BuzzBallz are ready-to-drink cocktails that come in spherical bottles. They contain between 13.5% to 15% alcohol by volume. The amount of alcohol in a BuzzBallz varies based on the flavor.
What is a BuzzBallz?
A BuzzBallz is a plastic sphere or ball-shaped bottle that contains a ready-to-drink cocktail. BuzzBallz were launched in 2009 by Merrilee Kick of Dallas, Texas. The ball-shaped bottles help distinguish BuzzBallz from other ready-to-drink cocktails.
BuzzBallz come in a variety of flavors including margaritas, daiquiris, martinis, and more. They are available in both single-serve and larger bottles. The single-serve BuzzBallz contain 16 oz of cocktail, while the larger bottles contain 32 oz or 64 oz.
Some of the most popular BuzzBallz flavors include:
- Margarita BuzzBallz
- Mojito BuzzBallz
- Cosmopolitan BuzzBallz
- Watermelon Martini BuzzBallz
- Chocolate Martini BuzzBallz
The cocktails are premixed and ready to drink straight from the ball-shaped bottle. BuzzBallz use real spirits like rum, vodka, tequila, and gin mixed with real fruit juices. They have a thicker consistency more like a slushy or smoothie cocktail.
Alcohol Content of BuzzBallz
Most BuzzBallz cocktails contain between 13.5% to 15% alcohol by volume (ABV). This is equivalent to about 27 to 30 proof.
For comparison, regular beer is around 4-6% ABV, table wine is around 11-15% ABV, and a typical liquor like rum or vodka is 40% ABV or 80 proof.
So at 13.5-15% ABV, BuzzBallz contain a significant amount of alcohol, but less than a full-strength cocktail made with liquor. Their alcohol content is more similar to wine.
The exact alcohol percentage varies slightly based on BuzzBallz flavor:
| BuzzBallz Flavor | Alcohol by Volume |
|---|---|
| Margarita | 13.5% |
| Mojito | 13.5% |
| Cosmopolitan | 13.5% |
| Watermelon Martini | 15% |
| Chocolate Martini | 15% |
As you can see, the Watermelon and Chocolate Martinis are the strongest at 15% ABV. The Margarita, Mojito, and Cosmo have slightly less at 13.5%. But they all contain a significant amount of alcohol.
Standard Drink Equivalents
To understand how much alcohol is actually in a BuzzBallz, it helps to look at “standard drink” equivalents.
A standard drink is defined as one that contains 0.6 oz of pure alcohol. In the United States, the standard drink amounts are:
- 12 oz regular beer (5% ABV) = 1.2 oz alcohol
- 5 oz table wine (12% ABV) = 0.6 oz alcohol
- 1.5 oz distilled spirits (40% ABV) = 0.6 oz alcohol
So how many “standard drinks” are in a 16 oz BuzzBallz?
| BuzzBallz Flavor | Alcohol by Volume | Alcohol per 16 oz BuzzBallz | Standard Drinks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Margarita | 13.5% | 2.2 oz alcohol | 3.6 |
| Mojito | 13.5% | 2.2 oz alcohol | 3.6 |
| Cosmopolitan | 13.5% | 2.2 oz alcohol | 3.6 |
| Watermelon Martini | 15% | 2.4 oz alcohol | 4 |
| Chocolate Martini | 15% | 2.4 oz alcohol | 4 |
As shown in the table:
- The 13.5% ABV flavors contain 2.2 oz of pure alcohol per 16 oz BuzzBallz.
- The 15% ABV flavors contain 2.4 oz of pure alcohol.
- In standard drink equivalents, the 13.5% ABV BuzzBallz are about 3.6 standard drinks.
- The 15% ABV flavors equal 4 standard drinks.
So each 16 oz ready-to-drink BuzzBallz cocktail contains between 3 to 4 standard drink equivalents. This is a significant amount of alcohol.
How Many Shots are in a BuzzBallz?
Another way to conceptualize the alcohol content is to compare it to shots of liquor.
A typical shot is around 1.5 oz of distilled spirits, or one standard drink equivalent.
So how many “shots” worth of alcohol are in a BuzzBallz?
- The 13.5% ABV flavors contain 2.2 oz alcohol, which equals about 1.5 shots
- The 15% ABV flavors contain 2.4 oz alcohol, or about 1.6 shots
So each 16 oz BuzzBallz contains approximately 1.5 to 1.6 shots worth of pure alcohol.
Again, this demonstrates that BuzzBallzs pack a serious amount of alcohol into each ready-to-drink cocktail. The alcohol content is equivalent to more than one shot.
BuzzBallz Alcohol Content Per Ounce
We can also calculate the alcohol concentration in BuzzBallz “per ounce” to see how it compares to other standard drinks.
| Drink | Alcohol by Volume | Alcohol per Ounce |
|---|---|---|
| Beer (12oz) | 5% ABV | 0.42% |
| Wine (5oz) | 12% ABV | 2.4% |
| Spirits (1.5oz) | 40% ABV | 26.7% |
| BuzzBallz (13.5% ABV) | 13.5% ABV | 0.84% |
| BuzzBallz (15% ABV) | 15% ABV | 0.94% |
Looking at alcohol concentration per ounce:
- Beer has about 0.42% alcohol per ounce
- Wine has 2.4% alcohol per ounce
- A spirit like vodka is 26.7% alcohol per ounce
- BuzzBallz (13.5% ABV) is 0.84% alcohol per ounce
- BuzzBallz (15% ABV) is 0.94% per ounce
So while the alcohol content of BuzzBallz is lower than spirits per ounce, it contains a higher concentration than beer or wine per ounce.
This demonstrates why BuzzBallz can quickly intoxicate drinkers – each ounce packs a serious punch. The alcohol content is closer to a spirit than a beer or wine.
How BuzzBallz Compare to Other Ready-to-Drink Beverages
BuzzBallz stand out for their high alcohol content compared to other ready-to-drink cocktails and coolers.
Here’s how BuzzBallz alcohol content stacks up against other canned cocktails and seltzers:
| Beverage | Alcohol by Volume |
|---|---|
| BuzzBallz | 13.5-15% ABV |
| Cutwater Spirits Cocktails (various flavors) | 14-15% ABV |
| High Noon Hard Seltzer | 4.5% ABV |
| White Claw Hard Seltzer | 5% ABV |
| Truly Hard Seltzer | 5% ABV |
| Bud Light Seltzer | 5% ABV |
The only ready-to-drink cocktails that come close to BuzzBallz’s alcohol percentage are some of Cutwater’s canned cocktails, which are between 14-15% ABV.
By comparison, popular hard seltzers like White Claw, Truly, and High Noon range from just 4.5-5% ABV.
So BuzzBallz really stand out in the ready-to-drink category for having an exceptionally high alcohol content. This allows them to provide a serious alcoholic punch in a convenient package.
How Many BuzzBallz to Get Drunk?
Due to their high alcohol percentage for a ready-to-drink beverage, it does not take many BuzzBallz to become intoxicated.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the average adult female metabolizes alcohol at a rate of 0.58 grams per hour per kilogram of body weight. For a 130 lb (59 kg) woman, that equates to burning off around 0.33 standard drinks per hour.
For the average adult male who metabolizes alcohol at 0.68 grams per hour per kilogram of body weight, a 160 lb (72.6 kg) man can burn off approximately 0.38 standard drinks per hour.
Given that a single 16 oz BuzzBallz contains between 3 to 4 standard drink equivalents, consuming just one BuzzBallz would likely put many people over the legal driving limit of 0.08% blood alcohol content.
Here are some general guidelines on the number of BuzzBallz required to become intoxicated, depending on sex and body weight:
| Body Weight | # BuzzBallz to Become Intoxicated |
|---|---|
| 100 lb Female | 1 |
| 130 lb Female | 1 – 1.5 |
| 150 lb Male | 1 – 1.5 |
| 200 lb Male | 1.5 – 2 |
As shown in the table:
- Females under 130 lbs are likely to become intoxicated after consuming just one 16 oz BuzzBallz
- Heavier females around 150 lbs may need 1 to 1.5 BuzzBallz to become intoxicated
- Most males around 150-200 lbs would become intoxicated after 1 to 2 BuzzBallz
Of course, alcohol tolerance varies significantly person to person. But in general, it does not take much more than a single BuzzBallz to exceed the legal alcohol limit for driving.
BuzzBallz have an exceptionally high alcohol percentage for a ready-to-drink beverage. Just one BuzzBallz contains between 3-4 standard drinks worth of alcohol.
So it’s important to be aware of their strong alcohol content before consuming BuzzBallz. They should be enjoyed slowly and responsibly.
Tips for Drinking BuzzBallz Responsibly
Here are some tips for consuming BuzzBallz responsibly:
- Drink slowly – BuzzBallz go down easy but pack a big punch. Pace yourself by sipping them over time.
- Eat food – Consuming BuzzBallz on an empty stomach will make the effects hit harder and faster.
- Stay hydrated – Drink water between sips to stay hydrated and slow down consumption.
- Don’t drive – Due to their high alcohol percentage, do not operate vehicles after consuming BuzzBallz.
- Set limits – Decide on a safe number of servings before drinking and stick to it.
- Avoid mixing – Don’t combine BuzzBallz with additional alcoholic drinks to prevent going overboard.
BuzzBallz provide a fun and flavorful way to enjoy delicious cocktails. But keep their strong alcohol content in mind with each serving. Following responsible drinking tips can ensure an enjoyable and safe buzz from these boozy balls.
Conclusion
BuzzBallz stand out in the ready-to-drink cocktail world for their exceptionally high 13.5-15% alcohol content. Each 16 oz BuzzBallz contains between 3-4 standard drink equivalents – which is like consuming 1.5 shots worth of liquor.
Due to the high alcohol concentration, it does not take many BuzzBallz to become intoxicated. Consuming more than one may put most people over the legal alcohol limit for driving.
To enjoy BuzzBallz responsibly, pace yourself by sipping slowly, eating food, staying hydrated, and setting intake limits. Their boozy punch can provide a fun buzz when consumed carefully.
So next time you pop open one of these ball-shaped cocktails, be sure to respect their seriously high alcohol percentage. A little BuzzBallz can go a long way!
