If you’re always looking for the next great thing to throw in your cooler, you’ll want to listen closely. Lake Hour, the cocktail can brand co-founded by actor Wyatt Russell and film producer Rich Peete, just made Austin its first-ever stop in Texas. That means you can pick up a cold drink at select Austin-area retailers (or order online) right as lake season begins. The timing couldn’t be better.
What you need to know about Wyatt Russell’s canned cocktail brand Lake Hour
Lake Hour began in New York’s Finger Lakes, inspired by the relaxing, nostalgic days on the water. The cans are made with real alcohol and real juice, meaning you miss out on the artificial aftertaste that many of the ready-to-drink products leave behind. They’re also gluten-free and made with premium vodka or blanco tequila with just a pinch of cane sugar.
There’s a solid selection of flavors too. You’ll find vodka and tequila seltzers as well as vodka iced teas in flavors like: Peach Jasmine, Rosemary Yuzu, Watermelon Cucumber, Earl Gray Tea, Green Tea, Raspberry Tea and Blackberry Tea. Good luck picking a favorite.
A quick word about the guys behind the can, because the backstory is half the fun. Wyatt Russell is the actor you know from Marvel’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and this year Lightning. And yes, he is the son of Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell (he was also a professional hockey player in a previous life).
Rich Peete is a film producer whose credits include Blue ruins And The Legend of Ochi. The two became friends through their wives, who are best friends, and legend has it that Lake Hour was dreamed up in a hot tub during a family vacation. Both grew up on lakes; Wyatt in Ontario and Rich in New York State. They wanted a canned cocktail that actually tasted like the fruit on the label and not the usual sugar bomb.
Why Austin is the first city in Texas to try Lake Hour
It’s understandable why the brand chose Austin to kick off Texas. We’ve got the lakes, the heat, the live music, a food and drink scene that never stops, and a crowd that’s always ready to try something new. Fun fact: Austin has quietly become one of the largest ready-to-drink markets in the country, so a quality can of real spirits would definitely do well here.
Both founders also have a real history with the city. Wyatt has long-standing roots in Texas and has spent a lot of time in Austin, both for films and with friends. You may remember he took ours Texas This or That Quiz if the Everyone wants some The cast was present Texas Film Awards 2016.
Rich is now in town, constantly producing commercials and film projects with relationships throughout the local creative and culinary scene. According to them, Austin began to feel less like a new market and more like a natural extension of the brand.
Boating day, backyard cookout, or a 100-degree Tuesday that calls for something cold and simple? Lake Hour is worth a spot in the rotation. Look for them at select Austin retailers or online at Lakehour.com and follow them at @drinklakehour.
