycane
- Long Beach Iced Tea
Now that you know what sets each Buzzballz product line apart, let’s dive deeper into the most popular flavors.
Analyzing The Best & Worst Buzzballz Flavors
With so many tantalizing flavor options to choose from, I selected the top selling Buzzballz for an in-depth flavor review.
I analyze the taste, aroma, mouthfeel and overall experience drinking each. Be warned – these flavors may cause serious cravings!
Best: Choc Tease
Kicking off the best Buzzballz flavors is the indulgent Choc Tease. One sniff of this cocktail transports you into a chocolate factory.
The aroma alone leaves you salivating for a silky sip. And the taste does not disappoint. Reminiscent of a liquid chocolate truffle, Choc Tease envelopes your palate in rich dark cocoa.
There‘s a subtle kick of vodka underneath the chocolate that cuts the sweetness perfectly. The texture is smooth and decedent almost like a chocolate martini milkshake.
Overall, Choc Tease takes the gold medal for most crave-worthy cocktail. It would pair perfectly with a chocolate dessert or as an after dinner treat. Just be careful not to gulp this one too fast!
Best: Watermelon Margarita
For a refreshing fruity cocktail, nothing beats the Watermelon Margarita. Tangy lime and orange liqueurs mingle with sweet watermelon puree for a perfect balance of flavors.
It‘s like drinking a slice of watermelon at the peak of summer. The effervescent bubbles and vodka give it a fun fizziness that makes each sip go down easy.
I‘d suggest serving this crowd-pleasing flavor over ice for maximum refreshment. The color is a vibrant pink and you get lovely watermelon aroma wafting with every sip.
Overall, I can see why the Watermelon Margarita is one of Buzzballz top selling flavors. It definitely transports you poolside with its juicy fruit flavors.
Worst: Espresso Martini
As a lover of all things coffee, I had high hopes for the Espresso Martini. But sadly, this cocktail fell flat.
While you get nice coffee aroma from the first sniff, the overwhelming artificial sweetness drowns out any real espresso flavor. It tastes more like a cheap convenience store cappuccino than a true martini.
I was also surprised by the lack of vodka bite which would help cut down the sweetness. The texture is quite thin compared to a frothy real espresso martini.
Overall, I found the flavors unbalanced and the cocktail lacks real coffee depth. For a quality canned espresso martini, I suggest trying Mr. Black instead.
Worst: Mojito
Lastly in the worst Buzzballz flavors category is unfortunately the Mojito. I adore a classic mojito, but Buzzballz version misses the mark.
While you get nice sparkling effervescence upon the first sip, there‘s zero minty flavor coming through. It tastes purely of sweet syrup without any aromatic herbs.
What makes a real mojito so refreshing is that cooling combination of mint and lime. Take away the mint and you‘re just left with a sticky sweet concoction better suited as a marinade.
I‘d pass on this flavor and opt for the more balanced Hurricaine or Mai Tai instead. Or better yet – muddle up an authentic mojito at home with fresh ingredients.
Buzzballz Cocktails Nutrition & Ingredients
When it comes to ready-to-drink cocktails, understanding exactly what you‘re sipping on is key. Let‘s analyze the Buzzballz ingredients and nutritional content.
First off – the great news is that all Buzzballz flavors are gluten-free certified and kosher. Some flavors are also completely vegan.
In terms of ingredients, the fruit-based flavors contain no artificial colors, sweeteners or syrups. They utilize natural juices and purees for flavoring.
Examples include juices like pineapple, lime, strawberry, peach etc. combined with either vodka or rum as the base spirit. So the fruit flavors taste authentic without chemical undertones.
Some of the more indulgent flavors do contain common allergens like milk, eggs and tree nuts. So always check the ingredients if you have an allergy.
As far as nutritional content, here are the averages per 8oz Buzzballz serving:
- Calories: range from 140 – 210
- Carbs: 14-18 grams
- Sugar: around 10-15 grams
So while these are flavorful cocktails, they do come along with extra calories and sugars. Something to consider if watching your intake.
Overall, I‘m pleased Buzzballz sticks to natural juices and ethically sourced rums and vodka. The nutrition stats are reasonable for a pre-made cocktail.
Just don‘t assume you‘re drinking a low cal beverage! Enjoy Buzzballz to satisfy your taste buds and don‘t worry about the numbers.
Buzzballz Sustainability Efforts
What sets Buzzballz apart from competitors is their commitment to sustainability. The plastic ball-shaped cans and bottles are designed for recyclability and reusability.
They‘re currently partnered with TerraCycle, an innovative recycling company that repurposes hard-to-recycle materials. Through this partnership, Buzzballz packaging gets diverted from landfills.
Instead, the materials transform into new products like park benches, fence posts and playground equipment.
Buzzballz is also testing a pilot program allowing consumers to return the balls and bottles directly to the manufacturing facility. These then get sanitized and refilled for reuse.
It‘s clear sustainability is a core part of the brand‘s ethos. While the plastic packaging has faced some criticism, they‘re actively working on eco-friendly solutions.
As a green-conscious consumer myself, I applaud Buzzballz efforts to reduce their environmental impact. It‘s rare to find such a commitment in the alcohol industry.
Who Are Buzzballz Best For?
Now that we‘ve covered the scintillating flavors, sustainability efforts and ingredients behind this boozy brand, who should actually drink Buzzballz?
Here‘s my recommendations on what type of drinkers will get the most enjoyment from these unique canned cocktails.
Buzzballz appeal most to social drinkers who enjoy bringing something festive to parties and gatherings. The spherical shape in bright colors sparks conversation.
They work well at events where having pre-batched drinks is convenient like beach days, tailgates, concerts etc. Just chill and serve versus tedious mixing.
Flavors like the fruity Watermelon Margarita and zesty Hurricaine make ideal group cocktails. While sweet options like Lotta Colada and Choc Tease satisfy dessert drink cravings.
Due to the 15% alcohol content, Buzzballz should only be consumed by experienced drinkers. Novice drinkers and anyone under 21 years old should abstain.
While delicious, they don‘t have complex flavor profiles appreciated most by cocktail connoisseurs. Traditionalists prefer mixing high-quality liquors with fresh ingredients.
Overall if you enjoy ready-to-drink beverages with big, bold flavors plus sufficient alcohol punch – stock up on Buzzballz next time party supplies shopping.
Just drink responsibly and never consume more than 1-2 in a sitting due to their boozy nature.
Where To Buy Buzzballz
Wondering where you can get your hands on these spherical sensation cocktails? Here are the best places to buy Buzzballz:
- Order online at Buzzballz website for delivery in select states
- Use the Buzzballz store locator to find a retailer near you
- Select liquor stores across 40 states like Spec‘s, Total Wine, Bevmo
- Order on Drizly or Total Wine delivery apps (available in some areas)
- Buy the variety pack on Amazon to sample flavors
Be aware that supply can be limited for the viral flavors like Watermelon Margarita. I suggest calling your local store ahead to check availability if hoping to snag those popular flavors.
When you visit the stores in person, look for the Buzzballz signage or head to the Ready-To-Drink beverage section.
The balls are normally merchandised by flavor in cases rather than individually. So you likely have to purchase the full case unless they have single cans available.
And don‘t forget to pick up Buzzballz swag like custom koozies, pool floats and t-shirts on their website!
Buzzballz Specials & Promotions
One question I get asked often: are there any Buzzballz discounts or special coupon codes?
The best promotional offer I discovered in my Buzzballz drinks review is their Buzz Club rewards program.
When you purchase Buzzballz at local stores or online, you can submit your receipt to earn rewards points called "Buzzies."
For every $1 spent on Buzzballz, you earn 1 Buzzy which equates to $0.10 in rewards credit.
You can then spend Buzzies on fun Buzzballz merch like shirts, hats, pool floats etc. The more cocktails you buy, the more swag you can redeem!
It‘s a small perk but nice way to get deals on Buzzballz goodies for being a loyal drinker. Sign up on their website for Buzz Club details.
Occasionally, I do see limited offers like $5 off a case of Buzzballz. But rewards points seem to be the most consistent program.
Beyond that, prices are pretty standard across retailers. You‘ll typically spend $80-100 per case of 24 cans. Making each delicious can around $4 – not bad!
And since these bring the party, they make for great gifts too. So consider giving a case of buzzballs instead of a boring bottle of wine next holiday season!
The Verdict: Are Buzzballz Worth The Hype?
After thoroughly tasting and analyzing multiple flavors, examining their sustainability initiatives plus reviewing customer feedback – yes, I confidently conclude these balls are worth drinking!
While not every flavor is a winner, they have far more hits than misses. When Buzzballz nails the flavor like with crowd favorites Watermelon Margarita and Choc Tease, they are downright craveable.
I love that you get legit cocktail quality versus a syrupy, artificial tasting beverage. You can tell tequila, rum and vodka went into these creations.
And I strongly believe ready-to-drink cocktails have staying power versus being a trendy fad. The convenience and variety offered fit most drinkers‘ needs for accessible yet smooth sipping.
Especially as more hybrid drinkers emerge who enjoy well-crafted beverages but need convenience for busy lives. Buzzballz offers that sweet spot.
For only $4 or less per cocktail, you simply can’t beat the quality Buzzballz delivers. Far cheaper than ordering comparable bar drinks.
Yes, their cutesy plastic balls won‘t appeal to traditionalists. And with subpar flavors like Espresso Martini or Mojito, they definitely have room for improvement.
But their astronomical success on social media plus rapidly expanding distribution proves most consumers genuinely enjoy Buzzballz.
So next time you‘re seeking a convenient cocktail bursting with big, bold flavors – roll on down to the store for some Buzzballz. Just remember to drink responsibly and pace yourself – because these will certainly give you a buzz!
Cheers to sippin’ something fun!
