Your Guide to Ready-to-Drink Cocktails in the UK

The convenience of ready to drink cocktails is undeniable. The promise of a perfectly mixed drink without the fuss of shakers, measures and multiple ingredients is a tempting offer for picnics, parties or a simple evening at home. However, the growing market for these canned cocktails is filled with options that can easily disappoint, leaving you with a drink that’s more reminiscent of a sugary soft drink than a satisfying cocktail.

Before you fill your basket, it’s worth knowing about a few common pitfalls. Many shoppers find themselves let down by pre-mixed cocktails that fall into these traps:

1. The Syrupy Sweetness Trap: A common complaint is an overpowering, cloying sweetness. This is often a result of high sugar content or a heavy reliance on artificial sweeteners, used to mask a low-quality base spirit or a lack of genuine fruit flavour. The result is an unbalanced drink with a lingering, unpleasant aftertaste.
2. The "Barely-There" Alcohol Deception: You expect a cocktail, but what you get feels more like a flavoured water. Some alcoholic drinks cans have a very low ABV (Alcohol By Volume), which might not deliver the experience you’re looking for and can represent poor value for what should be a spirit-based drink.
3. The Artificial Flavour Aftertaste: Vague terms like "natural flavourings" can hide a multitude of sins. Many lower-quality options use synthetic-tasting concentrates that fail to capture the authentic zest of a lime or the richness of real coffee, leaving a distinct chemical note on the palate.

How to Choose a Genuinely Good Canned Cocktail

To avoid disappointment, focusing on a few key details on the label can make all the difference. These are the non-negotiable factors to check before you buy.

1. Base Spirit and ABV

The foundation of any good cocktail is the spirit. Look for RTD cocktails that proudly name their base alcohol. A can that specifies it’s made with a particular brand of gin or rum is generally a better sign than one that simply lists "vodka" or "alcohol".

The ABV is equally important. This tells you the percentage of alcohol in the drink.

• 3-4% ABV: These are lighter, often more "sessionable" drinks, suitable for a casual afternoon or if you prefer a less potent beverage.
• 5-7% ABV: This is a common and respectable strength for many classic pre-mixed cocktails like a canned gin and tonic, offering a good balance of flavour and alcohol presence.
• 8%+ ABV: These are typically positioned as "bar-strength" serves. They deliver a more authentic cocktail experience and are often crafted with a double measure of spirits.

2. Sweeteners and Real Ingredients

Always scan the ingredients list. The presence of real fruit juice or "juice from concentrate" is a positive indicator of authentic flavour. Be wary of products that only list "flavourings" high up on the list with no mention of actual fruit.

Also, note the type of sweetener. While some use sugar, many use artificial sweeteners like sucralose or acesulfame K to keep calorie counts down. This isn't necessarily bad, but it can contribute to the artificial aftertaste that some people dislike. A drink with a lower sugar content that doesn't rely heavily on sweeteners often provides a cleaner, crisper taste.

3. Format and Occasion

Consider how you plan to enjoy your drinks. A single cocktail in a can is perfect for trying a new flavour or for a quiet night in. For larger events like a BBQ or festival, a party drinks multipack offers better value and convenience, ensuring you have enough to go around.

Our Top Product Recommendations

To help you navigate the choices, we've matched a few standout options to different needs and preferences.

MATCH FOR: The Relaxed Evening Refresher

Asahi Slat White Peach Sour 350ml

Why This Fits Their Persona: This is ideal for someone seeking a light, low-alcohol drink to unwind with after work. It's not about replicating a strong cocktail, but about providing a refreshing, flavourful and easy-drinking experience for a casual moment.

How It Avoids the Trap

Its 'sour' profile provides a tart crispness that directly counters the syrupy sweetness trap. The low 3% ABV is a deliberate feature for this type of light, refreshing drink, not a deceptive flaw.

Key Advantage & Pros

Features a unique Japanese-style sour flavour profile blended with real peach juice. It's light-bodied with lively carbonation for a clean finish.

MATCH FOR: The Cocktail Connoisseur

Served Espresso Martini 125ml

Why This Fits Their Persona: For those who appreciate a genuine cocktail experience and are willing to invest in quality. This is for someone who wants the rich, complex taste of a bar-made Espresso Martini without any of the effort.

How It Avoids the Trap

It shatters the 'barely-there' ABV trap with a potent 14.9% ABV. It also avoids the artificial flavour pitfall by using premium French vodka, cold brew coffee and coffee liqueur for an authentic taste.

Key Advantage & Pros

Delivers a genuine bar-strength cocktail experience. Made with 100% natural, gluten-free and vegan-friendly ingredients.

MATCH FOR: The Social Gathering Organiser

BACARDI Mojito RTD Canned Cocktail, 12x25cl

Why This Fits Their Persona: Perfect for the party host who needs a reliable, crowd-pleasing option. This premixed mojito multipack is convenient for BBQs and gatherings, offering a classic cocktail flavour from a brand guests will recognise and trust.

How It Avoids the Trap

It uses a named, quality spirit (BACARD? Carta Blanca Rum) and natural lime and mint flavours, steering clear of the generic alcohol and artificial taste pitfalls. The 5% ABV is a solid middle-ground for social drinking.

Key Advantage & Pros

Comes in a convenient 12-can party drinks multipack. Offers a consistent and recognisable flavour that is cool, crisp and refreshing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do ready to drink cocktails last?

Unopened canned cocktails are shelf-stable and typically last for many months, often over a year. Always check for a "best before" date printed on the base of the can for specific guidance. Once opened, they are best consumed immediately, especially if carbonated, to enjoy them at their freshest.

Do you need to add anything to canned cocktails?

They are designed to be enjoyed straight from the can, which is part of their appeal. However, for an elevated experience, you can certainly serve them chilled, pour them over a glass of ice and add a simple garnish. For example, a wedge of lime in a gin and tonic or a sprig of mint in a mojito can enhance the aroma and flavour.

Are RTD cocktails good value for money?

This depends on what you prioritise. If you were to buy full-sized bottles of all the spirits, liqueurs and mixers needed for a single cocktail, the initial outlay would be high. RTD cocktails offer excellent value in terms of convenience, portion control and the ability to sample different drinks without commitment. To assess the value of a specific product, consider its ABV, the quality of its ingredients and the can size.

Written by Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer