How to Choose a Premium Canned Cocktail in the UK
Ready-to-drink cocktails are booming for one simple reason: people want proper drink quality without the measuring, mess, or “why does this taste weird?” experiments. But “premium” can mean anything from genuinely delicious to oddly sweet and a bit… flat.
This is the 60-second checklist I use to separate the good cans from the disappointments. If you want the full deep-dive version, we’ve also got a complete buying guide here.
What “premium” actually means (it’s not just price)
- A proper base (clean, smooth, not harsh)
- Balance (sweetness, acidity, flavour that finishes clean)
- Real taste (not “perfume-y” or artificial)
- A serve that holds up (aroma, mouthfeel, fizz when poured)
The 9-point checklist for choosing a premium canned cocktail
Use this online, in-store, or when someone turns up with a multipack and says “trust me”.
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Start with the base
Look for clarity on what the drink is built on. If a brand is vague, it’s usually not a great sign.
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Check the ABV for the occasion
Higher ABV isn’t automatically “better”. It’s about fit: lighter session drinks vs a proper night-in pour. Always drink responsibly.
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Scan the ingredients like a normal person
You don’t need to be a label nerd. You’re just looking for real juice / real flavour cues vs a long list that screams “artificial”.
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Beware the sugar-bomb
The fastest way a can stops feeling premium is when it’s cloyingly sweet. A good cocktail makes you want the second sip.
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Balance matters more than “big flavour”
Great canned cocktails nail sweet + sharp + (sometimes) a touch of bitterness. That balance is what makes it feel like a proper drink, not a fizzy sweet.
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Carbonation isn’t decoration
Fizz lifts aroma and keeps the finish clean. Too flat (or too aggressive) and it’s instantly less enjoyable.
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Can size should match a real serve
A 250ml can often pours like one generous drink when served well. If you like a quick units guide (approx):
- 250ml at 12.5% ABV ≈ 3.1 UK units
- 250ml at 13.5% ABV ≈ 3.4 UK units
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The “pour test” (cheat code)
If it’s genuinely good, it gets better when poured into a glass: more aroma, better texture, more “cocktail bar” feel.
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The value check: price per serve + confidence
Ask two quick questions: “Would I happily pay this per glass?” and “Does the brand explain what it is clearly, without hiding behind buzzwords?”
How to make any premium can taste even better (30 seconds)
- Chill it properly (cold can = cleaner taste)
- Use a glass (wine glass or coupe for aroma)
- Ice matters (fewer, bigger cubes beat loads of tiny ones)
- Garnish once (orange peel, lemon peel, or frozen berries)
FAQs
Are canned cocktails actually good?
Yes — the best ones are genuinely excellent. The category’s grown fast, so there’s a big gap between “fine” and “wow”. Use the checklist above and you’ll avoid most disappointments.
What’s the difference between RTD, premixed and canned cocktails?
They’re often used interchangeably. In practice, RTD / premixed usually means it’s designed to be enjoyed straight away: open, pour, enjoy.
How many drinks is a 250ml can?
Typically one generous serve in a glass. ABV and units vary, so always check the label.
Do canned cocktails need a mixer?
Not if they’re made properly. A splash of soda can lighten it, but it shouldn’t need “fixing”.
Ready for the easy premium pour?
If you want premium taste without the faff, start with cans designed to be poured, garnished, and enjoyed like a proper drink.