I tried 50 tinnies and found the best canned drink for summer

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You know the saying ‘it’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it?’ Well, that was me last weekend.  

And you know what? If you don’t believe me, try tasting 50 cans of booze while filming it for TikTok at the same time.  

You’re probably thinking there are worse ways to spend a weekend, but bear in mind, each tinny I sampled promised to transport me to a beach, a park, a rooftop, or at least somewhere more glamourous than my office in Zone 2. And yet, here I am, still tapping away at my keyboard.  

You may think I sound like a brat, though I prefer the term ‘hero’. Because, armed with only a ring pull, a glass, a spittoon, a wing and a prayer, I bravely cracked open 50 tinnies of cocktails and wines so you don’t have to. That’s why my mouth currently tastes like a boozy Haribo factory and my gums ache like they’ve been pummelled by an impatient tooth fairy. 

I’m not looking for sympathy here, by the way. But you should know that I navigated everything from neon-hued concoctions that tasted like the ‘drinks’ I used to make as a teenager (from everything in my parents’ booze cabinet), to grown-up libations that could have been poured by a barman or sommelier.  

Why? Because I set out to show that cans aren’t just about park rosé and lukewarm lager anymore, they’re good quality drops housed in elevated aluminium. Or, at least, they’re trying to be.  

Plus, cans are low waste because of their perfect portioning, they chill quicker than glass, take up less space and are easier to sneak into places I shouldn’t mention here. Plus, aluminium is infinitely more recyclable than glass, which despite its premium image, has a surprisingly wasteful track record. I’m looking at you in particular, coloured glass.  

Anyhoo, let’s cut to the chase, what are the results of my tinny taste-off? Here are the top five cocktails, spritzes and wines with scores out of 10…

The best canned cocktails

1. Infusionist Espresso Martini, £1.39, Aldi 

Impressive, base notes, coffee, chocolate, cream, can taste the spirit.

Rating: 8.5/10 

2. Infusionist Spicy Margarita, £1.39, Aldi 

Definite spice there, can taste the tequila and some good herbaceous notes – good strength.

Rating: 8.2/10 

3. Greysons Pink Gin and Tonic, 99p, Aldi 

Overt sweetness followed by pleasant bitterness – initially jarring, abrupt but evens out.

Rating: 7.9/10

4. Sunrise Margarita, 89p, Lidl 

Very authentic nose – touch too much sweetness – good lime and tequila character.

Rating: 7.9/10 

5. Ready to Drink Gin and Light Tonic, £1.10, Sainsbury’s

Good citrus bitterness, fresh, good quality.

Rating: 7.2/10

Drinks for the spritz fans

1. Sho Gun Peach Iced Tea Sparkling Sake, £21 for 6, Sho Gun Sakes

Peach heavy but nicely tempered – balanced, dry and fresh with lovely umami notes.

Rating: 9/10 

2. Codorniu Spritz Lets Orange, £24.38, Amazon 

Subtle orange flavours, freshness, good finish.

Rating: 8.7/10 

3. Pica Pica Rose Wine Spritz, £2.48, Asda  

Very moreish, dry, strawberry, intensity, fresh.

Rating: 8.6/10 

4. La Gioisa Rosea Spritz, £3.50, Waitrose  

Lovely, candy floss and dry berry flavours, very enjoyable.

Rating: 8.4/10

5. La Gioisa White Fizz, £3.50, Waitrose 

Sherbety, not too sweet, pear and apple notes.

Rating: 8.2/10 

Wine time

1. Canned Wine Co Gruner No 1, £4.95, The Tipple Cellar 

I was nodding my head while I tasted this, which is a good thing. Full flavoured, peachy, tangerine sherbet and white pepper notes. Very, very good.

Rating: 9.2/10 

2. Vinca Organic Red Wine, £9 for a 75cl aluminium bottle from Tesco or £2.99 for a can from DELLI

Fresh berries, stalky, chocolate and cherry. Very fresh, crunchy style.

Rating: 8.9 

3. Mirabeau Prêt-à-Porter Rosé, £3.75, Waitrose 

Fresh berries and strawberries , in fact, all the berries and a creamy, dry finish.

Rating: 8.9/10 

4. Villa Maria Sauvignon, £3.75, Morrisons 

Lovely Sauvignon-like flavour cues, freshness, nettley, good finish.

Rating: 8.4 

5. Terre di Faiano Primitivo Organic, £3.75, Waitrose 

Blue fruit flavours, some dried blueberry notes and lots of charred, sweet oak.

Rating: 8.4/10

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