Pocket mixology: the best canned cocktails
From hard seltzers made with 'wonky' limes to melon-flavoured spicy margaritas, these are the most refreshing pre-mixed tins

For bar-quality drinks without the hassle of assembling an at-home mixology kit, canned cocktails are a gift. Ideal for sipping on the go or bundling into your bag for a trip just about anywhere (festivals, camping trips, picnics… the list goes on), pre-mixed cocktails are having a moment.
Marks & Spencer's classic "gin in a tin" has long been the "go-to choice" when it comes to ready-to-drink cocktails, said Joel Harrison in The Telegraph. The British retailer has been expanding its offering and, this year alone, expects to sell 14.6 million cans. But there has also been a slew of smaller brands cropping up in recent years including London's Moth Drinks and Blake Lively's newly released Betty Booze range.
While "we're not knocking a trusty G&T tinny", said Abha Shah in the London Evening Standard, brands are increasingly going the "extra mile", adding "innovative and exotic" offerings to their pre-mixed can collections.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Tequila is "without a doubt the ongoing gem of the spirits world", said The Telegraph, and many of the top brands have leapt on the "trending drink of the summer": the Paloma, a heady mix of tequila, lime juice and grapefruit soda.
Here are some of the most refreshing canned cocktails to try this summer.
Whitebox: Pocket Negroni
At just 100ml, this "dinky" negroni is among the smallest canned cocktails out there, but it "packs an almighty punch", said The Telegraph. A refreshing blend of Porter's gin, sweet vermouth and bitter aperitif, the flavours are expertly balanced; it's no surprise the company was founded by a team of "world-class" bartenders.
£60, box of 12, whiteboxcocktails.com
Mixtons: Spicy Melons
"Move over spicy margarita," said the London Evening Standard, "there's a new thirst-busting sheriff in town". Mixtons' Spicy Melons is "sweeter and less acidic" than the classic cocktail: the hint of watermelon is perfect for balancing out the tequila and chilli kick.
£42, box of 12, mixtons.com
M&S: Marksologist Pink Grapefruit Paloma
Delivering a "kick" despite its tiny size, M&S's newly released paloma mixes tequila, pink grapefruit liqueur, pink grapefruit juice and agave syrup, said Daisy Lester in The Independent. It's a "holiday in a can", ideal for drinks in the park or a trip to the beach.
£3.50 per can, ocado.com
Served: Lime Hard Seltzer
Co-founded by popstar Ellie Goulding, Served set up shop just as hard seltzers were exploding in popularity, said The Telegraph. The brand's lime hard seltzer is a "slightly more health-conscious" cocktail that's essentially "alcoholic sparkling water with a flavoursome twist" and is made with "wonky" limes that would otherwise have been binned.
£27, box of 12, serveddrinks.co.uk
Edinburgh Gin: Rhubarb & Ginger with Ginger Ale
Tonic water is swapped for a "hearty glug" of ginger ale in this "fruit-laden" gin liqueur-based cocktail, said the London Evening Standard. An excellent summer tipple, the sweetness of rhubarb is balanced with a fiery hint of ginger and tang of citrus.
£27, box of 12, edinburghgin.com
Moth Drinks: Margarita
Moth cocktails bring the kind of calibre you would expect to find at a "swanky London bar", said Rob Buckhaven in Metro. The classic margarita can mixes "zesty" notes of fresh lime with "herbaceous" tequila; "the quality of the ingredients is evident on the first sip".
£39, box of 12, mothdrinks.com
Bloody Drinks: Bloody Mary
Bloody Marys have a "Marmite" reputation, said The Independent. Fortunately we love them – and Bloody Drinks' can is "just as tasty as versions quaffed at a bar". Tomato juice is blended with 58 Distillery's triple-distilled vodka, Amontillado sherry, fresh lemon, Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce and a dash of Tabasco for a cocktail that's "seasoned to perfection".
£39, box of 12, bloodydrinks.co.uk
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Irenie Forshaw is a features writer at The Week, covering arts, culture and travel. She began her career in journalism at Leeds University, where she wrote for the student newspaper, The Gryphon, before working at The Guardian and The New Statesman Group. Irenie then became a senior writer at Elite Traveler, where she oversaw The Experts column.
-
Today's political cartoons - March 15, 2025
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - bogged down, incident report, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Norway's windfall: should it go to Ukraine?
Talking Point Oil-based wealth fund is intended 'for future generations of Norwegians', but Putin's war poses an existential threat
By The Week UK Published
-
5 government-backed cartoons about the White House Tesla sale
Cartoons Artists take on Cybertrump, Trumpmobile, and more
By The Week US Published
-
10 concert tours to see this spring
The Week Recommends As winter comes to an end, check out a variety of live performances
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
TV to watch in March, including 'The Studio' and 'Paul American'
The Week Recommends A true crime story adaptation, a reality show about the ultra-American Paul brothers and a new late night series from John Mulaney
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published
-
Movies to watch in March, including 'Mickey 17' and 'The Woman in the Yard'
The Week Recommends The much-anticipated 'Parasite' follow-up, a new Jaume Collet-Serra horror and a bizarro parenthood trial
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold, The Week US Published
-
5 books to read this March to reset your existence right in time for spring
The Week Recommends Another 'Hunger Games' prequel, a eye opening look at lives of the 'working homeless' and more
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Skip southern Utah for the rugged majesty of Grand Junction, Colorado
The Week Recommends Explore mountains and mesas, without the crowds
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Sleep like you are in a gallery at these art-filled hotels
The Week Recommends Prepare to be inspired
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The best body horror movies of the last half-century
The Week Recommends If 'The Substance' piqued your interest, these other films will likely be your speed
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
6 excellent sleeping bags for campers seeking comfort
The Week Recommends Have sweet dreams in these snug bags
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published