Cutwater canned cocktails are relatively strong: many popular flavors, especially the margaritas, are around 12.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) in a 12 oz can, which is stronger than a typical beer and closer to wine in alcohol percentage.

Quick Scoop

  • Many Cutwater margarita-style cans are about 12.5% ABV in a 12 oz serving.
  • That works out to roughly the same pure alcohol as a standard bar margarita in one can.
  • Some other Cutwater cocktails (like certain gin & tonic versions) sit lower, around a more moderate ABV in the single‑digit range.
  • Exact alcohol content depends on the specific flavor (Margarita vs. Gin & Tonic vs. others), so you should always check the can’s ABV label for the precise number.

Why people say Cutwater “hits hard”

  • A 12.5% ABV canned margarita has significantly more alcohol than most hard seltzers and many beers, which often sit closer to 4–8% ABV.
  • Because it’s sweet and easy to sip, it can be easy to underestimate how strong it is compared to lighter drinks.

Quick responsibility note

  • One Cutwater margarita can be roughly equivalent to about one strong mixed drink in terms of total alcohol, so pacing yourself and alternating with water is a good idea.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.