Canned Cocktails vs Traditional Cocktails
Canned cocktails make serving simple. Freshly mixed cocktails give you more freedom to adjust the recipe and presentation. The right choice depends on the drinks you enjoy, your budget and how much preparation you want to do.
Use this guide to compare taste, cost and convenience for parties, weddings and relaxed hosting.
Canned or freshly mixed: a quick comparison
| Factor | Canned cocktails | Freshly mixed cocktails |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Chill and serve; add a glass, ice or garnish if you like. | Measure and mix ingredients, with equipment and preparation to suit the recipe. |
| Taste | A set recipe: choose a flavour and strength you enjoy. | Adjust sweetness, strength and ingredients to individual preferences. |
| Cost | Divide the pack price by the number of cans, then include delivery and serving extras. | Allow for spirits, mixers, garnishes, ice and any bar staff or equipment. |
| Hosting | Less mixing during the event, with portions ready to serve. | A hands-on experience, with time needed to prepare each round. |
| Storage | Follow the label for storage and best-before guidance. | Store each ingredient correctly and plan for opened mixers and fresh produce. |
Which tastes better?
There is no single winner. Taste depends on the recipe, ingredients, serving temperature and your own preferences. A can is convenient when you already know which flavour you enjoy. Mixing to order lets you change a recipe, choose a different spirit or use a fresh garnish.
If you are buying for a group, try the drinks before placing a larger order. Check the alcohol content, serving size and ingredient information on the product page and packaging; two drinks described as cocktails may be very different.
Gasm's Plum cans and Sloeberry cans are 250ml gin-infused fizz options. Choose by the flavour you prefer and serve according to the label.
How to compare the real cost
Start with the current selling price. For cans, divide the pack price by the number of cans. For a freshly mixed drink, work out how many servings your bottles and mixers will make using your chosen recipe.
Then include delivery, ice, garnishes, glasses, equipment and any staff costs. Compare serving sizes and alcohol content as well as price: a small mixed drink and a larger canned drink are not automatically equivalent.
Buying ingredients can work well when you already have a stocked drinks cupboard. Cans can make budgeting easier when you want a fixed number of ready-to-serve drinks. Neither format is always cheaper.
Choose drinks to suit the occasion
- Parties and relaxed hosting: cans reduce preparation while freshly mixed drinks can be part of the entertainment.
- Weddings and larger events: discuss service, chilling space, glassware and any corkage with your venue before ordering.
- Picnics and outdoor plans: check the venue's alcohol and packaging rules, keep drinks suitably chilled and take empty packaging away.
- Small gatherings: mixing a favourite recipe can work well when you have time to prepare and serve it.
You can also combine formats: offer a small choice of ready-to-serve drinks alongside a freshly mixed option. Make alcohol-free drinks and water easy to find.
Planning a wedding? Use our wedding drinks quantity guide to calculate fizz for a toast or reception.
Find your next pour
Choose cans when simple serving is your priority, and freshly mixed cocktails when you want to customise each drink. Before buying, check the flavour, pack size, alcohol content, ingredients and current price.
Explore Gasm cocktail cans, browse mixed cases or take a look at our bottles for another serving option.
For help choosing quantities or drinks for an event, contact Gasm.