Ready-to-drink gins for your next outdoor gathering

With lockdown restrictions in England easing as of 29 March, and restrictions also being loosened in Scotland, Wales and Ireland, we can finally start planning those social engagements we’ve been dreaming of! Since we can still only meet up outdoors for the time being, it’s important to make the most of the occasion – and that means not skimping on your on-the-go drinks.

Spirits brands have seen the direction of travel towards ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages in the past year, as more people started socialising outside. With this option now open to us again, and a (hopefully) warm summer on the way, it’s time to get acquainted with some of the top gin-based RTD options out there.

We’ve selected a mix from larger and smaller gin brands in the UK.

One Gin

One Gin has just launched two ready-to-drink gin and tonics using its One Sage Gin and One Sage and Apple Gin. Like the rest of the brand’s products, a portion of profits from sales of the cans will be donated to support global clean water projects. You can buy them from thespiritofone.com.

Sipsmith

Launched in 2019, Sipsmith’s on-the-go range includes original and ‘light’ gin and tonics using its London Dry Gin. You can find them in supermarkets and through online retailers including Spirits Kiosk.

Bombay Sapphire

Bombay Sapphire dipped its first toe in the ready-to-drink pool in 2020 with the launch of its gin and tonic cans. Made with its premium original gin, the cans are available from major supermarkets including Tesco and Sainsbury’s.

Gordon’s

One of the first gin brands to hit the ready-to-drink market, Gordon’s now has an extensive range of ‘gin in a tin’ options including its London Dry Gin with tonic and with elderflower, and its Pink Distilled Gin with tonic. You can find them in major supermarkets.

Slingsby Gin

Yorkshire producer Slingsby Gin launched two ready-to-drink ranges earlier this year: its gin-and-mixer range Slingsby Solo, and its fruit-flavoured Slingsby Gin Spritzes. They’re available to buy from the Spirit of Harrogate, online and at its store.

East London Liquor Co.

Craft spirits maker East London Liquor Co. has two juicy Grapefruit Gin and Tonics among its range of canned drinks. There’s a full-strength option (5% ABV) and a low-alcohol version at (0.5% ABV).

Lone Wolf (Brewdog)

Craft beer sensation Brewdog has turned its original Lone Wolf Gin into an on-the-go drink. The Lone Wolf Gin and Tonic cans are available through the Brewdog webshop and from major supermarkets.

6 O’Clock Gin

British brand 6 O’Clock Gin launched its ready-to-drink range earlier this year, featuring its London Dry Gin with regular and ‘light’ tonic, Exotic Orange Gin and Tonic, and Damson Gin and Ginger Beer. The range is available from 6oclockgin.com.

Portobello Road

London distiller Portobello Road teamed up with mixer maker Franklin and Sons in 2018 to create a pre-mixed drink with its London Dry Gin. The cans are available online and with retailers including Tesco.

Didsbury Gin

Launched in summer 2020, Didbury’s Gin’s ready-to-drink range includes gin and tonic mixes with its Blood Orange and Ginger, Raspberry and Elderflower, and Strawberry and Sicilian Lemon gins, and a Gin Fizz with its Tutti Frutti expression. They’re available at didsburygin.com.

Seedlip

If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic for your al fresco soirée, Seedlip makes a range of RTDs using its non-alcoholic spirits. For other ‘no and low’ options, try pre-mixed drinks from Clean Liquor Co., Sea Arch, Highball Cocktails and Ish Spirits.