The Short Answer: Yes, cans are a perfectly viable container for drinks, and many modern beverages actually taste better from a can than from a bottle.
When you pick up a can of craft beer, a ready‑to‑drink cocktail, or a sparkling cider, you’re not compromising quality. In fact, the aluminum can protects flavor, keeps the drink colder longer, and is more sustainable than glass in most cases. Below we’ll explain why cans have become the go‑to packaging for serious drinkers, how they’re made, what styles thrive in a can, and what to look for when you shop.
What “Can Drinks” Actually Means
“Can drinks” is a catch‑all phrase for any alcoholic beverage packaged in an aluminum can. It includes everything from lagers and IPAs to hard seltzers, canned cocktails, and even barrel‑aged stouts. The term has exploded in the last decade as brewers, distillers, and wineries embraced cans for their logistical advantages.
The rise of can drinks is not just a trend; it’s a response to consumer demand for portability, convenience, and consistency. Whether you’re at a music festival, a beach bonfire, or simply lounging at home, a can is lighter, shatter‑proof, and easier to recycle than a glass bottle.
How Cans Are Made and Filled
Aluminum cans start as large sheets of alloy that are rolled, cut, and formed into the familiar cylindrical shape. The interior is coated with a food‑grade polymer to prevent the metal from reacting with the beverage. This lining is crucial for preserving taste, especially for acidic drinks like sour beers or citrus‑forward cocktails.
Filling lines for cans are highly automated. The beverage is chilled, carbonated (if needed), and then dispensed into the can under controlled pressure. Immediately after filling, the can is sealed with a crown cap and passed through an oxygen‑scavenging tunnel that removes any residual air, further protecting the drink from oxidation.
The result is a sealed, light‑proof container that maintains freshness for months, often longer than an equivalent bottle stored under the same conditions.
Styles That Shine in a Can
Not every drink benefits equally from canning, but many do. Here are the top categories that excel:
- Craft Beer: Pale ales, IPAs, and session brews are the most common, but even robust stouts and barrel‑aged sours are now canned, thanks to improved can linings that handle higher acidity.
- Hard Seltzer: The low‑calorie, high‑carbonation profile pairs perfectly with the airtight seal of a can.
- Canned Cocktails: Pre‑mixed margaritas, gin & tonics, and whiskey sours retain their balance because the can prevents light‑induced flavor shifts.
- Wine: Premium wines are still rare in cans, but many rosés and sparkling wines are now available, offering a chilled glass without the need for a wine opener.
Each style benefits from the can’s ability to keep the drink colder longer, a key factor for hop‑forward beers and fizzy cocktails that taste best at lower temperatures.
What to Look for When Buying Can Drinks
Shopping for can drinks can feel overwhelming, but focusing on a few criteria will ensure you get a great product:
- Packaging Date: Look for a clear “bottled” or “canned” date. Freshness matters, especially for hop‑intense beers.
- Seal Integrity: A perfectly sealed can will have a uniform, glossy crown cap with no dents or bulges.
- Brand Reputation: Established breweries often invest more in high‑quality can linings, which translates to better flavor stability.
- Flavor Profile: Read the label for notes on acidity or carbonation. Highly acidic drinks need a robust lining to avoid metallic aftertaste.
Don’t be fooled by a low price tag; sometimes cheaper cans use inferior coatings that can affect taste over time.
Common Mistakes People Make With Can Drinks
Most articles on can drinks overlook the practical errors consumers repeat. Here’s what to avoid:
- Storing Cans in Direct Sunlight: Heat accelerates oxidation, even in a sealed can. Keep them in a cool, dark place.
- Assuming All Cans Are the Same: The quality of the internal coating varies widely. Premium brands often use BPA‑free, oxygen‑blocking linings, while budget lines may not.
- Skipping the Shake Test for Carbonated Drinks: A gentle shake before opening can reveal if the carbonation level is appropriate; excessive fizz may indicate over‑carbonation or a compromised seal.
- Relying Solely on ABV for Flavor: Alcohol content doesn’t dictate taste quality. A 5% IPA can be more nuanced than a 7% lager.
By correcting these habits, you’ll enjoy the full potential of can drinks without the surprise of off‑flavors or flat pours.
Verdict: Which Can Drinks Should You Choose?
If you value portability, consistent temperature, and a lower environmental footprint, reach for a can. For hop‑forward beers, sparkling seltzers, and ready‑to‑drink cocktails, cans are the superior choice. When it comes to nuanced, barrel‑aged wines, you might still prefer a glass bottle, but the gap is closing as winemakers improve can technology.
In short, can drinks are not a compromise; they’re a modern, reliable way to enjoy a wide range of alcoholic beverages. Pick cans from reputable brands, check the packaging date, and store them properly, and you’ll experience the same—or even better—flavor than you would from a bottle.
Looking for inspiration on how to enjoy your canned drinks at home? Check out quick mix‑and‑match cocktail ideas you can try in your kitchen.
