12 Canned Cocktails That Are a Total Letdown

Canned cocktails are a fun, low-effort upgrade to your usual drink. Just pop the top and you’re ready to go. But many of them are downright disappointing. A few taste artificial or watered-down, leaving you wishing you’d picked something else. Here are twelve types of canned cocktails that aren’t worth the money.

Overly Sweet Margaritas

Some canned margaritas are packed with sugar and not much else. They taste more like lime candy than a real drink. The tequila flavor is usually weak or totally missing. You’re left with a syrupy mix that feels more like soda than a cocktail. If you’re after that classic margarita taste, you’re better off mixing your own with fresh ingredients.

Flat Whiskey and Cola

A good whiskey and cola should have some bite and fizz. But many canned versions fall flat—literally. They lack carbonation and have an odd aftertaste that doesn’t sit right. The balance is usually off, with too much cola and barely any whiskey. It’s hard to tell if you’re drinking a cocktail or a generic soda.

Watery Mojitos

A fresh mojito is crisp and minty. But canned ones rarely hit the mark. The mint often tastes artificial, and the whole drink comes across watered down. Some brands skip the lime punch entirely, making it bland and forgettable. If you love a proper mojito, skip the can and make one at home.

Sour Lemon Drops

Lemon drops are supposed to be sweet with a citrus kick. But canned versions tend to go too heavy on the sour, leaving your mouth puckered. The lemon flavor often feels fake, and the vodka barely shows up. It ends up tasting more like lemon cleaner than a cocktail.

Harsh Gin and Tonics

Canned gin and tonics may seem like a simple win, but many go wrong fast. The tonic can taste bitter or metallic, and the gin is either overpowering or barely there. A weird combo of the two makes the whole drink feel unbalanced. It’s a letdown if you’re used to the clean bite of a well-made G&T.

Creamy Coladas

Canned piña coladas promise a tropical vibe, but many come out tasting chalky. The texture is off—more like a melted milkshake than a smooth cocktail. The coconut flavor can be too strong, and the pineapple barely comes through. Instead of a beachy escape, it feels like a mess in a can.

Strange Spiked Lemonades

Spiked lemonade should be simple and refreshing. But some canned versions miss both targets. They’re either way too sweet or packed with an odd tang that doesn’t belong. You expect a light drink with a little buzz, but end up with something that tastes like it’s been sitting open too long.

Bad Moscow Mule Imitations

A proper Moscow mule has zing from ginger beer and a sharp lime kick. Canned mules usually fall short on both. The ginger tastes weak or flat, and the drink lacks the spicy bite you’re expecting. Without that signature punch, it just feels like a fizzy drink trying too hard.

Weirdly Fruity Sangrias

Sangria is meant to be fruity and rich, but some canned versions lean way too hard on fake flavors. You’ll get a mouthful of artificial berry or a weird citrus blend that tastes more like candy than wine. Plus, they often lack the depth that real sangria gets from fresh fruit and spices.

Boozy Seltzer

Some brands slap a cocktail label on what’s basically spiked seltzer. You’re promised a classic cocktail, but all you get is faint fruit flavor and bubbles. There’s little alcohol taste and no real cocktail profile. It’s not bad, but it’s not what it claims to be either.

Bitter Aperol Spritz Cans

Aperol spritz is supposed to be light and refreshing, with just a hint of bitterness. But many canned versions overdo it on the bitter and forget the fizz. The result is a flat, overpowering drink that leaves a strange aftertaste. It’s hard to sip and doesn’t hit that breezy summer vibe.

Tequila Sunrises With No Sunrise

This classic cocktail is known for its bold colors and sweet citrus taste. But in a can, it often shows up murky and dull. The orange flavor tastes off, and the grenadine sweetness is barely there. Without the layered look or flavor punch, it’s just another forgettable drink.

Skipping the Can

Canned cocktails sound great in theory, but a lot of them just miss the mark. Between off flavors, weird textures, and weak alcohol, it’s easy to feel let down. If you want something that actually tastes like a real cocktail, you may be better off sticking to simple homemade mixes or trusted bar favorites. Sometimes, convenience just isn’t worth it.

This article first appeared on Happy From Home.