Liquor Laboratory

5 Best Gas Station Alcohol Options: Bought & Ranked (2024)

best gas station alcohol

When we find ourselves in a situation where we need to purchase alcohol quickly, gas stations are often our first choice.

Gas stations have come a long way from just being pit stops for fuel and snacks. They typically offer a good variety of beer, wine, and spirits, and you can often score great deals, too.

If you’re curious about the best gas station alcohol to try, we went on a road trip, driving on highways and backroads, stopping at different gas stations to check what types of alcoholic beverages they stock.

Top 5 Alcoholic Drinks You Can Buy At Gas Stations

1. Canned Beer

Natural Ice Canned Beer with Glass

Canned beer is a ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage that you can find at many gas stations. You can often find it in the refrigerated section of the convenience store, and it is cold already, so you don’t have to wait.

Here are the most common canned beers you can find at gas stations:

  • Natural Ice

  • Natural Light

  • Pabst Blue Ribbon

  • Steel Reserve

  • Stella Artois

  • Tecate

  • Blue Moon

  • Bud Ice

  • Bud Light

  • Bud Light Lime

  • Bud Light Platinum

  • Budweiser

  • Busch

  • Busch Light

  • Michelob Ultra

  • Miller Genuine Draft

  • Miller High Life

  • Miller Lite

  • Milwaukee’s Best Ice

  • Milwaukee’s Best Light

  • Dos Equis

  • Guinness 

  • Heineken

  • Icehouse

  • Ice Milwaukee’s

  • Keystone Light

  • Coors Banquet

  • Coors Light

  • Corona Extra

  • Corona Light

2. Craft Beer

Russian River Blind Pig

Due to the increasing rage of craft beer, it has become more common for restaurants and bars to offer various types of beer.

“Gas stations may not be the first place you think of when it comes to buying alcohol, but sometimes the best finds come from unexpected places.”

Liquor Laboratory

Craft beers are ready to drink and conveniently located in the refrigerated section of gas stations. I often see some craft beers: pale and Indian pale ales, lagers, brown and black IPAs, and wheat beers. 

I often get Belgium Voodoo Ranger whenever I am at the gas station, but here are other craft beers we often see in many gas stations:

  • Russian River Blind Pig 

  • Russian River Pliny the Elder IIPA

  • Lagunitas Brown Shugga

  • Lagunitas IPA

  • Lawson’s Finest Sip of Sunshine IPA

  • Allagash White 

  • Alpine Duet IPA

  • Anchor Porter

  • Anchor Steam

  • Saint Arnold Fancy Lawnmower

  • Samuel Adams Winterfest

  • Samuel Adams Boston Lager

  • Bell’s Brewery Hopslam 

  • Steel Reserve

  • Bell’s Brewery Two-Hearted IPA 

  • Bierstadt Lagerhaus Slow Pour Pils 

  • Boulevard Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale 

  • Brasserie d’Orval Orval

  • Brasserie Dupont Saison Dupont 

  • Breckenridge Vanilla Porter

  • Geary’s Pale Ale

  • Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout 

  • Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter

  • Guinness Extra Stout

  • Cigar City Jai Alai IPA

  • Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale Ale 

  • Pilsner Urquell craft beer

  • Deschutes Black Butte Porter

  • Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA 

  • Dogfish Head 60-Minute IPA 

  • Dogfish Head 90-Minute IPA

  • Half-Acre Daisy Cutter

  • New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale 

  • New Belgium Voodoo Ranger

  • New Holland Dragon’s Milk

  • North Coast Old Rasputin Stout 

  • Odell 90 Shilling Ale

  • Old Nation M-43 IPA

  • Fat Head’s Head Hunter 

  • Firestone Walker Pivo Pils 

  • Firestone Walker Union Jack IPA 

  • Founders All Day IPA

  • Founders Breakfast Stout 

  • Founders Canadian Breakfast Stout

  • Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout 

  • Fremont Lush craft beer

3. Liquors & Spirits

Baileys and Absolut vanilla vodka

Alcoholic beverages like liquors and spirits are also available in many gas stations. However, every gas station and convenience store should follow state liquor laws depending on its location.

Some of the liquors you can get in the gas station include whiskey [1], brandy, rum, vodka, tequila, and gin. These drinks tend to have a higher ABV than beer and wine, so drink moderately [2].

4. Wine

Carlo Rossi Red Wine

Convenience stores in most gas stations often have a wide selection of alcohol-laced wines. Some of these include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

You can also check out some Buffalo Wild Wings alcoholic drinks here

“Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy.”

Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father of the United States

If you’re like us, go for a fruity, full-bodied, sweet wine with enough acidity. You can choose from the list of alcohol-laced wines below:

  • Giesen Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

  • Hess Select North Coast 

  • Carlo Rossi

  • Cavit

  • Ch. Ste. Michelle

  • Charles Shaw

  • Beringer

  • Almaden

  • Andre/Wycliff

  • Apothic

  • Arbor Mist

  • Twin Valley

  • Vendange Pinot Noir

  • Woodbridge Mondavi

  • Yalumba Y Series South Australia Viognier

  • Yellow Tail Sauvignon Blanc

  • J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks 

  • Jim Barry The Cover Drive 

  • Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley 

  • Columbia Crest H3 

  • Cook’s

  • Columbia Valley

  • Cupcake Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Barefoot Cellars

  • Beringer Founder’s Estate California 

  • Black Box Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Livingston Cellars

  • Bodega Norton Reserva Lujan de Cuyo 

  • Stella Rosa

  • Sutter Home

  • Foxglove Central Coast 

  • Franzia

  • Kendall – Jackson

  • Rancho Zabaco Heritage Vines Sonoma County 

  • Ravenswood Old Vine Lodi 

  • Robert Mondavi SelKendall Jackson Vintner’s Reserve 

  • Bogle

  • Bogle Old Vine California 

  • Boone’s

  • Bota Box

  • Brancott Estate Marlborough

  • La Crema Sonoma Coast 

  • Liberty Creek

  • Ménage à Trois

  • Peter Vella

  • Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley Fumé 

  • Rodney Strong Sonoma County

5. Hard Seltzer

White Claw Hard Seltzer

It’s hard not to notice the rising popularity of hard seltzer. You’ll find many sparkling spiked drinks on almost any beer shelf at gas stations. 

These beverages, the flavors range from simple fruits like mango and grapefruit to more complex flavors like pear-elderflower or lime-lemongrass, are in abundance.

So here are must-tries hard seltzer brands that we often see in the refrigerated section of a gas station:

  • White Claw

  • Truly

  • Bud Light

  • Cacti

  • Vizzy

  • Good Company

  • Polar Seltzer

  • High Noon Sun Sips

  • Arctic Chill Hard Seltzer

  • Vista Bay

  • Coors Seltzer

  • Canteen

  • Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water

  • Natural Light Seltzer

  • Sparkling Ice Spiked Ruby Fizz

  • Corona Hard Seltzer

  • Blue Moon Light Sky

  • Twisted E

  • Smirnoff

  • Mike’s Hard Lemonade

Some Other Best Alcoholic Drinks From Gas Station

Here’s a list of the best  alcoholic drinks from gas stations that have garnered popularity for their taste, convenience, and ability to deliver a satisfying experience.

1. Malt Beverages and Flavored Beers

  • Mike’s Hard Lemonade
  • Smirnoff Ice
  • Redd’s Apple Ale
  • Twisted Tea
  • Bud Light Lime
  • Seagram’s Escapes
  • Four Loko
  • Henry’s Hard Soda
  • Not Your Father’s Root Beer
  • Angry Orchard Hard Cider

2. Mini Bottles of Spirits

  • Ketel One
  • Glenfiddich
  • Sailor Jerry
  • Hendrick’s
  • Don Julio
  • Chambord
  • Cointreau
  • Bulleit Bourbon
  • Suntory Toki
  • Disaronno

3. Non-Alcoholic Beer

  • Heineken 0.0
  • Clausthaler Dry-Hopped Non-Alcoholic
  • Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA
  • BrewDog Nanny State
  • Erdinger Weissbier Non-Alcoholic
  • Brooklyn Special Effects
  • Bitburger Drive
  • Paulaner Weissbier Non-Alcoholic
  • Beck’s Blue
  • O’Doul’s

FAQs Related to Best Gas Station Alcohol Drinks

What’s the strongest gas station alcohol?

The strongest gas station alcohols available are liquors and spirits, like single-cask whiskey, brandy, tequila, vodka, and rum [3].
The ABV is around 40% on average, which increases depending on the type and brand.
 

Do all gas stations sell alcoholic drinks?

Yes, gas stations sell alcoholic drinks, mainly beer and wine. However, some gas stations don’t sell hard liquors and spirits.
Various factors contribute to this, such as the high cost of hard liquor and the state’s regulations where the gas station is located [4].
Gas stations are also usually owned by franchises that have policies that prevent the sale of hard liquor.
 

What’s the cheapest gas station beer?

Some of the cheapest gas station beers are Pabst Blue Ribbon (around $10 per 12-pack) and Mickey’s (around $5-6 per 6-pack).

What types of alcohol are commonly found at gas stations?

Gas stations typically carry a variety of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, pre-mixed cocktails, and single-serving spirits. Popular brands and options may vary depending on the region and local regulations.

Are there any specific beer brands that are highly recommended at gas stations?

Some commonly found beer brands at gas stations include domestic favorites like Budweiser, Coors, and Miller, as well as craft beer options and imported selections. The best choice depends on individual preferences for flavor, style, and alcohol content.

Are there any pre-mixed cocktails available at gas stations?

Some gas stations may carry pre-mixed cocktails in cans or bottles, such as margaritas, vodka sodas, or rum and cola. These convenient options are ready to drink and suitable for on-the-go enjoyment.

What factors should I consider when choosing gas station alcohol?

When selecting gas station alcohol, consider factors such as taste preferences, occasion, alcohol content, and budget. It’s also important to drink responsibly and adhere to local laws and regulations regarding alcohol consumption.

Is it safe to purchase alcohol from gas stations?

Purchasing alcohol from gas stations is generally safe, but it’s essential to verify that the products are stored and handled properly. Check for freshness, seals, and any signs of damage before making a purchase. Additionally, always drink responsibly and never drink and drive.

Key Takeaways

Gas stations for fuel and snacks have transformed into unique havens for those seeking diverse libations.

Our road trip adventure allowed us to discover the best gas station alcohol drinks across various locations.

Our favorite gas station alcoholic drinks are Dogfish Head IPA, Charles Shaw, Old Forester Rye, Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA, and Jim Barry The Cover Drive.

While only some offer an extensive selection, it’s worth keeping an eye out for those that do, as they can provide a pleasant surprise for those seeking something beyond the ordinary.

What is your favorite gas station alcoholic drink? Let us know in the comments!

References:

  1. https://www.thespruceeats.com/history-of-whisky-1807685

  2. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/alcohol#

  3. https://www.britannica.com/topic/rum-liquor 

  4. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2023/06/25/alcohol-laws-by-state-us/70344352007/

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