Canned Alcoholic Drinks: What’s Worth Trying
The canned alcoholic beverage market is experiencing significant growth, driven by consumer demand for convenient, portable, and diverse options. From craft-inspired cocktails to low-calorie seltzers, this dynamic sector offers a range of canned alcoholic drinks worth exploring.
Key Takeaways:
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- Canned alcoholic beverages market is projected to reach £199.1 billion by 2035 at a CAGR of 13.01%.
- The ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktail segment is forecasted to grow to £37.17 billion by 2035.
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- Millennials and Gen Z are the major consumer base, driving demand for convenient, lifestyle-aligned canned alcoholic drinks.
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- Gin-based canned cocktails hold 55.8% market share, while flavoured cocktails dominate with 68.3% share.
- Low-alcohol canned beverages are gaining popularity to cater to mindful drinking trends.
A Growing and Portable Market
The global canned alcoholic beverages market is valued at £51.91 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach £199.1 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 13.01% (2025–2035). This surge is driven by factors such as convenience, portability, expanding flavour diversity, modern packaging, and increased demand for low-calorie, low-sugar, and low-ABV options.
The ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktail segment alone is valued at £21.15 billion in 2025 and is forecasted to grow to £37.17 billion by 2035, representing a CAGR of 5.8%. This surge is fuelled by the preferences of the Millennial and Gen Z consumer base, who value convenient, ready-to-drink, and lifestyle-aligned canned alcoholic drinks.
Canned Cocktails and Beyond
The canned alcoholic beverages market encompasses a diverse array of products, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences. From hard seltzers to craft-inspired canned cocktails, the options are endless.
Hard Seltzers have gained popularity for being low-calorie and sessionable, making them a go-to choice for health-conscious consumers. Canned Cocktails and RTD Cocktails offer a range of classics, such as margaritas and mojitos, as well as innovative blends like gin spritzers and berry infusions.
The canned beer market continues to evolve, with both craft and mainstream brands experimenting with flavours and limited releases. Canned wine and wine spritzers are also gaining recognition for their convenience and portability. Additionally, spirit-based drinks, such as vodka sodas, rum punch, and tequila-based spritzes, are making their mark in the canned alcoholic drinks landscape.
Top Trends and Standout Products
The canned alcoholic beverages market is a dynamic and innovative space, with several key trends and standout products worth noting. Gin-based cocktails hold a 55.8% market share of RTD canned cocktails in 2025, reflecting the botanical versatility and popularity of this spirit.
Flavoured cocktails have a 68.3% market share for RTD, with dominant flavours such as citrus, berry, tropical, ginger, and botanical infusions. Premium canned cocktails are also seeing growth, with craft-inspired, celebrity-backed brands and health/wellness-aligned product innovation gaining traction.
Additionally, low-alcohol beverages are on the rise, with an increase in low-ABV and alcohol-free canned drinks to cater to mindful drinking trends. The USA and South Korea are outpacing the global average growth at 5.9% CAGR, driven by innovations, direct-to-consumer (D2C) models, and pop-culture tie-ins.
Brands and Products to Explore
The canned alcoholic drinks market is home to a diverse array of brands and products, each offering unique experiences. Some notable players include Anheuser-Busch InBev (Bud Light Seltzer, Cutwater Spirits), Diageo (Smirnoff Seltzer, Tanqueray Gin & Tonic), and Bacardi Limited (Bacardi Real Rum Cocktails).
Other standout brands in the canned alcoholic drinks space include Beam Suntory (On The Rocks Cocktails), The Coca-Cola Company (Topo Chico Hard Seltzer), and independent craft-inspired labels like Tip Top Proper Cocktails, Onda (Tequila Seltzer), Social Hour Cocktails, Drnxmyth, Haus, and Union Wine Company (“Underwood” canned wines).
Conclusion
The canned alcoholic beverages market is a rapidly evolving and exciting space, offering a diverse range of canned alcoholic drinks to suit every palate and occasion. From classic cocktails to innovative seltzers and craft-inspired blends, there’s something for everyone in this thriving and portable segment of the alcohol industry.
Sources:
Market Business Insights, “Canned Alcoholic Beverages Market to Reach $199.1 B by 2035”
Future Market Insights, “RTD Canned Cocktail Market Size, Demand & Trends 2025 to 2035”
Future Market Insights, “Canned Alcoholic Beverages Market Trends 2025-2035”
IMARC Group, “Canned Alcoholic Beverages Market Size and Growth 2033”
Hardtank, “The top RTD trends of 2025: From ingredients to functional drinks”
