Viva Grapefruit Tequila Seltzer

VIVA Grapefruit Tequila Seltzer is a canned, pre-mixed drink that combines tequila with sparkling water and grapefruit flavor. It is a lighter, fizzier take on the Paloma, the tequila-and-grapefruit pairing that is usually built in a glass with soda. The can is ready to pour, so you don't need a shaker, a lime wedge or a bottle of grapefruit soda. The producer's label lists the exact ABV and calorie count, so check the can if you need those figures. Drinks like this usually taste dry and crisp, not syrupy. Expect a bright citrus opening with the slight bitterness of grapefruit peel, followed by the vegetal, peppery note that comes from agave spirit. The carbonation keeps the finish clean and brisk, so it drinks more like a seltzer than a sweet cocktail mixer. If you like the tart side of grapefruit more than the sugary side, this is the style to try. Serve it cold. Refrigerate the can for a few hours, or put it in an ice bucket for about 20 minutes, since a warm can tastes flat and dulls the citrus. You can drink it straight from the can, which suits picnics, beach days, tailgates and camping, where glassware is a nuisance. At home, pour it over fresh ice in a highball or rocks glass. A wedge of grapefruit or lime on the rim adds aroma, and the ice slows the warming of the drink. Use plenty of ice and pour just before drinking, because the carbonation fades as it sits. At the table, citrus and agave suit salty, spicy and fresh foods. Tacos al pastor, carne asada, fish tacos with cabbage slaw, shrimp ceviche, guacamole with chips and grilled chicken with a chili-lime rub are all good matches. The acidity and bubbles cut through fried and fatty dishes such as quesadillas or fried fish. It also works with lighter fare like a summer salad or a plate of grilled vegetables. The cans are easy to carry in a cooler, which makes them a convenient choice for a backyard cookout or a patio get-together.