The 2-Ingredient Trader Joe’s Cocktail I’ll Be Sipping All Summer Long

Strolling the aisles of Trader Joe’s is like a treasure hunt—you never quite know what delightful, life-improving (or at the very least, snack- or cocktail-improving) gem you’ll stumble upon. For me, that magic moment happened last year in the beverage section when I decided on a whim to toss a few cans of their Tangerine Probiotic Sparkling Beverage into my cart. Oh, how glad I am that I did!

I’ve always been a sucker for a cold bubbly drink, especially as the temperatures climb. For a while, I happily enjoyed this sparkling tangerine concoction as a simple pleasure on its own. But then, as often happens in my kitchen, curiosity struck. What if I mixed it? 

The result? I now know what I’ll be sipping all summer long. Paired with a splash of gin, it’s the simplest summer drink. The bright, tangy and subtly sweet tangerine flavor plays nicely with the gin’s earthy botanicals, and a squeeze of fresh citrus takes it over the top. But the best part? This light, bubbly drink is packed with a probiotic punch, making it the perfect summer sipper.

Why I Love Trader Joe’s Tangerine Probiotic Sparkling Beverage

This sparkling bevvy is light and refreshing. The tangerine flavor is bright and crisp, never overpowering—which is exactly what I want when the mercury rises. It has a lively fizz without being too aggressive, and it contains no added sugar! The sweetness comes from tangerine and apple juice concentrates, accounting for only 6 grams of sugar per can. This makes it a great alternative to overly sweet sodas and juices, especially since it has only 30 calories per can. 

But I really feel good about drinking it because of the live probiotic cultures it contains—specifically Bacillus coagulans, which is added post-pasteurization. Research has demonstrated this probiotic’s potential to support gastrointestinal health and weight management. Also, its stability and viability make it well-suited for incorporation into various functional foods and supplements. One caveat: The dose of any supplement needs to be considered, along with the condition it’s treating. The amount of probiotics in TJ’s drink is not disclosed on the label. For me, the ability to effortlessly and enjoyably add some gut-friendly bacteria into my routine is a huge win in my books. 

Beyond just drinking it straight, it’s easy and compatible enough to mix with low and no-alcohol spirits for a lighter take on a cocktail. The ingredients—carbonated water, fruit juice concentrates, natural flavors, citric acid and probiotics—make it a smart(er) choice. Plus, with two micrograms of Vitamin D per serving, it offers 10% of the recommended daily value, a surprising but welcome perk for a beverage. And like most Trader Joe’s finds, it’s budget-friendly, offering excellent value compared to other probiotic drinks on the market.

How to Make My 2-Ingredient Cocktail

This cocktail is so simple that it doesn’t require a recipe, but here are some guidelines to help you the first time you imbibe. 

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce gin
• 6 ounces Trader Joe’s Tangerine Probiotic Sparkling Beverage (or more or less, as desired)
• Citrus wheel (tangerine, orange, lemon or lime) for garnish, optional

Instructions:

1. Fill a chilled Collins glass (or other tall glass) about three-quarters full with ice. 
2. Pour the gin and sparkling beverage over ice and gently stir to combine. 
3. Garnish with a citrus wheel, if using, and serve immediately.

Tips for Making This Easy 2-Ingredient Cocktail

Chill everything beforehand, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Muddle a sprig of fresh mint or basil for an aromatic twist, add a few drops of orange bitters to bring complexity, and try a squeeze of fresh lime to amp up the tang. Want less alcohol? Cut the spirit to half an ounce, or skip it entirely for a probiotic mocktail that still feels special. Lastly, stir gently—you want to combine the flavors without losing all the delightful bubbles.

How to Choose Healthier Summer Drinks

Summer drinking doesn’t have to derail your wellness goals—choosing better-for-you beverages is easier than you think. The key is understanding what to look for and what to avoid. “Alcohol can be a gut disruptor by causing inflammation to the lining of the gut,” says Tami Best, M.S., RDN, CDN, IFNCP. Best adds that this can lead to damage to the intestines and other organs. Limiting your alcohol intake to one drink a day for women and two drinks for men is one of the best things you can do to limit alcohol’s negative effects.

If you do drink, here’s how to make better beverage choices: 

• Keep the mixer simple: If you forgo the probiotic drink as a mixer, make water your top choice. If plain water feels a bit dull, infuse it with berries, cucumber, citrus or fresh herbs. It’s an easy way to elevate your hydration game. 
• Add bubbles: “Sparkling, unsweetened water along with small amounts of pure fruit juice as mixers help maintain hydration and limit intake of empty calories,” says Best. 
• Go low sugar: When it comes to other mixers, Best suggests choosing options “with low or no added sugar.”

Beyond specific mixers, focus on beverages that prioritize hydration. Make water—at least in part—your foundation, embracing unsweetened teas and sparkling waters. And when you do indulge in cocktails, choose mixers that bring something beneficial to the table rather than just added sugar and artificial flavors.

Our Expert Take

A healthy, well-hydrated summer is easily within reach, and this 2-ingredient cocktail is just one way to do it. Trader Joe’s probiotic-enhanced sparkling drink is a refreshing, flavorful and health-conscious base for a simple sipper that you’ll want to keep on rotation all season long. It’s sophisticated enough for entertaining, healthy enough for everyday enjoyment and simple enough that you’ll actually make it. Here’s to summer sipping that makes you feel good about your choices.