I’m a former bartender who tried 15 supermarket cocktail cans – Morrison’s 80p tinnie tasted cheap & M&S came up trumps
SUMMER is just around the corner which can only mean one thing - tinnies in the park.
While I am partial to a cocktail, the thought of buying several different types of alcohol and mixers, then spending 10 minutes making a single drink, does not appeal to me.
Whether you like an exotic Pina Colada, a sweet and fruity Mojito or a sour Margarita - there's plenty on offer on the high street.
As a former bartender, I like to think I know a thing or two about balancing flavour which is why I tested a variety of tinned cocktails to see which one's are worth adding to your picnic basket.
But getting your hands on a delicious cocktail doesn't have to be expensive (despite what your favourite bar might tell you) with Aldi selling them for as little as 99p.
As always, if you're enjoying a tipple, remember to drink responsibly.
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If you're a massive G&T lover in the summer this is for you, but for those like me that aren't a fan of the flavour, steer clear.
- Taste: 4/10
- Value: 3/10
- Overall score: 7/20
The raspberry comes through but doesn't take away from the gin and is a very reasonable price.
As someone who hates gin, this was actually something I could sip on during a hot sunny day.
- Taste: 8/10
- Value: 7/10
- Overall score: 15/20
Winner: Waitrose
The pineapple and coconut are well balanced and is one I reach for every summer, a must try.
- Taste: 9/10
- Value: 7/10
- Overall score: 16/20
Aldi Cocobay Pina Colada
- 99p
- 5% ABV
For just 99p you can transport yourself to a tropical paradise, for around ten minutes or so.
This has a much higher flavour profile of pineapple so comes across more fruity than creamy, but for the price, it's not bad.
- Taste: 5/10
- Value: 9/10
- Overall score: 14/20
Morrison's Pina Colada
It losses some points because although it tastes similar to the M&S one - it isn't quite there with the hit of flavour.
- Taste: 7/10
- Value: 8/10
- Overall score: 15/20
Sainsbury's Pina Colada £1.25
- £1.25
- 5% ABV
For me it was lacking in any sort of creamy coconut flavour you would typically expect from the .
- Taste: 3/10
- Value: 5/10
- Overall score: 8/20
Aldi Raspberry Crush
- 99p
- 5% ABV
If you're someone who doesn't like the taste of alcohol you may enjoy this
Made with vodka, lemonade and raspberry it tastes like a flavoured sparkling water that's easy to drink.
- Taste: 4/10
- Value: 7/10
- Overall score: 11/20
Sainsbury's Raspberry Mojito £1.25
- £1.25
- 5% ABV
The Sainsbury's concoction has a refreshing balance of minty goodness and
The price point is also noted as a win.
Instead, the main note I got was vanilla and it was just too overwhelming.
- Taste: 5/10
- Value: 5/10
- Overall score: 10/20
Winner: Sainsbury's
While it was okay, the tinned cocktail was missing the freshness of fruit and cucumber inside- which obviously is the part that elevates Pimm's taste.
Not only was the packaging beautiful but it also tasted incredible straight from the tin and had a great freshness which can be lost with tinned cocktails.
Yes, it is on the pricier side when it comes to tinned cocktails, but as they're a small business from the UK, we'll let it slide.
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- Taste: 9/10
- Value: 5/10
- Overall score: 14/20
Winner: Waitrose Pimentae
How to save money buying alcohol
Alcohol can be pricey if you’re planning a party or hosting an event but there are ways to cut costs.
It’s always important to drink responsibly, here, Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements share some tips on getting booze for the best price.
Stocking up can mean big savings on drinks, especially if you want to buy wine or fizz.
The big supermarkets regularly offer discounts of 25% when you buy six or more bottles of wine. The promotions typically run in the lead up to occasions such as Bank Holidays, Christmas and Easter.
If you know you are going to need booze later in the year, it can be worth acting when you see offers.
Before buying your preferred drink make sure you shop around to find the best price – you can use a comparison site such as pricerunner.com or trolley.co.uk.
Don’t forget that loyalty cards can unlock better savings so make sure you factor that in too.
If you like your plonk, wine clubs can also be a good way to save money and try new varieties. You’ll usually have to pay a membership fee in return for cheaper price so work out if you will be buying enough to make the one off cost worthwhile.