Sweet, fruity and gone in seconds: alcopops are how a lot of people get their first taste of alcoholic drinks. But what's actually in them, why are they so popular - and how do they compare to beer, wine and spirits? This guide gives you the full picture of the main types of alcoholic drinks, with alcopops in the spotlight.
What is an alcopop? An alcopop (sometimes written alco pops, or classed as an RTD - ready-to-drink - in the trade) is a sweet, pre-mixed alcoholic drink made from a spirit or malt base and a flavoured, soda-like soft drink. It's typically 4 to 6% ABV, tastes sweet and comes in bright, colourful packaging. Because the alcohol is barely noticeable behind the fruit and sugar, alcopops are easy to drink - which is exactly why they're so popular with younger drinkers.
💡 By the way: that's why we built the ski boot shot glass set - a glass shaped like a ski boot with a clip-in binding. More on that below ↓
Alcopops: the sweet trend drink explained
Alcopops stand out for their low alcohol content and easy-drinking character. They come in countless flavours, from tropical fruits to classic lemonade notes, usually in eye-catching, colourful bottles. They're the perfect drink for relaxed, sociable occasions that call for something fruity and uncomplicated.
A word on sugar: the very thing that makes alcopops so moreish also makes them a bit sneaky. The sugar masks the alcohol, so you end up drinking more than you planned. Enjoy them mindfully - your head will thank you the next morning.
Popular alcopop brands
The best-known alcopop brands include Smirnoff Ice, Bacardi Breezer and Mike's Hard Lemonade. With a wide range of flavours and consistent quality, they've earned a permanent spot in the fridge aisle. Once you've tried a few, you'll quickly find your favourite.
Mixing your own alcopops
The classic can be made yourself in two minutes: take a clear spirit like vodka or white rum, add a fruity soda or fruit juice, then ice and a splash of lemon. That way you control the sweetness and strength yourself - and skip the pricey ready-made bottle. Served in a fun glass, it instantly becomes a small highlight for the group.
Two quick ideas: for a fruity summer alcopop, mix 4 cl vodka with passionfruit or peach soda over ice and garnish with a lime wheel. If you prefer something berrier, combine white rum with mixed-berry soda and a handful of fresh berries. Both are ready in minutes, taste fresher than any bottled version, and let you dial in the sweetness exactly to your taste.
Small swap, big effect: if you put the ski boot shot glasses with binding on the table instead of standard glasses, you've already served up the first conversation starter.
The other types of alcoholic drinks at a glance
Alcopops are just a small slice of a huge world of drinks. So you keep the overview, here are the main categories in a quick rundown.
Beer: from lager to craft
Beer is one of the most popular alcoholic drinks worldwide, ranging from classic lager to aromatic craft beer. The craft movement has hugely expanded the variety: a hop-forward IPA, a dark, roasty stout or a spicy Belgian saison show just how differently beer can taste. At around 5% ABV, beer sits roughly at alcopop strength, but tastes noticeably more bitter and less sweet.
Wine: white, red and rosé
Wine is one of humankind's oldest drinks. From a fresh, zesty Sauvignon Blanc to a full-bodied Chardonnay or a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or soft Merlot, there's something for every taste. A wine tasting is a great way to get to know the subtle differences. At usually 11 to 14% ABV, wine is stronger than an alcopop - but you drink it more slowly, in smaller sips.
Spirits: the high-proof class
Spirits such as whisky, rum, gin and vodka are made through distillation and are noticeably stronger than beer or wine. They're often the base for cocktails - and for many alcopops too. If you want to dig deeper into how these distilled drinks are made and how to enjoy them, you'll find everything in our full spirits guide.
Trend drinks: hard seltzer and more
Alongside the classics, new trends keep coming. The best known is hard seltzer: a light, fizzy drink with little alcohol and little sugar that goes down well with health-conscious partygoers. On top of that, new cocktail creations with unexpected ingredients and elaborate presentation keep appearing. If you want to serve drinks like these in style, our best après-ski cocktails are full of inspiration.
Small swap, big effect: if you put the ski boot shot glasses with binding on the table instead of standard glasses, you've already served up the first conversation starter.
Alcopops, sugar and age limits
As moreish as alcopops are, there are a few things worth knowing. Their high sugar content doesn't just make them sweet, it also makes them calorie-heavy - a 275 ml bottle can easily add up to 150-200 calories. So if you're drinking alcopops all night, you're also taking on a fair amount of sugar and calories along the way.
Because of their sweet, youth-friendly styling, the category came under scrutiny early on. In Germany, a dedicated special tax on spirit-based alcopops - the so-called Alkopopsteuer - has applied since 2004, raising the price to curb consumption among young people. As a result, alcopops based on spirits can only be sold and served to over-18s in Germany. So enjoy them mindfully and in moderation.
The glasses are dishwasher-safe and have their own distinctive shape - the set with binding outlasts any plastic cup by a long way.
Which drink for which occasion?
The short rule of thumb: alcopops and hard seltzer are ideal for relaxed, sociable gatherings that should stay fruity and light. Beer suits a laid-back evening or a barbecue, wine goes with a good meal, and spirits are the choice for mindful sipping or the shot that goes round the group. For exactly these moments, the right glass is worth it - an eye-catcher that upgrades every drink. And when an après-ski or themed party needs to really kick off, small shots of vodka or liqueur are the classic move that gets the mood rising fast.
A great reel from an après-ski party on the Axamer Lizum … - @apresallstars
Whatever drink you choose: enjoy it mindfully and in moderation. For how to prevent a hangover and get on top of it the morning after, check our guide to beating a hangover.
Frequently asked questions about alcopops
What exactly are alcopops?
Alcopops are sweet, pre-mixed alcoholic drinks made from a spirit or malt base and a flavoured soft drink. They're usually 4 to 6% ABV, taste fruity-sweet and come in colourful bottles. Well-known brands include Smirnoff Ice, Bacardi Breezer and Mike's Hard Lemonade.
How much alcohol is in alcopops?
Most alcopops sit at 4 to 6% ABV, roughly beer strength. But because sugar masks the alcohol, they seem more harmless than they are - people drink them quickly and easily underestimate the amount.
Are alcopops stronger than beer?
In pure alcohol content, alcopops and beer are comparable. The difference is in the taste: beer tastes of alcohol and hops, alcopops taste of soda. That means people often drink alcopops faster, which can amplify the effect.
Can you make your own alcopops?
Yes, very easily. Mix a clear spirit like vodka or white rum with a fruity soda or juice, add ice and a splash of lemon. That way you control the sweetness and strength yourself and skip the pricey ready-made bottles.
What types of alcoholic drinks are there overall?
The main categories are beer, wine, spirits and mixed drinks like alcopops and hard seltzer. Beer and wine are made through fermentation, spirits through distillation. Alcopops and hard seltzer are ready-mixed drinks that are usually low in alcohol.
What occasions suit alcopops?
Alcopops suit relaxed, sociable occasions like garden parties, pre-drinks or summer evenings that should stay fruity and light. For mindful sipping or a good meal, people tend to reach for spirits or wine instead.
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