We all know what London summers are really about. It’s not the skyline views, rooftop yoga, or cultural art pop-ups you’re pretending you’re going to. It’s cans in the park. Cans by the canal. Cans in your mate’s garden. Cans on the way to your 4th day festival in Victoria Park. AND Cans at Pride, obvs. Basically, summer in the city is just one long, concrete jungle festival – and tinnies come along for the ride. Whether you need to fit them in your handbag (okaaay femme, call us)… or they’re accompanying you on the tube, a little journey juice if you will, we have our top 10 faves below for you to choose from.
1. Whitebox Cocktails
Why we love them: Small tin, big flex. These little legends serve serious cocktail bar energy in a can. Slick design, excellent artwork, top-tier taste, and pocket-sized enough to sneak into… well, anywhere.
Pairs well with: BBQ crowd pleasing. Just look at those cans. Swit swoo.
2. Nice Wines
Why we love them: One-half women-founded. Nice by name, naughty by nature (after three). She’s light, dry, and we’re not judging that she’s in a can.
Pairs well with: Screaming about the Ultimatum: Queer Love on a picnic blanket while texting your ex.
3. MOTH Margarita
Why we love it: MOTH stands for “Mix of Total Happiness” (not officially, but it should). This spicy marg is the chaotic-neutral energy your summer needs. Salted rim not included, unfortunately.
Pairs well with: “Wearing sunglasses after sunset” sessions, if you know you know.
4. Signature Brew – Studio Lager
Why we love it: A solid North-East London brew that’s not trying too hard. A perfect larger (yeah, we said it).
Pairs well with: Accidentally throwing your beer all over the place when Lionesses win the Euros (It’s coming home).
5. Two Days Vodka Lime Soda
Why we love it: Low-ABV, high reward. If you want something that tastes like a clean girl aesthetic and doesn’t ruin your next day, this is your go-to. Bonus points: No fake sugar.
Pairs well with: Midweek hangs and pretending you’ve got “wellness boundaries.”
6. The Real Al Co – Crafty Apple
Why we love it: A juicy little session cider, crafted by a brilliant queer couple who know how to do cider right. It’s sweet but not sickly, with light apple vibes, a cheeky hint of caramel and butterscotch to keep things interesting. Plus, absolutely adorable cans.
Pairs well with: Big screen Wimbledon, rogue tennis chat, and shouting “COME ON SHARAPOVA” like it’s early 2000s.
7. Pimentae Margarita
Why we love it: The can is sex. Are we right or are we right? Plus, founded by two badass women.
Pairs well with: Saying “it’s not that spicy” and immediately sweating through your fringe.
8. Days Lager (Alcohol-Free)
Why we love it: For the sober babes, the designated cyclists, or those pretending to take a break from their hangxiety. It actually tastes like beer, not sad water.
Pairs well with: Chilling without chundering.
9. White Claw Hard Seltzer
Why we love it: Hard seltzers are still a bit of a wild card in the UK, but White Claw has been around for a while. This one’s crisp, clean, and gives “I do Pilates on Mondays” energy.
Pairs well with: Pre-festival posing, outfit indecision, and your mate already one tin in.
10. Tiny Rebel – Clwb Tropic
Why we love it: It’s a Welsh IPA that tastes like a tropical slap in the face. A mango and pineapple slap, to be precise. This is the tin that’ll get you weird looks from beer bros, and we love that for you.
Pairs well with: Telling people “it’s pronounced club” and getting in your feelings.
Honourable Mention
Anything from Marks & Sparks’ Cocktail Can Range
Basic? Maybe. Delicious? Yes. From mojitos to pornstar martinis, these tins are practically a London summer rite of passage.
BLOODY Bloody Mary, an excellent choice for “hair of the dog”.
Tinny Tips
- Cool them properly: No one wants a warm tinny. Freeze them for a bit if you’re tight on time.
- Invest in a cooler tote or a cheeky mini backpack cooler – game-changer.
- Hydrate between cans – don’t be that friend crying in the toilets at 7pm.
- Know your limits – a 34% martini tinny is not the same as a 4% beer. You’ve been warned.
Final Word
So there you have it. Your complete tin-to-tote guide for the season. Whether you’re having a wholesome date in Victoria Park, crashing a BBQ in Brixton, or sipping secretly on the overground, these tinnies will carry you through summer with style, taste, and just the right amount of booze.
Nonchalant x
This article was written by one of our creative team writers here at Nonchalant Magazine.
