Cutwater cocktails have a bit of a reputation. The sleek cans may look harmless, but with alcohol levels ranging from 5.9% to 15%, they can sneak up fast.
In one 12-ounce serving, you’re essentially drinking the equivalent of two or three glasses of wine, which explains why some drinkers have even compared them to the infamous Four Loko.
But according to one TikTok user, we’ve all been doing it wrong.
How Are We Supposed To Drink Cutwater Cocktails?
Creator Gage (@gagebriney) went viral after posting a “public service announcement” about Cutwater drinks, and his theory blew up. His video has over 7.2 million views.
“Did y’all know that we were supposed to be cutting our Cutwaters with water?” he says in the clip. “Like we were supposed to be diluting our Cutwaters by putting it in a glass and adding water to make it more drinkable.”
He admits he’s been drinking them straight from the can for years. “That’s why I’ve blacked out,” he says, laughing. “I didn’t know we were supposed to be diluting that with water. But I guess it’s all in the name, Cutwater—cut it with water.”
He later adds that despite this supposed discovery, he’s probably not changing his ways. “I’m not gonna cut mine with water. I’m gonna keep blacking out,” he jokes.
What Cutwater Actually Says
If you’re wondering whether this is real advice from the company, the answer is no. Cutwater doesn’t mention anything about adding water anywhere on its official website. The ready-to-drink cocktails, which include everything from Tequila Palomas to Vodka Mules, are premixed and meant to be consumed as is, either straight from the can or poured over ice.
Cutwater does offer drink garnishing suggestions, like adding a lime wedge or salt rim to your margarita, but nothing about watering it down. The whole concept of the brand revolves around the convenience of a full bar-quality cocktail in a can.
So Why Do They Hit So Hard?
Because they’re stronger than most canned beverages, it’s easy to underestimate how potent they are. A single Cutwater can pack up to 15% alcohol by volume, which is the same as some bottles of wine.
It’s not unusual for drinkers to have one or two quickly without realizing they’ve consumed the equivalent of several shots. Health authorities generally suggest pacing yourself and drinking water in between cocktails to avoid dehydration and intoxication.
@gagebriney We have been drinking cutwaters wrong this whole time… #cutwater #funny #foryoupage #fyp #trending
TikTok Reacts
“Does Cutwater know this?” one person asked in the comments.
Another wrote, “Normal logic: Cut water = cut it with water. My logic: Cut water = cut water out of the equation.”
A few users corrected the misunderstanding entirely: “It’s a ready-made cocktail drink. So you aren’t supposed to add anything to it.”
Others noted that the cans even state it plainly: “No we are not. It says right on the can to ‘enjoy directly from the can.’”
BroBible has reached out to Cutwater via contact form and to Gage via email for more information.