REVIEW: cocktails in a can
I've drunk it, so you don't have to.
Today is the first day of Advent. It is also the first day of what is officially termed ‘Christmas party season’. We’re heading into a few weeks of intensive partying – which can only mean one thing: it’s the season of drinking on public transport.
I think everyone is familiar with the station forecourt dash, but – and it’s a big but – when it comes to the ranks of canned cocktails, G&Ts and mini Proseccos-to-go, it’s seriously hit and miss.
Never fear. This Christmas fairy has done her homework (enlisting the taste buds of couple of elves along the way - shout out to Cecily and Oli who were forced into an inadvertant hard-drinking session).
I’ve sought out eight of the most widely available drinks in a can, put them through rigorous testing so you know what to pick when you need to grab and go.
The elves say...
We are NOT wine experts but this tastes really good. It has some nice fruity flavour when lots of cheap Pinot Grigios don't taste of anything.
I say...
I's sweet and bubbly. Perfect for a party pre-game.
Best for...
When you want to get fizzical
Score: 4/5
The elves say...
Looking at that can, you just know it's going to taste of bubblegum. BUT this is actually nice. It tastes a bit like pink cider, like a punch - but it's good. We'd definitely drink this again. Our biggest beef is that it's so clearly marketed at a specific kind of woman!!
I say...
We are being wine snobs. It smells like Robinson's Summer Berry squash - but it's billed as a 'fruit fusion'. It's refreshing and sweetly satisfying. Yum.
Best for:
Lovers of sweeter drinks, like flavoured cider
Score: 5/5
The elves say...
We assumed this would be a safe bet. We were SO WRONG. Somehow it didn't taste of cranberry OR vodka - it just tasted really bad.
I say...
It was oddly fizzy and tinny tasting with a gross film when we poured it in a glass. I didn't want to swallow it - it's strange how such a basic drink could taste so wrong!
Best for...
just don't go there!
Score: 1/5
The elves say...
*Sigh* - another disappointment. Grapefruit juice is so yum! But this just tastes so flat - not horrible, so much as just not nice.
I say...
Another drink where I'm baffled how it tastes so far from the base ingredients. Grapefruit juice is slightly tannic - but this was just bitter with a strange sour aftertaste. And man was it boozy!
Best for...
If it's the only option on the shelf
Score: 2/5
The elves say...
Ah, an old fave. I actually cannot fault this - Gordon's may not be our gin of choice in ordinary life, but if you decanted this into a glass you'd never know that it came from a can.
I say...
Agreed. This tastes exactly like a perfectly balanced Gordons & Schwepps - with a little twist of lime.
Best for...
G&T lovers! Though *watch this space* - by popular demand, a review of the best G&Ts in a can is coming soon...
Score: 5/5
The elves say...
OMG it's such a lurid green - like a Smirnoff Ice, remember those?! It looks a bit like it's gonna give us ulcers, and it smells like it too. But fundamentally, it's a fine Mojito. Just a bit...meh...
I say...
It's the colour of liquid kryptonite - which may be what made me think it tastes a bit fake, like it had mint essence added. But it's a decent Mojito for what it is.
Best for...
Cocktail lovers - this had more balance than any others we tried
Score: 3/5
The elves say...
Every can's signed by JW Archer? He must have a sore wrist. Ok, terrible jokes aside - this is fine. It tastes like a ski trip when you're 16. So I guess that means it does the job.
I say...
I can't remember the last time I drank schnapps, and after this I'm still not a massive fan. It's very VERY sweet - so if that's your bag, then this is for you.
Best for...
When Malibu and Coke is just a step too far
Score: 3/5
The elves say...
JD & Coke is basically the taste of university. But again, it's just not right. How could they even mess this up? Is it the fact that it's made with cola instead of Coca Cola?
I say...
It smells funny - and tastes off too, like it's had loads of sugar and vanilla essence added and then the flavour's been muted. Nasty.
Best for:
Not JD&Coke drinkers!