Are Canned Cocktails Worth It? Try Hi Ball vs Classic Mixers

Quick answer

Canned cocktails are worth it when you value convenience and consistency over the ritual of mixing. BrewDog's Wonderland range, including the Wonderland Old Fashioned, delivers bar-quality flavors in a can, but classic mixers give you control over strength and sweetness at a lower cost per serving.

The canned cocktail boom has made it easier than ever to enjoy a sophisticated drink without the fuss. But are these ready-to-drink (RTD) options truly better than mixing your own? We compare BrewDog's Wonderland range with classic mixers to help you decide.

Canned cocktails promise convenience and consistency, while classic mixers offer flexibility and often a lower price. We'll break down the trade-offs so you can choose the right approach for your next gathering or quiet night in.

Convenience and Consistency

Canned cocktails are the ultimate grab-and-go option. No measuring, shaking, or stirring required. BrewDog's Wonderland range comes ready to drink, with each can offering a perfectly balanced cocktail every time. This consistency is a major plus, especially when entertaining guests who expect the same great taste from the first sip to the last.

Classic mixers, on the other hand, require you to have the right spirits, mixers, and garnishes on hand. While this allows for customization, it also means more prep time and potential for error. If you're not confident in your cocktail-making skills, the results can be inconsistent.

• Canned cocktails: zero prep, consistent results.
• Mixers: flexible but require skill and time.

Quality and Flavor

Quality is where canned cocktails have made huge strides. BrewDog's Wonderland Old Fashioned, for example, features aromas of spiced chocolate and oak-toasted whisky, with vanilla and orange zest. It's a complex, well-crafted drink that rivals what you'd get at a bar. The 10% to 32% ABV range across the Wonderland range means there's something for every palate.

Classic mixers allow you to control the quality of each ingredient. Using premium spirits and fresh mixers can yield a superior cocktail, but it also depends heavily on your skill and the quality of your ingredients. For many, the convenience of a canned cocktail outweighs the potential for a slightly better homemade version.

• Canned cocktails: bar-quality flavors in a can.
• Mixers: control over ingredients, but requires expertise.

Cost Comparison

Price is a significant factor. The Wonderland Old Fashioned is priced at $2.09 (compared to $3.90), making it an affordable option for a premium cocktail. The full Wonderland range is $36.99 for a variety of cocktails, offering good value for those who want to sample multiple flavors.

Classic mixers can be cheaper per serving if you already have the spirits, but the initial investment in a well-stocked bar can be high. Plus, you may end up buying bottles you rarely use. Canned cocktails eliminate waste and ensure you only pay for what you drink.

• Canned cocktails: predictable cost per drink.
• Mixers: potential savings, but hidden costs.

Trade-Offs at a Glance

• Convenience vs. Customization: Canned cocktails offer instant gratification; mixers allow you to tweak every element. Choose canned for ease, mixers for personalization.
• Quality vs. Control: Canned cocktails are consistent and expertly crafted; mixers give you control over ingredient quality. If you trust the brand, canned wins on consistency.
• Cost per Serving: Canned cocktails have a fixed cost; mixers can be cheaper if you already own the spirits. For occasional drinkers, canned is more cost-effective.

Product Facts

• Wonderland - The Full Range: One of each cocktail, ranging from 10% to 32% ABV. Classic serves and twists on the cocktails you know and love. All made using our own premium spirits. This variety pack lets you explore different cocktail styles without committing to a full bottle, perfect for parties or trying new favorites.
• Wonderland Old Fashioned: Instantly, aromas of spiced chocolate and oak-toasted whisky notes join a melee of vanilla and orange zest, where sweetness and citrus collide. The warming whisky is a hug to the heart, with a chorus of spiced orange overlaid with sweet vanilla from the whisky and intricate bitters. This ready-to-drink cocktail delivers a complex flavor profile that would be challenging to replicate at home without a well-stocked bar.

Which Should You Choose?

Best for

• Busy individuals who want a quality cocktail without prep time.
• Hosts who want to serve consistent drinks to guests without playing bartender.
• Those who prefer to sample a variety of cocktails without buying multiple bottles.

Not for

• Cocktail enthusiasts who enjoy the craft of mixing and experimenting.
• Those on a tight budget who already have a well-stocked home bar.
• People who have specific dietary or ingredient preferences that canned options may not accommodate.

Canned cocktails like BrewDog's Wonderland range are absolutely worth it for their convenience, consistency, and quality. They shine when you want a great drink without the effort. Classic mixers remain a solid choice for those who value control and customization. Ultimately, the best option depends on your priorities—so weigh the trade-offs and choose what fits your lifestyle.