Jarritos Cantaritos Hard Soda Variety 12Pk

Jarritos Cantaritos Hard Soda Variety 12Pk is a 12-pack of 5% ABV flavored malt beverages featuring Pineapple, Tamarind, and Mandarin hard sodas sweetened with real cane sugar. Produced through a partnership between Anheuser-Busch InBev and Novamex—the exclusive U.S. distributor of the iconic Jarritos soft drink brand—this variety pack draws inspiration from the cantarito, a traditional Mexican cocktail typically served in small clay cups during festivals and celebrations.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5%  |  Origin: Missouri, United States  |  Style: Flavored Malt Beverage / Hard Soda  |  Producer: Anheuser-Busch InBev x Novamex

Production & Heritage

Jarritos has been one of Mexico's most recognized soft drink brands for decades, known for its fruit-forward sodas made with real sugar. The Cantaritos Hard Soda line extends that legacy into the alcoholic beverage space through a collaboration with Anheuser-Busch InBev, one of the world's largest brewing companies. Each can is a premium malt beverage brewed with natural flavors and real cane sugar—no high-fructose corn syrup—designed to closely mirror the bright, authentic fruit character of the original Jarritos sodas. The name "Cantaritos" references the small clay jars used across Mexico to serve a beloved cocktail of tequila, citrus juices, and fruit soda, grounding the brand in genuine Mexican drinking culture.

Tasting Notes

Pineapple: Opens with a ripe, tropical pineapple aroma reminiscent of a Dole Whip. The flavor delivers a pure pineapple sweetness balanced by light acidity, finishing clean without cloying residual sugar. At 5% ABV, the alcohol is nearly undetectable beneath the fruit.

Tamarind: A distinctly different profile from the other two—earthy, tangy, and slightly tart on the nose with hints of dates. On the palate, the tamarind character weaves through subtle tea-like and citrus notes, creating a complex, less overtly sweet drinking experience with a dry-leaning finish.

Mandarin: Bright orange citrus on the nose with a nectar-like sweetness upfront. Mid-palate shows generous mandarin orange flavor with a touch of orange rind bitterness that adds dimension. The finish is moderately sweet and lingering.

How to Drink Cantaritos Hard Soda

All three flavors drink best straight from a chilled can or poured over ice. They are designed as standalone ready-to-drink beverages, so no mixing is required to enjoy them fully. That said, they work surprisingly well as cocktail building blocks. Use the Pineapple as a base for a hard soda take on a Piña Colada by adding coconut cream and a splash of rum over crushed ice. The Tamarind pairs naturally with tequila and a squeeze of lime for an easy cantarito-style highball. The Mandarin can substitute for orange juice in a Tequila Sunrise riff, layered with grenadine for visual impact.

Best For

• Backyard barbecues and casual outdoor gatherings where variety keeps everyone happy
• Introducing friends to Mexican-inspired fruit flavors in a familiar, approachable format
• Stocking a cooler for game day with a lighter-ABV alternative to beer or seltzer
• Poolside or beach-day drinking where refreshment and convenience matter most

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cantaritos Hard Soda taste like? Each flavor delivers a bold, fruit-forward sweetness balanced by real cane sugar and a barely noticeable 5% ABV alcohol presence. The Pineapple is tropical and bright, the Tamarind is earthy and tangy, and the Mandarin is citrusy and nectar-sweet.

How does Cantaritos Hard Soda compare to Hard Mountain Dew? Both are flavored malt beverages at 5% ABV, but Cantaritos leans into authentic Mexican fruit soda flavors using real cane sugar, while Hard Mountain Dew replicates the original Mountain Dew citrus-soda profile. Cantaritos generally appeals to drinkers who prefer natural fruit flavors over traditional American soda profiles.

Is Cantaritos Hard Soda good for beginners? Yes—the 5% ABV is approachable and the alcohol is well-masked by the fruit sweetness, making these an easy entry point for anyone new to flavored malt beverages or hard sodas.

Where is Cantaritos Hard Soda made? Cantaritos Hard Soda is produced in the United States by Anheuser-Busch InBev, with operations based in Missouri, through an official partnership with Novamex, the company that distributes Jarritos soft drinks in the U.S.

What foods pair well with Cantaritos Hard Soda? The Pineapple pairs well with al pastor tacos, where the tropical fruit echoes the pineapple in the dish. Tamarind complements spicy grilled shrimp or mole-based dishes thanks to its earthy depth. Mandarin works alongside ceviche or fish tacos, where its citrus sweetness mirrors the lime in the food. All three stand up to chips and salsa or elote.

What sizes does Cantaritos Hard Soda come in? The variety 12-pack contains twelve 12-ounce cans, with four cans of each flavor: Pineapple, Tamarind, and Mandarin. Individual flavor six-packs and single cans may also be available depending on the market.

Is Cantaritos Hard Soda worth the price? Cantaritos positions as a mainstream flavored malt beverage variety pack, priced competitively alongside other hard sodas and hard seltzers in the same ABV range. The use of real cane sugar and authentic Jarritos-inspired fruit flavors provides a noticeable quality edge over many competitors in this category.

Why Cantaritos Hard Soda?

What separates this variety pack from the crowded hard soda and flavored malt beverage market is the Jarritos DNA at its core. These are not generic fruit-flavored drinks—each can is engineered to replicate the specific flavor signatures that have made Jarritos one of Mexico's most beloved soda brands. The use of real cane sugar rather than artificial sweeteners gives the lineup a cleaner sweetness and more authentic mouthfeel. For anyone looking to move beyond hard seltzers without jumping to full-strength cocktails, the Cantaritos Variety 12-Pack delivers genuine fruit character, cultural authenticity, and an easy-drinking 5% ABV in a format built for sharing.