You know, it’s funny, but I would much rather digest THC and CBD through gummies or cocktails than smoke flower. What’s funny, you ask? I smoke cigars, so you’d think I would be okay with smoking flower. It’s not that I’m not okay with it, I just prefer ingesting, at least when it comes to the experience. The only downside with eating or drinking is that most of the options taste like shit. Gummies are often too bold and not sweet enough, seltzers and drinks are often flavorless, despite promising “great flavor.”

I’ve tried my fair share of THC and CBD goodies, and the list of stuff I would continue to buy is pretty slim. If I’m paying top dollar, it has to taste good and be enjoyable. Enter Shift, or rather Shift Cocktails. They sent me a bunch to try — thank you Shift — and I am one happy camper. The THC provides a great experience; the high is balanced, offering a nice buzz instead of a zany trip, but my favorite part is the flavor. Now, I won’t rant and rave endlessly about it, as I do think there should be a few more colorful options, but what they offer is good, it’s tasty, and to me, that’s a big deal.

I tried Shift Cocktails: Describing the flavors

I’m not a big fan of seltzers. I’m not a huge sweets guy either, so it’s not the fact they’re not sugary or syrupy. I just don’t find the flavor in most seltzers to be satisfying. Shift is different. I like these. I would continue to buy these. Scratch that, I will pick up some for myself.

Technically, they’re cocktails, not seltzers — it’s in the name. And you would be absolutely right for calling me out here, but I’m comparing them because so many THC and CBD beverages are seltzers. Plus, the Shift Cocktails are tasteful, but not overly sweet, and they really can be compared to your average seltzer. So, that’s what I’m going with.

They come in three flavors: Margarita, Paloma, and Ginger Sour. I’ve had all three.

Before opening the cans, I really thought Margarita would end up being my favorite, but no, Paloma is. The traditional beverage is a tequila-based cocktail with grapefruit and a clear soda like Fresca, Squirt or Jarritos. The Shift Cocktails Paloma is dialed back a bit. It’s not extra sweet, but sweet enough. The grapefruit isn’t overpowering either, which is fantastic because I usually shy away from grapefruit. You can start to get a feel for why I enjoyed the beverages — a lot of “usually don’ts” here.

Margarita is also great, and it does taste like one. It’s salty and sweet, with a fruity tang. Meanwhile, Ginger Sour is, well, gingery, but also delicious. They’re refreshing, perfect by the pool, and a great choice for summer relaxation. I also paired the Ginger Sour and Margarita with a cigar — Aganorsa, if you must know the brand. That was downright phenomenal. The pairings complement each other and bring out nuanced flavors you wouldn’t otherwise pick up.

How about the experience?

Shift is true to its word. You’ll feel a mellow, balanced buzz even after just one can. It’s elevated but not overwhelming, and enjoyable. In the Florida heat and humidity, too overwhelming can be an unfortunate thing. The heat tends to make the average buzzed experience worse, and that’s true even if you’re drinking. But here, it’s wonderful. You can unwind without any fog, and no headaches afterwards.

That’s all thanks to a unique balance of 4mg of THC and 12mg of CBD, a 1:3 ratio that Shift says delivers the best experience. You’re not too paranoid, not too twitchy, and you don’t feel any negatives, at least I didn’t.

It’s also worth noting that I usually have a high tolerance for these sorts of things, but a single 12-ounce can was always plenty for me. I’m extra happy about that, too, because it means I can pick up a few cans and space out drinking them instead of pounding them like candy.

What’s the verdict, and the price?

A onetime purchase of six (12-ounce) cans is $35, while a 12-pack is $70. You can also set up a monthly delivery to bring that price down, to $56 for 12 cans or $110 for a 24-pack.

While those prices might seem a little higher than, say, cheap beer, you won’t be drinking these as much. If you space them out right, like I plan to do, you’ll be all set. For reference, I was able to stretch a 12-pack of Shift Cocktails out for a few weeks. I wasn’t consciously avoiding drinking them. I opened a can whenever it felt right. And I’m usually drinking beer most nights with a cigar. It worked out well, and I plan to keep that pattern when I get some more.

• Recommended Buy: Yes.
• For Who: If you want to try something different besides alcohol, that provides a balanced, relaxing buzz.
• Alternative: Downshift
• MSRP: $35 (6-pack) | $70 (12-pack) | $138 (24-pack)