SUMMER is coming, which can only mean one thing: tinnies in the park.
While I love a cocktail, the idea of buying several different types of alcohol and mixers and then spending 10 minutes making a single drink doesn’t appeal to me.
Whether you fancy an exotic Pina Colada, a sweet and fruity Mojito or a tart Margarita – there’s plenty on offer on the high street.
As a former bartender, I like to think I know a thing or two about balancing flavors, which is why I’ve tested a variety of canned cocktails to see which ones are worth adding to your picnic basket.
But getting a delicious cocktail doesn’t have to be expensive (despite what your favorite bar might say), with Aldi selling them for just 99 cents.
As always, if you’re enjoying a drink, remember to drink responsibly.
5
Gin and tonic
M&S Extra Dry Gin & Tonic
As Gin is one of the UK’s favorite spirits, it made sense to give canned versions a try.
This is definitely a extra dry gin which is impressive when it comes to flavor.
If you’re a big G&T lover in the summer, this is for you, but for those like me who aren’t a fan of the flavor, stay away.
- Taste: 4/10
- Value: 3/10
- Overall score: 7/20
Sainsbury’s Raspberry Rhubarb Gin and Tonic
This had a really Cool light fruity flavor for those who want a twist the classic cocktail.
The raspberry comes through but doesn’t harm the gin and is very reasonably priced.
- Taste: 6/10
- Value: 8/10
- Overall score: 14/20
Waitrose Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb and Ginger
The average price of £2.30 is justified by the balanced flavor of the Rhubarb and ginger which gives the cocktail a pleasant heat.
As someone who hates gin, this was something I could enjoy during a hot, sunny day.
- Taste: 8/10
- Value: 7/10
- Overall score: 15/20
Winner: Waitrose
5
Piña Colada
M&S Pina Colada
Perfectly balanced in every way. This M&S drink It’s the right mix of a creamy texture without being cloying.
The pineapple and coconut are well balanced and as I look for it every summer, I can’t help but try it.
As someone who hates gin, this was something I could enjoy during a hot, sunny day.
- Taste: 9/10
- Value: 7/10
- Overall score: 16/20
Aldi Cocobay Pina Colada
For just 99 cents you can transport yourself to a tropical paradise, for about ten minutes or so.
That Aldi cocktail It has a much higher pineapple flavor profile, so it seems more fruity than creamy, but for the price it’s not bad.
- Taste: 5/10
- Value: 9/10
- Overall score: 14/20
Morrison’s Pina Colada
I was pleasantly surprised by this little tin, the flavors were really good and it had the creamy texture you want in a Piña Colada.
It loses a few points because although it tastes similar to M&S – it doesn’t quite get there with the punch of flavor.
- Taste: 7/10
- Value: 8/10
- Overall score: 15/20
Sainsbury’s Pina Colada £1.25
For me, it lacked any kind of creamy coconut flavor that you would normally expect from tropical drink.
While it wasn’t inedible, there is definitely something better to be found.
- Taste: 3/10
- Value: 7/10
- Overall score: 10/20
Winner: M&S
5
Raspberry Blends
Morrison’s Raspberry Mojito
As refreshing as it was, I’m afraid not a single raspberry made it into the tin.
The flavor was that of a regular Mojito and don’t surprise me.
- Taste: 3/10
- Value: 5/10
- Overall score: 8/20
Aldi Raspberry Crush
If you don’t like the taste of alcohol, you might like this Aldi mixed drink.
Made with vodka, lemonade and raspberries it tastes like flavored sparkling water and is easy to drink.
The flavor was that of a regular Mojito and don’t surprise me.
- Taste: 4/10
- Value: 7/10
- Overall score: 20/11
Sainsbury’s Raspberry Mojito £1.25
Sainsbury’s blend has a refreshing balance of minty qualities and fruity raspberry.
The price is also considered a win.
- Taste: 7/10
- Value: 8/10
- Overall score: 15/20
IN pink Passion Star Martini
I was hoping this would be a good twist on the porn star Martini with an additional fruity touch thanks to raspberry.
Instead, the main note I got was vanilla and it was very overpowering.
- Taste: 5/10
- Value: 5/10
- Overall score: 10/20
Winner: Sainsbury’s
5
The black sheep
Waitrose Pimm’s No.1 and lemonade
The classic Pimm’s It’s almost essential for the British summer, but it might be worth making the extra effort to make it cool.
While it was okay, the canned cocktail lacked the freshness of the fruit and cucumber—which is obviously the part that elevates Pimm’s flavor.
- Taste: 4/10
- Value: 5/10
- Overall score: 9/20
Morrison’s Lamcello Perry
I had never heard of this drink before, so I was very intrigued by the described ‘pear flavor’ and the 80 cent price.
It tasted like a really bad white wine spritzer that you would get in a pub with the house wine, even for the price, not worth trying.
- Taste: 1/10
- Value: 3/10
- Overall score: 4/20
Waitrose Peppermint Cucumber Margarita £4.25
I am particularly in favor of a Margarita anyway in the summer and it didn’t disappoint.
Not only was the packaging beautiful, but it also tasted amazing straight from the can and had a great freshness that can be lost with canned cocktails.
Yes, it’s more expensive when it comes to canned cocktails, but as this is a small UK company, we’ll let it slide.
- Taste: 9/10
- Value: 5/10
- Overall score: 14/20
Winner: Waitrose Pimentae
How to save money buying alcohol
Alcohol can be expensive if you’re planning a party or hosting an event, but there are ways to cut costs.
It’s always important to drink responsibly, here Sun Savers editor Lana Clements shares some tips on how to get booze at the best price.
Stocking up can mean big savings on drinks, especially if you want to buy wine or gas.
Large supermarkets regularly offer 25% discounts when purchasing six or more bottles of wine. Promotions typically take place before occasions such as holidays, Christmas and Easter.
If you know you’ll need booze later in the year, it might be worth taking action when you look at the offers.
Before you buy your favorite drink, do your research to find the best price – you can use a comparison site like pricerunner.com or trolley.co.uk.
Don’t forget that loyalty cards can lead to better savings, so take that into consideration as well.
If you like your style, wine clubs can also be a good way to save money and try new varieties. Typically, you’ll have to pay a membership fee in exchange for a cheaper price, so find out if you’ll be buying enough to make the one-time cost worth it.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
