As the canned cocktail business evolves into a premium and competitive market showcasing flavour and quality, we’ve rounded up the top 10 tinnies on UK shelves right now.
The ready-to-drink revolution shows no sign of slowing as canned cocktails continue to expand and develop. What was once a niche category of simple G&Ts and near-flat vodka cokes has now evolved into a competitive sector characterised by premium ingredients and flavour profiles.
With consumers still opting to prioritise both portability and quality, brands in the canned cocktail sector are stepping up to deliver drinks that rival the real thing. And with such a battle for each carefully branded and aestheticised little tin to make it to the front of store shelves and liquor counters, here are the top 10.
Moth Espresso Martini
14.9% ABV
It’s difficult not to include Moth, as their full-strength tinnies have redefined the canned cocktail business. Their distinct branding is seen in partnerships with influencers and in every major UK grocer, and their commitment to quality and accessibility proves their significance within the industry. That, and the drinks taste straight off of a cocktail menu. The espresso martini is among the best sellers. With its smooth and strong cut, it’s best poured into a chilled glass to enjoy the bar-quality, foamy finish.
Moth Paloma
10% ABV
Rivaling Moth’s best sellers is their tall Paloma. Its juicy and refreshing finish proves perfect for a warm day out. Moth skips the bottom-of-the-barrel bottle and mixes with the award-winning Tequila Enemigo, introducing quality with a clear, easy, but still punchy mixed drink. Best poured in an icy high ball or simply sipped from the can, Moth’s paloma rivals most canned Tequila drinks on the market.
Whitebox Pocket Negroni
21.8%
A good negroni is hard to come by in bars as it is, so the introduction of an actually good canned negroni is more than welcome. While staying true to the classic negroni recipe using Porter’s Gin, sweet vermouth, and Italian bitter aperitif, Whitebox’s pour is as reliable as it is bitter. Best sipped (slowly) over ice, Whitebox’s poly pocket-sized serving is a testament to the quality and flavour that can be achieved in canned cocktails, given its high alcohol content.
Pimentae Spicy Margarita
14.5% ABV
London-based owners Alice & Wynter’s core mission in launching Pimentae was to “liberate the way people enjoy Tequila”. Given their popularity in stores and online, they have seemingly succeeded. Their bespoke artwork that wraps the cocktails sells, but it is the quality of the spicy margarita that delivers. Made only with Tequila, lime, chilli and agave, the multi-award-winning drink is hard to top.
Funkin Pina Colada
5% ABV
For a softer and sweeter pour is Funkin’s Pina Colada. The combination of pineapple juice and coconut water infused with nitrogen works to ensure a pleasantly creamy mouthfeel while avoiding the potentially sickly sugary aspect of a tinned pina colada.
Bombay Sapphire Gin and Tonic
6.5% ABV
Usually, a gin and tonic is the first drink that pops up in the realm of canned cocktails. G&Ts are safe bets, though sometimes underwhelming and unmemorable. But Bombay Sapphire gives classic a whole new meaning. It is strong yet zingy and herbal, reminiscent of the pick-me-up quality of the first sip of a homemade gin and tonic post-work. Poured over ice, nobody could tell the difference.
M&S Mojito
8% ABV
A mojito is always a safe bet, and M&S’s friendly and not-too-sweet tinned version hits the nail on the head for what a canned cocktail consumer might want from a refreshing, chilled drink in the park. Best served over ice for a crisp finish, the inexpensive line is certain to be returned to when browsing the stocked M&S cocktail section.
The Marksologist Rosé Negroni Spritz
14% ABV
The Marksologist selection of cocktails is a good place to go if you’re in the market for funky twists on classic cocktails. But the rosé negroni spritz proves most impressive with the combination of rosé vermouth, Italian amaro, gin and hibiscus. Maintaining its sophisticated and bitter negroni qualities, the tinnie introduces a sparkling and sweet new twist, received well when the classics become repetitive.
Bloody Drinks Classic Bloody Mary
6.3% ABV
With over 1000 five-star reviews, Bloody’s Bloody Mary is the perfect cure for a canned cocktail-induced headache. Using 58 Distillery’s triple distilled vodka, Amontillado sherry, fresh lemon juice, Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and Tabasco brand hot sauce, this bloody mary is genuinely a carefully crafted and complex canned cocktail with a perfect kick.
Borecha
0% ABV
Given the popularity of canned cocktails in recent history, it doesn’t come as a shock that the no- and low-alcohol community wants in on the trend. Ahead of this year’s dry January, Maharaja Drinks, an Indian drinks brand, has brought four of their non-alcoholic cocktails to the UK for the first time. The health-focused and high-quality drinks are worth exploring on the days when the canned cocktail section might seem a bit daunting.
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