Sun’s out, cans in, prepped and ready for every eventuality. We’re talking all of your favourite outdoorsy events such as barbies, concerts, open air theatre and festivals, and not forgetting those days when the weather isn’t behaving itself and you’re entertaining indoors.
Canned cocktails are having their moment and, unlike back in the day when they weren’t taken seriously by those who considered themselves ‘discerning drinkers’, those perceptions have changed. As well they should. Not only are the new wave of ready-to-drink cocktails neatly and conveniently packaged in recyclable aluminium cans, the designs of said cans are increasingly superior, as are the contents inside. Then there’s the all-important portability factor… Available in handy 250ml and 330ml sizes, they’re perfect for adding to your shopping basket, packing in your rucksack and picnic basket or even popping in your handbag. Result!
Gin & Tonics are popular choices, so too are other classic cocktails like Daiquiris, Negronis and Espresso Martinis. But for the purpose of this, the second in our series for The Can Makers, we wanted to put some of the newer, more unusual flavours to the test.
We’ll be honest here, we didn’t have much luck on our local high street, the cans on offer in our endz tend to be on the classic side, as mentioned above. Instead, we went online, taking our pick from the selection at drinksupermarket.com. While it doesn’t stock absolutely everything, it’s a really great place to start…
Sandrae’s choice #1:
Gin & Juice By Dre And Snoop
Need to know:
Premium gin crafted cocktail with real fruit juice and botanicals.
250ml. 5.9% ABV. Price: £2.49
Available from: uk.dreandsnoop.com and drinksupermarket.com
The lowdown:
Okay, I’ll admit it, I was intrigued. Not necessarily by the flavour combination – melon and gin are nice enough but nothing so new or exciting to stop you in your tracks. My curiosity was piqued by the names on the can: Dre and Snoop – two giants in music culture, now taking their influence on that front and expressing it in drinks. It’s a genius move. As clever as they are, both individually and as a duo, I bet even they didn’t think that they’d be leaning in on one of their most iconic tracks, the 1994 Grammy-nominated Gin & Juice, lyrics by Snoop, production by Dre and reimagining it into an RTD.
Shelf appeal:
The cans are the first in the duo’s premium spirit company and are available in four flavours: Citrus, Passionfruit, Apricot and Melon. So unlike the way Snoop usually rolls, there’s nothing explicit or offensive there. What does draw you in are the names: Dre and Snoop – how will they show up in a drink? Then there’s the design – clean, elegant, modern of which, more below.
Appearance and aroma:
The packaging is simple, striking and lifestyle-y, featuring a hand drawn lowrider against a clean white backdrop with the words ‘Parental Advisory Explicit Content’ brandished front and centre of the can. It’s the work of artist and industrial designer Ini Archibong, with creative vision by Snoop and Dre and very much leaning into the duo’s laid back, West Coast lifestyle.
As for the appearance of the drink itself, it’s quite understated, both in colour and in effervescence. Sure, there are bubbles but they’re pretty low key, so don’t go expecting an explosion of fizz.
Taste:
Before I get on to what I thought of the taste, I want to predicate that with the fact that the can says ‘water melon flavoured drink with gin’ which after tasting, tells you everything you need to know. The watermelon is the star of this can with the gin whispering ever-so shyly in the background. In fact, so discreet is the gin – it could be vodka or, dare I say it, no alcohol at all
As stated on the can, it’s made with sparkling water and real fruit but rather than the ripe, juicy watermelon that they allude to, this tastes to me rather green, quite bitter and leaves a dry, lingering finish. Maybe that’s down to the inclusion of just 2g of sugar, which means it comes in at a mere 93 calories per can and will be a major draw for those counting the cals.
Verdict:
Great name, clever concept, overall shelf appeal, all get top marks from me. As for the taste? In my opinion, it’s giving hard seltzer vibes, which is not a bad thing – it’s just not my thing. If you’re a fan of the category, it will do the job nicely, and I’m betting fans of Snoop and Dre will absolutely love it. Mind you, it’s doing well on the awards front, having picked up two Gold and two Silver awards in the ready-to-drink category at the Los Angeles International Spirit Awards, and taking two Silver and two Gold honours at the San Francisco Ready-To-Drink Competition, so take no notice of me!
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Gary’s choice #1
The Duppy Share Pink Ting-A-Ling
Need to know:
White Jamaican rum mixed with pink ting sweet grapefruit soda.
250ml. 5% ABV.
Available in packs of 24 for £23 direct from theduppyshare.com or individual cans for £2.19 from drinksupermarket.com.
The lowdown:
Duppy Share is a range of rums produced and co-founded by musical pioneer Kano, including an award-winning white expression. Described as a vibrant celebration of Jamaica and its influence on the world, it’s made with 100% Jamaican white rum with notes of mango, pimento and fresh thyme. Kano is also the smart guy behind this canned offering which brings together the aforementioned white rum with pink Ting – a fresh pink grapefruit and lime juice soda, describing it as “ a carnival for the tastebuds”.
Shelf Appeal:
The can design delivers nicely on the promise of a carnival vibe, with a lively and inviting summer feel with fun 70s type design and a colourful summer palette of yellow, green and, of course, pink. Guaranteed to jump out at you whether shopping in the supermarket or online, with promises of good times ahead.
Appearance and aroma:
As it was poured into the glass there were two particularly noticeable things. First the colour, a lovely looking natural cloudy pink. Second, the subtle effervescence, not overly fizzy like a soft drink. Together they suggested a really appealing home made vibe.
As for the aroma, there was a refreshing and big hit of fresh pink grapefruit up front, quickly followed by the white rum coming though loud and clear. Both the look and the aroma suggested a good experience was on the way.
Taste:
As with the aroma the balance between the pink grapefruit and white rum was just right. Perfectly balanced in fact. The pink grapefruit is lively and playful, while the white rum gradually comes to the fore. There’s a little sweetness too, but as with everything about this drink it felt natural and supported rather than overtaking the super appealing Duppy Share Rum.
And the finish rounded things off nicely, with the rum lingering very agreeably, and no cloying sweetness. Best of all it really feels as though it’s been freshly mixed in the glass.
Verdict:
Definitely one for barbecues, picnics and absolutely for carnivals. Keep a few chilled and drink straight from the can. Or if you’re feeling fancy serve over ice with some fresh grapefruit garnish. A winner.
Sandrae’s choice #2
Wha Gwan Bomb
Need to know:
Wha Gwan Melon Cherry mixed with Rum Clxxt
330ml. 8% ABV. Price: £2.99
Available from: drinkwhagwan.co.uk
The lowdown:
Another one that I picked out purely based on the name, this time because it called out to my Caribbean roots. For those who don’t know, “Wha Gwan” means “what’s going on?” or “how are you?” in Jamaican patois, and while I’m not from Jamaica (my background is Dominican seeing as you’re asking), the phrase has made its way into all Caribbean as well as street cultures and I absolutely love it.
The brains behind it is a chap called David Miles who originally hails from Jamaica. He launched the brand in 2021 with Wha Gwan a 17.2% ABV ready-to-drink Rum Tonic. The journey into cans came after and from the looks of things, it’s doing pretty well, with stockists including Tesco.
Shelf appeal:
Everything about this can speaks to the Caribbean/streetwise communities and/or those who want to get down with the kids. As we all know, language is immensely powerful and those two words: ‘wha’ and ‘gwan’ hit home with the tribe they’re intended for – they’re code for ‘we’ve got you, you’re one of ours.’
As for the packaging itself, it’s not subtle. On the contrary, it’s bright, bold and proudly in your face, with graffiti-style lettering and the Jamaican Lion, or more specifically the lion of Judah bringing even more references to its roots. Not one for the quiet or reserved.
Appearance and aroma:
Do you remember Tizer? Those who do will know the colour reference I’m talking about: this for me is Tizer and takes me straight back to my childhood. On the nose, it’s fun – cherry, not serious, fresh cherries, more like cherry candies, fruity and fun while a hit of white rum cements the fact that this is a drink for adults, so proceeding with caution is advised.
You can’t see them in the picture below but there are bubbles when the liquid is poured They’re light and flirty, dancing playfully before dissipating ever-so slightly as they settle in the glass.
Taste:
What you smell in the glass is exactly what is delivered on the palate: first the sweet melon cherry pops up to say hello, then it’s met with the rum. Not any old rum mind but white Jamaican rum, they don’t mention it but the smell and taste of it is so distinctive and really, given the name of the brand, it couldn’t, nay shouldn’t be anything else.
Going back to the melon cherry flavour, when I say it’s sweet, it’s very sweet which in a way is perfectly in keeping with the wha gwan Jamaican palate.
Verdict:
Don’t be fooled by the Tizer-like look and the sweet taste that I alluded to earlier, there’s nothing childlike about a can that packs 8% ABV, which is code for saying to go carefully. Particularly when drinking in the sun.
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Gary’s choice #2
Grey Goose Essences Vodka Spritz Strawberry & Lemongrass
Need to know:
Goose Essence Strawberry and Lemongrass combined with sparkling water for a spritz.
4.5% abv.
Available in single can for £2.49 from waitrose.com and drinksupermarket.com
The lowdown:
Great Goose Essences is a diffusion range which uses the renowned vodka as a base with which to infuse subtle flavours. Here it’s the Grey Goose Essences Vodka Strawberry and Lemongrass expression. Described as “The sweet taste of wild strawberry blended with lemongrass for just a touch of citrus, the vodka is infused with real fruit and botanical essences for a deliciously vibrant drink”. In the can it’s simply lengthened with sparkling water for a refreshing spritz.
Shelf appeal:
The distinctive Grey Goose logo is up front so you’re in no doubt as to who’s behind the mix. Supplemented by almost abstract soft pink illustrated strawberries it suggests a subtle spritz not an in-your-face experience. Whilst the illustrations are quite pleasant it’s more likely that the use of the Grey Goose name and logo have been centrally featured to draw you in.
Appearance and aroma:
Surprisingly clear in the glass with just the merest hint of a straw-like yellow. For the suggestion of a refreshing spritz it might have been nice to see a little more fizz.
On the nose it was really appealing with a great hit of intense strawberry, which felt as though they had been freshly chopped for the drink.
Taste:
Surprisingly the inviting strawberry from the aroma didn’t really carry through as much as you might expect or hope in the taste. Instead there’s a little suggestion of the lemongrass. Pleasingly though, it was not at all sweet, but appealingly dry, especially in the finish. After several more sips it was definitely the lemongrass that was the main attraction, and not a bad thing.
Verdict:
As the can colours suggested it’s very much on the subtle side. Although it could be sipped from the can, if you’re taking it outside it would definitely best be served over ice with some freshly sliced strawberries added as a garnish.
Check out our low- and no- can picks here
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