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What is the preferred sophisticated drink for this on-again, off-again summer? The canned cocktail.
And just to be clear, I’m not talking about a pre-mixed gin and tonic that’s a pale imitation of the real thing. The canned cocktails you can now find in the supermarket boast expertly mixed recipes and fancy packaging. But it’s quickly becoming a crowded market.
So, whether you’re a fan of a classic cosmo or prefer a piña colada, read on to find out which drink is worth trying this summer…
Daiquiri, a sweet and simple drink
Strawberry Daiquiri, 250ml, 5%, £1.95, morrisons.com
This strawberry daiquiri from Morrisons tastes similar to the red Starburst sweets and pairs well with a generous helping of ice and chopped berries.
If you’ve ever tried red Starburst candies with their pale pink hue and creamy strawberry texture, you’ll recognize that flavor here. A simple, guilty pleasure for those with a sweet tooth, but still with a lot going for it. Serve it with lots of ice and some chopped berries for a little something extra.
VERDICT: Sweet and simple – a well-priced drink.
3/5
Cosmopolitan with lots of sparkle
MOTH Cosmopolitan Vodka, 125ml, 14.9%, £3.95, sainsburys.co.uk
The MOTH Cosmopolitan Vodka can isn’t the most exciting option out there, but it’s satisfyingly sweet and has a refreshing hint of lime.
Cosmopolitan has a simplicity that has helped define its cult status, but it can be hard to strike the right balance. This version from MOTH does a great job: it’s not too sweet, it’s just complex enough, and it has a refreshing hint of lime. At 14.9% ABV, it’s the kind of can you’ll want after finishing work on a Friday.
VERDICT: Not the most exciting cocktail, but for cosmo fans this is the best premix on the market.
3/5
Refreshing drink at the right time
Cucumber and Pepper Margarita, 125ml, 14.5%, £4.25, waitrose.com
This cucumber margarita combines complex flavor with invigorating elegance for a supreme tasting experience.
I don’t understand why the cucumber margarita hasn’t been so popular before, considering how good this one is. Super refreshing, with the perfect balance of elderflower and cucumber with a delicious hint of agave, it’s perfect for hot summer days.
Made by female-founded brand Pimentae, which sells exclusively premium pre-mixed margaritas, it’s delicious served chilled with cucumber slices.
VERDICT: The ultimate surprise, combining complexity with invigorating elegance.
5/5
A daisy that hits hard
Marksologist Blood Orange Margarita, 150ml, 14%, £3.50, M&S, ocado.com
Marks & Spencer’s Blood Orange Margarita tastes as intense as its tin suggests.
Marks & Spencer has a huge range of pre-mixed cocktails, comprising 26 flavours, and this canned margarita is new this year.
This is a real cocktail, with a hint of 14% agave. With bold flavors of zesty, tart orange and earthy tequila, it sounds like something top brand MOTH would make. Serve with a big chunk of ice and a slice of orange.
VERDICT: Ideal for tequila lovers looking for a powerful hit of citrusy orange flavor.
4/5
A pop star’s passion for Ace Martini
Premium Passionfruit Martini Cocktail Poured, 250ml, 8%, £3.25, tesco.com
Singer Ellie Goulding’s new brand, Served, has impressed with its quality ingredients and balanced mixes. Her mojito is undoubtedly the best canned version out there, and this passion fruit martini delivers a fantastic concentration of flavour. Plus, it comes in a big can. A real treat.
VERDICT: Brilliantly balanced and excellent value for money. A brand you can trust.
4/5
Deliciously cheerful piña colada
Piña Colada Sunrise, 250 ml, 5%, 99 cents, Lidl, in-store only
Surprisingly (and thankfully) pale in the glass, this perky little piña colada tastes exceptionally good, with its alternating notes of pineapple, coconut and overall tropical deliciousness. It’s not as sweet as some, but it’s quite elegant, and for its low price, you can’t argue with that. Perfect for picnics!
VERDICT: For the price, it exceeds your expectations. 5/5
Mojito for the less alert
The Distiller Raspberry Mojito, 250ml, 4%, £1.25, asda.com
ASDA’s Raspberry Mojito, made by its own cocktail brand, The Distiller, tastes like a fruity spirit… but is still easy to drink when chilled.
The Distiller is ASDA’s own cocktail range. The Raspberry Mojito is almost fluorescent pink and tastes more like a red, fruity boozy soda than a truly mixed cocktail, with very little mint. That said, when properly chilled it’s very easy to drink. A little more fresh mint might liven it up.
VERDICT: It’s drinkable in large quantities. The price is unbeatable.
2/5
A little touch of espresso martini
Funkin Nitro Cocktails Espresso Martini, 200ml, 5%, £2.20, tesco.com
Funkin Nitro canned drinks can be a bit of a mixed bag, and this espresso martini is… almost delicious. It has an authentic coffee flavor and a nice hint of alcohol, but it’s a bit sweet and light, with a foam that disappears quickly.
VERDICT: A quiet drink that saves work but leaves you wanting more.
2/5
