The absolute explosion of canned cocktails in the U.S. can’t be missed. You’ll see the ads online, and the shelves in any grocery store’s alcohol aisle are packed with names like Cutwater, High Noon, and Golden Rule.
And while they aren’t exactly cheap—most canned cocktails average between $3 and $6 a can—they’re still more affordable than the $10+ cocktails you’d pay for at a bar.
That makes them a tempting choice for anyone wanting to pregame before heading out.
But one woman says that strategy didn’t exactly go to plan—and she ended up with a bruise to prove it.
The canned drinks that…caused a bruise?
TikTok user Dominique Bisson (@dominiquebisson) posted a video that quickly earned over 8 million views.
In it, she films herself with a clearly visible purple bruise just above her upper lip.
“Oh, what’s this you ask?” she says, pointing at the mark. “I had one Cutwater lemon drop martini, and the rest is history.”
She added in the caption: “What do they put in cut water like I need answers.”
No, it wasn’t an allergic reaction
In a follow-up video, Bisson explained what actually happened.
With only about 15 minutes to get ready before heading out somewhat last minute, she decided to crack open a Cutwater Lemon Drop Martini—without eating anything first.
Not long after, she said she had two more drinks at a pregame. So, in total: one 11% ABV cocktail, plus two more drinks, on an empty stomach.
“I didn’t really check the ABV,” she admitted. “I don’t really drink like that.”
Apparently, she blacked out soon after. She doesn’t remember the night at all—but according to friends, she tripped off the outdoor stairs and faceplanted onto the pavement on her way out.
What’s actually in a Cutwater Lemon Drop Martini?
Cutwater canned cocktails range from 7% to 13% ABV.
The Lemon Drop Martini sits at 11%, which is the alcohol equivalent of about three beers, three glasses of wine, or three full shots of vodka.
That’s a lot to take in at once—especially if you haven’t eaten.
Many users in the comments pointed out that canned cocktails like Cutwater can be deceiving. They don’t look intimidating, but some pack as much alcohol as a full cocktail bar pour.
Most people don’t stop to check the ABV label before drinking, which can lead to taking in much more alcohol than they planned.
@dominique_bisson What do they put in cut water like I need answers
♬ original sound – Dominique Bisson
Commenters relate—and warn others
Plenty of people had their own cautionary tales about Cutwater drinks.
“Also personally victimized by cut water,” one person said.
Another wrote, “Yeah I once drank 2 cutwaters back to back b4 a RHCP concert & to this day I’ve still never seen RHCP in concert.”
“Are cutwaters the new four lokos pre lawsuit,” someone else asked.
“OK, I’ve seen like 10 cutwater videos in the last three days,” said a fourth. “What is happening? I don’t even drink, but I didn’t think they were that strong. I feel like I’ve had one or two in my life and it hasn’t ruined me. Are they stronger?”
The Mary Sue has reached out to Cutwater via a contact form on their website, and Bisson via email for official comment.
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