We Tasted 17 Canned Cocktails — Here Are Our Favorites

If you've watched the brilliantly funny, Emmy Award-winning show Fleabag, you're probably familiar with the Hot Priest's penchant for canned Gin & Tonics. We first see him pull out a pack when Fleabag visits his church in season 2, episode 2, and they share a drink together, marking the beginning of their (spoiler alert) star-crossed story.

Canned cocktails, after all, are growing increasingly popular alongside spiked seltzer thanks to their portability and the whole "ready to drink" factor. However, Marks & Spencer, the company that makes the "Gins in a Tin," revealed that sales rose 24% after the episode aired. Series creator and star Phoebe Waller-Bridge and co-star Andrew Scott (the Hot Priest) added more fuel to the Gin in a Tin fire when they handed them out to fans in 2019 in London. With all the hype, we had to wonder — could the Hot Priest be on to something?

In the spirit of Fleabag and science, we decided to have a canned cocktail drinking session of our own, albeit, with a few more options than just Gin & Tonics. After calling in samples, we ended up with 17 canned cocktails from six brands, ranging from lime Margaritas and Vodka Sodas to Bloody Marys and Bourbon Smashes. Food & Wine taste testers sampled each one, assessing the drink's flavor and drinkability, as well as how it compares to the non-canned version of the cocktail. (We've had worse Thursday afternoons.) Turns out, we're partial to vodka — sorry, Hot Priest. Here are our favorites from each brand.

Cutwater Spirits Elderflower Vodka Spritz, 7% ABV

Availability: 35 states plus D.C.

We found this spritz, which contains Cutwater Fugu Vodka, elderflower, lemon, and "other natural flavors" to be aromatic and floral, with a lightly sweet flavor.

"This reminds me of the Dryck Fläder elderflower juice boxes at Ikea in the best way," an editor wrote. "Love it."

Cutwater Spirits Spicy Bloody Mary, 10% ABV

Availability: 35 states plus D.C.

This Bloody Mary — made with Fugu Vodka and Cutwater Spicy Bloody Mary Mix — was a true dark horse, and got great reviews for its spicy kick of flavor. It was also smooth and easy to drink.

"So spicy! But also so good," an editor said. "I would 100% buy. Add ice and celery and olives and [heart emoji.]"

Durham Distillery Cucumber Vodka Soda, 8% ABV

Availability: 14 states

Out of all of Durham Distillery's canned cocktails, this Cucumber Vodka Soda (cucumber-flavored vodka with natural flavors and soda water) was our favorite. It was refreshing and light, and the cucumber flavor wasn't overpowering.

"I would drink this happily at a picnic," one editor wrote.

You & Yours Distilling Co. Vodka Mule, 8% ABV

Availability: California, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, and online

Made with You & Yours Vodka and "natural flavor," the Vodka Mule reigned supreme in the You & Yours spread. We liked how bright it was, with delicate gingery undertones — some editors expressed they wished the ginger flavor was even stronger.

"It's not too sweet," an editor said. "I like the little hints of ginger."

Plain Spoke Cocktail Co. Bourbon Smash, 10% ABV

Availability: Wisconsin and Minnesota

Plain Spoke's canned cocktails had the strongest flavors out of all of the brands. We tried the Bourbon Smash, Moscow Mule, and Mojito, and liked the Bourbon Smash the most. It's made with bourbon whiskey, lemon juice, and natural mint flavors — the end result was sweet and slightly syrupy.

"This reminds me of a whiskey ginger," one editor said. "I would buy this."

Empirical Spirits Minor Threat, 10% ABV

Availability: Online and several stores, bars, and restaurants, which you can find here.

Empirical Spirits' Minor Threat was the most unique canned cocktail we tried. It's made with milk oolong tea, toasted birch, and green gooseberry, and was almost reminiscent of beer, with malty and tea-forward flavors. Overall, it got positive reviews.

"Unusual but tasty," an editor wrote. "I really like the smoky tea notes."

Sprezza Vero Spritz Italiano Bianco, 5.2% ABV

Availability: 29 states plus D.C.

We tried two of Vero Spritz's canned drinks, Bianco and Rosso. We loved how the lightly bitter vermouth notes came through in the Bianco, and found it to be a smooth and citrus-y — fitting, as it's made with Mancino Vermouth and Scrappy's Bitters.

"Great summer drink," an editor wrote. "I would put it on ice."