The best cocktails-in-a-can for picnic drinking

Ready-mixed canned cocktails have come a long way since 2019’s resurrection of the “gin in a tin” (a phenomenon spurred on by Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag). But where previous concoctions were sickly sweet or packed with preservatives, a new group of brands have been updating the market with luxe spirits, organic ingredients and unusual flavours. Here are five of the best…  

Empirical Spirits 

Danish distiller Empirical has been working on its cocktail offering since early last year. And much like its unusual stock of spirits – Fallen Pony, for example, is a double-fermented quince tea spirit – the brand’s pre-mixed drinks showcase a similarly maverick approach to mixology. Latest to hit the shelves is Can 3, a refreshing blend of lemongrass, lemon myrtle and Andaliman pepper. From €25 for four cans, empirical.co

Pocket Negroni 

This pocket-sized tribute to the classic Negroni combines Porter’s cold-distilled gin with bitter Campari and sweet vermouth. Mixed in Edinburgh by Whitebox Drinks, each 100ml can contains a full-strength serving that can be enjoyed on the go. Serve over ice with an orange twist for the full experience. £5, shopcuvee.com

Good One

For a lighter take on the canned cocktail, London-based brand Good One offers a (fairly) low-ABV range of hard sodas brewed with Northumberland spring water and naturally flavoured. Three thoughtful pairings are currently available: grapefruit and thyme; lime and cucumber; and raspberry, basil and lime. £18 for six cans, haveagoodone.co.uk

NIO

Headed up by master mixologist Patrick Pistolesi, NIO (Needs Ice Only) is a premium cocktail delivery service. Each 100ml cocktail is mixed in Italy, with flavour highlights including Gin Proved – a floral blend of rose petals, almond and orange curaçao – as well as more classic options such as mai tais, gimlets or espresso martinis. From £19.50 for a box of three, niococktails.co.uk

Miami Cocktail Co

Organic and low calorie, Miami Cocktail Co takes classic flavour profiles – think mimosas, bellinis and margaritas – and recreates them as wine-based cocktails with freshly squeezed fruit juice. The brand’s latest collaboration is with Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop, a limited-edition blend of lemon, basil and sparkling rosé. £11.95 for four cans, revl.co.uk