30 Popular Canned Cocktails, Ranked Worst To Best

Back in the day, you either had to order a cocktail from the bar or make it yourself if you wanted anything more complicated than a glass of beer or wine. But times have changed. First, it started with the hard seltzer craze. People went wild over the sippable, easily portable drinks that offered something different than your typical beer or cider. People wanted more, though, and suddenly, the market is flooded with a wide array of canned cocktails. Are they better than the stuff a bartender can make? Generally, no. We wouldn't suggest you order a canned cocktail when you're actually at a bar. But if you're looking for something you can easily take on a camping trip or keep stocked in your fridge, then canned cocktails are a fantastic option.

But with so many canned cocktails out there, it can be difficult deciding which ones you should try and which you should avoid. And since they can be somewhat pricey depending on what brand you're buying from, you certainly don't want to waste your hard-earned cash. Therefore, we've done the hard work for you and ranked some of the most popular canned cocktails from worst to best. Where do your favorites stand? Take a closer look.

Listen: We love an accessible canned cocktail, especially when there are some brands that you can only buy online. You're more likely to find Jim Beam canned highballs at your local store that sells alcohol, but should you even bother? We're going to suggest that you just forget about it. Why? The flavor is just strangely off. A canned cocktail should be easily sippable (and most importantly, enjoyable), and that's just not what you're going to get when you choose this drink. You can taste the bourbon, but it's not a particularly strong flavor. Rather, it tastes really watered down by the presence of the seltzer. And while the classic version of the highball apparently features a hint of citrus, it's not very perceptible.

These aren't very strong, which is ideal if you're going for casual sipping, but once you take the taste into account, it's clear that they're just not worth your time. If you truly want a highball, just grab some bourbon and keep some seltzer on hand, and chances are you can make something that tastes way better than this Jim Beam version. We love the convenience of these highball options, but it's not something you're going to find in our fridge very soon.

We certainly understand the appeal of a good rum and Coke, but if you're truly looking for a good one, you're better off just going to the bar. Of course, you could always pick up some Greenbar Coastal Rum and Cola, but we think that you should just skip it. You're not going to get that intense rum flavor you're probably used to from a good cocktail, which might come as a disappointment. The cola part of this drink isn't exactly ideal, either. When you mix them together, it makes for a kind of lackluster drink.

We do like that it contains a lot of different herbs and spices like allspice, cinnamon, and clove, but that flavor just isn't strong enough to make us want to go back for more. Greenbar Distillery does make other cocktails that are truly delicious, but this one just isn't our favorite. Give it a try for yourself to see if you feel the same way.

There's something about a Moscow Mule that we can't help but love. In fact, it may not have to do with the drink itself as much as it has to do with how it's served. We love it when it comes out in a copper mug — who doesn't? But when you opt for a Reed's Craft Ginger Mule instead, it's just not going to be quite the same. First of all, it comes in a can — not in a copper mug. And we're surprised to say it, but that actually makes us like this drink a lot less.

Additionally, the flavor just isn't great here. While it does basically taste like a normal Moscow Mule, you're definitely going to be missing out on a lot of flavor if you choose this over a classic drink from the bar. It turns out that a Moscow Mule is just better served fresh. However, if you're looking for a version with zero sugar, Reed's does that too. Might not be a bad idea if you're trying to cut down on the sugar in your diet!

Here's another zero sugar option for all those health-conscious drinkers out there. The Crook and Marker Ginger Ale-Spiked Soda is definitely an option for those who want to drink something that's slightly healthier than an average cocktail. While we like the idea of this drink, the execution just doesn't do it for us. First of all, the ginger flavor is not strong here at all. If you're using ginger in a cocktail, you probably want it to be relatively noticeable — maybe even spicy — and that's not what's going on here.

While spiking this rather tasteless soda may make it more fun, it doesn't really do anything in terms of making it more delicious. It's a fairly innocuous drink to serve at parties, as most people probably aren't going to mind the flavor. But is it good? Not really. It's just boring overall, so we wouldn't go out of our way to pick any up.

If you follow culinary trends at all, then you know that the espresso martini, a staple of the '90s, has found its way back into the mainstream. Go out to any nice bar, and you will see it gracing menus right next to the trendiest mezcal cocktails. If you've never tried it, you should definitely go out and get one. The coffee flavor is generally pretty intense, and it makes a great nightcap. But what happens when a company decides to put one in a can? That's where the Kahlua Espresso-Style Martini comes in.

As you can probably guess, this drink features the typical Kahlua twist. This coffee-flavored liqueur has a very specific flavor to it, and that's definitely the dominant flavor in this drink. We do like that it's nice and creamy, giving you that smooth finish you want from a good cocktail. But compared to an espresso martini you order at the bar, this canned cocktail is just not it.

If you pay attention to the world of craft cocktails at all, then you probably already know that Cutwater is one of the big names out there. They're making all kinds of different cocktails, and most of them are really great. However, we're not massive fans of the Cutwater Pina Colada, unfortunately. It may have something to do with the drink itself — generally, we think that pina coladas are too sweet. That's certainly the case with this drink. The pineapple flavor will blow you away (not necessarily in a good way), and the sweetness that comes afterward is also super intense.

The rum seems to be pretty flavorful in this drink, but it's overpowered by all that pineapple. You do taste a hint of coconut as well, but it seems to be pretty mild. If you tend to like really sweet drinks, then this one may do it for you. Otherwise, we'd suggest picking something else from this list.

A vodka fizz may not be the most sophisticated drink to order at the bar, but let's face it — it tastes good. And who doesn't like a good fizzy cocktail? However, if you think you're going to be getting the best of the best when you buy Two Chicks Vodka Fizz, you should probably think again. The vodka is paired with the natural flavors of elderflower and pear, which sounds amazing. But when you actually take a sip, you'll realize that it's not the ideal canned cocktail you might have imagined.

First of all, you can really taste the vodka in this drink. That's not necessarily a bad thing if you absolutely love sipping on vodka, but you may not be a fan if it's not your favorite liquor. The flavor is quite strong, and it doesn't taste like the best-quality vodka out there. We wanted to be able to really taste the pear, but unfortunately, it didn't provide a strong enough flavor for us. On the other hand, the elderflower flavor is loud and clear. That leaves the drink with an overwhelmingly floral flavor that just didn't do it for us.

Luckily, it's not the only drink you can get from Two Chicks — they have plenty of other options to choose from. And considering the design of the cans is so appealing, you may just want to try the other options they have on offer.

When you're looking for something totally different and out of the ordinary, you may want to go with Canteen's Cucumber Mint Vodka Soda. We haven't seen a canned cocktail like this before, so it definitely caught our eye. It sounds interesting, but how does it really taste? We hate to report that it wasn't our favorite of the bunch. This drink was very carbonated, which we love. But overall, it just fell flat. Cucumber and mint sounds like a great idea, but the cucumber was overpowering in this drink. It probably could've done with some more mint to make it more interesting.

We also think that vodka is an interesting choice here. It added a flavor we don't love. We probably would have preferred this treat with gin, but since Canteen focuses on vodka, we guess that this makes more sense. Truly love cucumber and mint? Then give this stuff a try for yourself. However, if it's not your favorite, you're not likely to fall head over heels for this canned cocktail.

Go into any trendy bar in 2021, and you'll find an espresso martini on the menu. This once-forgotten cocktail has come back with a vengeance, and we really don't mind. After all, who can complain about a drink that combines two of our favorite beverages? And if you've fully jumped on the espresso martini train, then you're probably going to get excited when you see the Cafe Agave Spiked Cold Brew Coffee. There are several different flavors to choose from, including caffe mocha, salted caramel, vanilla cinnamon, and espresso shot. They all sound amazing, right? Unfortunately, this was not our favorite cocktail of them all.

The flavor is okay, but it's not amazing. It doesn't really capture the best flavors of coffee or the best flavors of a cocktail. You're left with a slightly watered-down coffee-like drink that will give you a bit of a buzz (these cocktails have about the same alcohol content as wine). We've had our fair share of alcoholic coffees before, and these really aren't the best of the best. That said, they're certainly not bad. If they're the only canned coffee cocktail you can find, you're probably not going to be disappointed. We just wouldn't go out of our way to look for this stuff.

Who doesn't love a margarita? While your average margarita may be flat, when you opt for a canned cocktail instead, you can get something that's on the fizzier side. That's why you may be attracted to the Dulce Vida Sparkling Margarita when you see it for the first time. One thing that sets this cocktail apart from many others on the market is the fact that it uses real lime juice, so you can feel good about what you're drinking. However, would we recommend this canned cocktail over the other options on the market? Probably not.

While the overall flavor is pretty good, there's just nothing that's too out of the ordinary when it comes to this margarita. A canned cocktail provides a canvas for a variety of different flavors and unique combinations, but none of that is happening here. Sure, if you want something simple and classic, then this may be the way to go — and it's definitely worth a try. On the other hand, if you're looking for a drink that's fun, creative, and different than what you would see at your local bar, then the Dulce Vida Sparkling Margarita probably isn't for you. After all, you could always just order a margarita or make one at home and call it a day.

Miami Cocktail Company is also making waves in the canned cocktail scene. In fact, they recently partnered with Goop to make a Limonata Spritz (which is actually really good). If you want to try something more tried and tested, though, you may decide to opt for the Miami Cocktail Company Bellini Spritz.

First of all, we absolutely love a bellini here at Mashed. This Italian cocktail contains Prosecco, which is a great way to start off any drink. Add organic and mango peach juices, and it's clear why this drink is such a winner. We love that we can finally get it in a canned version instead of having to wait for someone to make it for us the next time we go out to brunch.

Will this be the best bellini you've ever had? We're going to guess not. It's not as fresh as we would prefer, but the flavor isn't bad. It's definitely not the most impressive canned cocktail we've ever tasted, but it is fun to sip on every now and then. And did we mention how much we love the can?

You've had a Moscow Mule before, right? This classic cocktail utilizes ginger beer, lime, and vodka to make a drink that's slightly sour and spicy with plenty of kick to it from the alcohol. But let's be honest — not everyone likes vodka. If you had one too many sips when you were in college, you may not be too keen on any vodka-based drinks, in fact. That's why we love that Social Hour Cocktails mixed it up by creating a whiskey mule instead. Finally, there's an option for all those who love the flavor of Moscow Mules but who prefer not to drink tequila.

Is this the best-tasting cocktail we've ever had? No. The rye whiskey doesn't have the best flavor, and unfortunately, that taste is very perceptible. But one thing we have to commend Social Hour Cocktails on is the ginger beer. The ginger beer you'll find in this drink is especially spicy, so you're not going to be getting a boring, watery cocktail (like you'll find with plenty of other canned cocktails). If you don't like ginger, it's probably not going to be something you enjoy, but if you love that spicy herbal kick that fresh ginger lends to a good drink, then you may just want to put this canned cocktail on your must-try list.

When you go out to brunch, what's your drink of choice? If you're like most people, you'll opt for a mimosa or maybe a bellini. And who can blame you? They taste great. But true brunch lovers will take things a step further and order an equally well-known but somehow less-beloved cocktail that's only served at some brunch establishments: a Bloody Mary. Bloody Marys are amazing because they're often spicy and savory — a combination that you won't often find when it comes to a good cocktail. And if you're looking for a decent canned option of the real thing, then you should look no further than 10 Barrel Brewing Co.'s Bloody Mary.

We were actually really surprised that this drink had as much kick as it does. That comes from both the Tabasco sauce as well as the horseradish, according to Liquor.com. That extra bit of horseradish in the mix makes a huge difference — it adds a different level of spiciness to the drink that you wouldn't just get from the hot sauce.

While the vodka in this drink tastes just okay, we don't want to bash it too much. It can be difficult to find a canned Bloody Mary, so you'll definitely want to take advantage of this one when you see it.

Who needs a classic tequila when you can just get some cans of Onda Sparkling Tequila Lime? This drink features classic flavors, but it's a bit of a twist from the classic margarita that may first come to mind when you see this drink. It's kind of a mix between a seltzer and a cocktail — the flavor is stronger than a seltzer, and the tequila is more pronounced. That's definitely a positive. However, it's not quite as flavorful as an average cocktail.

Whether you should try this drink or not pretty much just comes down to what you're looking for out of your canned drinks. Do you want something that's pleasant and easy to sip on? If so, then this is a solid option. However, if you're looking for a super-flavorful cocktail that offers a twist you haven't tasted before, then Onda Sparkling Tequila Lime may not be for you.

Here's one cocktail you don't see very often anymore: a bee's knees. This cocktail gained popularity during the Prohibition era, but it's no longer something that you see gracing many cocktail menus. However, that's a shame because it's actually really delicious. The original involves combining lemon juice, honey, and gin. As you can imagine, it's a light and refreshing drink that's perfect for sipping on a sunny day. And while you can always see if a bar in your town is serving these, it's also possible to get a canned version.

Enter the CanBee Bee's Knees Canned Cocktail. It takes the classic flavors and adds a bit of fizz that takes things to the next level. It's not the most complicated drink, so if you tend to like basic flavors, then you're going to love this one. It's not our absolute favorite, but it's fun to enjoy something out of the ordinary every once in a while, and this cocktail definitely fits the bill.

This is one canned cocktail company that has a ton of options for you to choose from. Many of them are delicious, but if there's one we really want you to try, it's the Monaco Cocktails Classic Mai Tai. This cocktail blends light and dark rum for an out-of-the-ordinary drinking experience. But just a warning: This drink (and others from the brand) is strong. Like, really strong. Every can contains two shots of alcohol, so just be sure you know what you're getting yourself into before you start chugging one of these.

Once you taste the flavor though, you may just want to chug it. The tropical taste mimics the classic Mai Tai pretty closely, so you probably already have a good idea of what you're going to get. The addition of orange curaçao makes this drink even more appealing. When you want to feel like you're on a tropical island, this cocktail may make you feel like you've been temporarily transported to the beach.

Speaking of mimosas, they seem like an easy enough drink to whip up at home. Grab some champagne or another sparkling wine, get some orange juice (or another type of citrus juice of your choosing), and put them together. Just like that, and you have a super-easy mimosa. But if you want something that's just a bit more special and exciting, you may want to opt for Mayne and Co's The Modern Mimosa.

What do we like best about this drink? Well, for starters, we love that it contains mostly wine. Yes, there is a hint of orange juice in the mix, and you can definitely taste it. However, the majority of this cocktail is all about the wine. Luckily, that wine tastes pretty good too. While Mayne and Co's website states that the wine is Italian and doesn't get more specific than that, we think that the light, refreshing, and slightly dry taste makes for perfect sipping. And since the cans are really well designed, it makes this a fun drink to bust out at brunch parties.

Wondering why this canned mimosa didn't rank higher if we love it so much? Well, even though it's delicious, we still can't shake the fact that it is so easy to make a mimosa yourself. You can decide if buying the canned version is worth it for you!

We may not have been huge fans of the Dulce Vida Sparkling Margarita, but there's another margarita option on our list, and we tend to like this one more. It's the Fabrizia Spirits Italian Margarita, and it's definitely worth a try if you're a diehard margarita lover. That being said, this certainly isn't your typical margarita. In fact, some may say that it's not really a margarita at all. Instead of combining tequila and orange juice, this canned cocktail instead uses limoncello and lemonade. Limoncello is an Italian liqueur that has a strong lemon flavor to it. It's both super sweet and exceptionally tart, which means it's generally well-balanced.

While this drink may taste sweet, it's actually got fewer calories than a lot of canned cocktails on the market — you're looking at about 17 grams per serving. Plus, it's stronger than a lot of other canned options as well, so be careful while you're sipping away. No, this may not be your typical margarita, but if you love the tartness of citrus and you want to try something that's a little different than what you may be used to, then the Fabrizia Spirits Italian Margarita is something you should definitely try.

When you think of a canned cocktail, you probably think of a single-serve cocktail in a can. That's generally the case, but that's not the only way you can enjoy a canned cocktail. For those who are interested in trying something new in the canned cocktail world, the Party Can Triple Spice Margarita is the way to go. This giant can serves a whopping 12 drinks, so you can buy just one and throw a whole party.

And while, yes, this does taste like your average margarita in some respects, it's so much more than that. That's because of the inclusion of those three spices, as the name suggests. The hints of ginger, cinnamon, and chili pepper result in a drink that's seriously sippable. While it has the classic flavors of a margarita you know you already love, these little extra touches make this drink stand apart from the rest.

Now this is a drink we didn't expect to see come in canned form. A Manhattan is a sophisticated, timeless drink that never gets old. It's made of sweet vermouth, whiskey, and bitters. It's definitely not for those who don't like a strongly flavored drink, but if you've had a Manhattan before and liked it, then you'll know why it's a go-to order for so many. However, you don't have to make the trek to a nice cocktail bar to get these delicious flavors. Instead, you can just try the Home School Blood Orange Manhattan.

This drink is out-of-this-world good. It's got the perfect mix of bitterness and sweetness coming together all in one bottle. You can taste the quality of the four-year-old bourbon they use in this mix, and the house-made vermouth is just sweet enough. It's complex, yet still cool and relaxed. Plus, we love the fact that it's a little bit unexpected — when was the last time you saw a Manhattan in a ready-to-drink form? If you're looking for something easy, classy, and a little out of the ordinary, this cocktail is a great option.

Just because you like a canned cocktail doesn't mean you necessarily want anything that's too strong. If you like drinks that are on the lighter and more refreshing side, then we think you're going to love the Yuzu Spritz from Usual Wines. As you might already know, Usual Wines makes plenty of canned wine and wine cocktails, but the Yuzu Spritz may just be the best of them all.

It all starts out with a Brut, which is just dry enough — no worrying about a super sweet drink here. Then, they add Japanese Yuzu juice. Yuzu is a citrus fruit that's similar to lemon but with a twist. The result is an ultra-refreshing drink that we think you're going to love. It may seem like it's best served during the warmer months of the year, but we think it's also great for those winter days when you want a little taste of sunshine.

Here's another canned cocktail that offers something a little different than what you may be used to. It's the Colony Cocktails Tangier, and we were surprised when we first read about the combination of flavors in this drink. However, we've realized that it really is something special. It all starts with grapefruit as a base flavor. We love grapefruit cocktails because grapefruit juice tends to be less sweet than many other juices. But it doesn't end there. They then add rosemary and cardamom along with other botanicals to create an almost floral flavor.

The slight bitterness and tang of the grapefruit mixed with the botanicals creates something that we love sipping on. And because these cans are so gorgeous, they're perfect for serving at a party or a small get-together. Plus, you're not going to find this specific drink from other brands, so we definitely think it's worth it to try this one.

Another fun drink that you may not hear about too often is the El Presidente. It's a Cuban cocktail that combines rum, grenadine, ​​orange curaçao, and vermouth. The result is a complex yet easy-to-drink cocktail that will keep you coming back for more. Sure, you can always order it the next time you go out to a bar, but what if you want to try it on your own terms — even in your own home? That's where Dashfire's Pomegranate El Presidente comes in.

As Gear Patrol says, this really is a "cocktail bar-quality drink," yet it's easy to take with you on the go. Instead of a classic El Presidente, you're going to get the typical cocktail that's been mixed with pomegranate juice. We're not usually for messing with a good thing, but when you taste how amazing the pomegranate juice tastes in the mix, you'll see why we think this option is such a big hit.

If you're interested in sipping on a cocktail that's going to make you feel as high-end as you are, then you're going to love the Pampelonne French 75 Can. It's not exactly the same as a French 75 you would order from a bar, but we think that this version might be just as good as the classic. Meyer lemon, juniper, and notes of bergamot comprise the main flavors of this drink. We love that the bergamot adds a bit of spiciness to the mix. Elderflower makes the drink more complex and floral. It all comes together into a sophisticated cocktail that we couldn't believe came out of a can.

And speaking of the can ... we love the look of it. It looks just as classy as the drink tastes. With its understated blue and white stripes, it looks like something you'd bring to a fancy beach picnic. If you're looking for a canned cocktail that's a bit elevated, you're going to love this option.

A lot of times, when you opt for a pineapple cocktail, you're expecting something that's super sweet. But if you love the taste of pineapple but don't love an extra-sugary cocktail, we have just the thing for you. It's the Spa Girl Sparkling Pineapple Vodka Cocktail. Pineapple isn't always delicious in drinks, but in this case, it's just right. We love that it's super-fizzy — none of that lightly carbonated nonsense here. The flavor is simple but easy to love. We imagine it would be the perfect drink to sip by the side of the pool.

Just keep in mind that this drink is pretty strong, and you can taste the alcohol. That's great for those who love vodka. While the cans are tiny, the contents definitely pack a punch. They would be amazing for taking on a picnic or anywhere else where you're on the go but still want to indulge in a cocktail.

Luxardo cherries offer a hint of sweet and sour to any drink or dessert, and they feel a bit fancier than typical cherries. And when they're added to a gin and tonic, you know you're going to get something that tastes incredible. That's why we absolutely love the Luxardo Sour Cherry Gin and Tonic. First of all, most gin and tonics are good. This is a cocktail that really puts the attention on the spirit, so as long as you're using good-quality gin, it's going to taste amazing. But in this case, the cherry does add something interesting to an already-sippable cocktail.

We love that this drink is super flavorful but also especially refreshing at the same time. Plus, the flavors are really versatile. We would serve this on a weeknight for an end-of-the-day treat or serve it at a party with our closest friends. No matter where you decide to indulge, we think you're going to love this cocktail just as much as we do.

Caipirinhas may not be the most common cocktail you'll find in the United States, but in Brazil and in other parts of the world, it's seriously all the rage. It's similar to a margarita, but instead of being prepared with tequila, it instead includes cachaça, which is a liquor that's somewhat similar to vodka. The cachaça is then mixed with limes and sugar for a sweet-but-sour cocktail that's easily sippable and perfect for laid-back beach days. If you want to enjoy your caipirinha at the beach but don't want to have to mix it yourself under the umbrella in the sand, then Novo Fogo has you covered with their sparkling caipirinha.

Not only do you have all the delicious flavors of a classic caipirinha, but this canned version is sparkling too. What more could you want out of a canned cocktail? While you can grab it in the classic lime flavor, you should also try the passionfruit and lime as well as the mango and lime.

Negronis may just be one of our favorite cocktails of all time. It's got just the right amount of bitterness to it along with a slew of other flavors that come together for a drink that's both easily drinkable and a bit complex. But we never thought we would be able to find this kind of cocktail in canned form. Behold, the Tip Top Proper Cocktails Negroni. You can get an eight-pack of canned negronis from the brand, and they are absolutely out of this world. We didn't realize a canned cocktail could taste this good.

It's your typical cocktail, but for some reason, it doesn't taste like you're losing anything from sipping it from a can. In fact, it tastes like a delicious Negroni from your favorite bar. Plus, the packaging for these drinks is fantastic. The short cans can be served on their own — no glass needed. Once you try this cocktail once, you may just replace your normal six-pack of beers with an eight-pack of these Negronis instead.

Here at Mashed, we absolutely love a spicy cocktail. There's nothing that makes a cocktail more appealing than a bit of spice that keeps you going back for more. But while spicy cocktails may be all the rage at cocktail bars these days, you generally won't find a lot of spicy drinks in canned form. That's why we were so excited to try Drifter Cocktails' Spicy Margarita.

Now, for all those who are sensitive to spice, you don't have to worry here. While there is just a hint of spiciness to this drink, it's not too strong. It offers just the right amount of heat to take a typical margarita onto a whole different plane. The cocktail has a nice sweetness to it as well, but it's incredibly well-balanced with the heat. If you're looking for the perfect first drink to start the night, this is just the cocktail you're looking for.

While the Spicy Margarita is our favorite of Drifter Cocktails' options, you shouldn't sleep on their other products — their Passionfruit Caipirinha is totally worth a try too.

In recent years, mezcal has taken the stage as one of the most popular liquors. A good mezcal is smoky and complex, and it lends an amazing flavor to a wide variety of cocktails. That's why we love Elenita Mezcal Cocktails so much. All of their flavors are so good, we couldn't pick just one. You'll get to choose between a passionfruit paloma, strawberry mule, a cucumber lime basil drink, and a pineapple jalapeno variety (we love the last one the most). The pineapple jalapeno actually has some heat to it, which pairs perfectly with the smoky mezcal.

Trevor Hoff of The Liquor Fountain in LA told NY Mag, "They taste just like a bartender made them right in front of you while you were lying in a hammock on the beach in Cabo." We couldn't agree more.

We haven't seen many canned mezcal cocktails, so this one definitely caught our eye. It's perfect for taking to the beach or the park, though we would keep these stocked in our fridge all the time if they didn't keep disappearing somehow. If you're looking for a grown-up replacement for your hard seltzer, look no further than these fun, whimsical cocktails from Elenita.