I’m in my 30s now, which means hangovers keep me bedridden for at least three full business days. So I’ve traded margaritas for mocktails (at least most of the time), and I’m constantly on the lookout for new ways to zhuzh up a boring bevvy. After turning to social media for fun drink inspiration, I was instantly drawn to the dozens of open-can drinks that I saw folks on TikTok making.
Using one nifty tool—the Draft Top Lift Universal—they would (seemingly effortlessly) transform an ordinary soda can into a sexy, thirst-quenching beverage. The allure of the open-can drink—from a beautiful Aperol spritz–inspired drink to a root beer float cocktail—had me at hello. Alcohol-free or not, they’re downright pretty to look at, one less cup to wash, and a fun party trick to impress guests. I mean, a topless beverage sounds thrilling.
So over the course of two weeks, I tried my hand at turning nearly two-dozen cans into show-shopping mocktails. I was delighted by the results (when it all worked properly). But this wasn’t the case every time—and at one point, I even started to wonder whether a regular can opener would work just as well, if not better.
This specialty can opener removes the lids on cans, to create a topless drink.
The instructions on the packaging are laid out in three seemingly easy steps: Hook the can’s tab onto the opener’s shelf; squeeze the handle and rotate the can 360 degrees; then release the handle, and remove the top from the can. But during my testing, I discovered this wasn’t as twist-and-go as I had hoped.
Initially, I quickly skimmed the instructions on the packaging. Then, thinking I had it all down, I tossed aside the sleeve wrapped around the product, which was labeled “Stop! Scan for Video Instruction” and had an accompanying QR code. After all, I had seen tons of social media videos of folks apparently having no issues using the Lift Universal to open cans. This was my mistake.
After jumping right into opening my first can, I quickly realized that watching the one-minute video was, in fact, a must. These were my main takeaways:
- You have to align the tab with the center opening and twist 90 degrees to hook the tab on the shelf. Then you need to slide the can forward to lock it into place.
- Once it’s locked, you need to gently raise the tab and break the seal—this wasn’t noted anywhere in the instructions on the packaging.
- When you’re finally ready to start twisting, you should rotate the can in the same direction as step one, to at least 360 degrees, or until the lid is completely separated and the top stops spinning.
- Once the lid is detached, it’s safe to release the handle and remove the lid. But to ensure the lid doesn’t fall into the drink, it’s best to hold the tab with your index finger while you lift.
As you can see, these instructions are much more complicated than what’s listed on the pamphlet. And even after I revisited the instructions over and over again and watched the instructional video, I still had inconsistent results.
With the first 10 cans I opened, only four were completely successful, with a smooth, unjagged rim. Another four had a fully detached lid, but that lid fell straight to the bottom of the can. And the remaining two just didn’t really come off the entire way. I also enlisted the help of my partner (for context, he’s a build-IKEA-furniture-without-reading-the-instructions kind of guy). Surprisingly, he struggled too.
Fortunately, after a while, I started getting a hang of it, and I found that holding the can from the bottom helped prevent warping from the moderate pressure needed to make each rotation. I also found that if I over-twisted, the lid was bound to fall into the drink (which once resulted in a nicked finger as I retrieved the lid). Fortunately, I didn’t encounter any metal shards in any of my open-can drinks, which was something I was initially concerned about.
But even with the learning curve, the Draft Top Lift Universal is still better than a regular can opener for creating open-can drinks. I lined up two of each can size—8, 9, 12, and 16 ounces. Then I twisted away using the Lift Universal and my OXO Good Grips can opener. And the Lift Universal was arguably more effective than the can opener at removing the lids of varying can sizes—particularly the 8-, 9-, and 12-ounce ones.
Overall, I enjoyed drinking open-can beverages. And the Lift Universal would be a perfect gift for a host and a fun party trick for entertaining guests. I was particularly fond of making open-can floats—my favorite combo was cola with a heaping scoop of mint chip ice cream. Every time I showed my friends and family what I was testing, it was instantly met with oohs and ahhs while they were entertained by the results. They, too, agreed this thing would be great for parties.
When I deviated from mocktails or floats, I found that cracking a cold beer was much more enjoyable with the lid off—especially when it was an aromatic IPA. Plus, you can stash empty open cans and repurpose them as homes for houseplants, DIY candles, or as a place to stash your favorite pens.
It’s worth noting the Draft Top Lift Universal is a new and improved version of this company’s older model, the Draft Top Lift. Some of the Lift Universal’s improvements include opening a broader range of can sizes (from 7.5- to 25-ounce cans), and this one is made with stainless steel blades and ball bearings, for easier rotation; the previous model relied on a bushing. (Note: The term “Universal” will soon be dropped, and the product will go by “Draft Top Lift” after that.)
I love finding small ways to bring joy to mundane things, and the Draft Top Lift Universal does just that. I marveled at the cute root beer float I made for far longer than I’d like to admit. And I could waft the zesty aromas of an orange soda spiked with ginger beer much better with the lid off. Plus, you can make an extra-cold drink by sneaking a few ice cubes straight into the can.
That said, is this special opener worth the price? I fear that it may be something bound to end up in my junk drawer, after the excitement wears off and the frustration from the inconsistent results sets in. But to say I wouldn’t use the Draft Top Lift Universal again would be untrue. It will likely make a reappearance to delight company when they come around.
This article was edited by Megan Beauchamp and Maxine Builder.
