Marks & Spencer (M&S) is celebrating 40 years since it first introduced canned cocktails to UK high streets with the launch of a new nationwide study, The United Tin-dom Report, revealing how Britain’s tastes in “tinnies” have evolved—and just how regional those preferences have become.
The supermarket, which first pioneered canned cocktails in the UK in May 1986, now sells over 15 million tinnies every year—equivalent to one every second. If lined up end to end, they would stretch from London all the way to Greece.
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Britain’s Love Affair With “Tinnies” Goes Regional
The new research highlights how cocktail preferences vary dramatically across the UK, with some clear regional favourites emerging.
Mojito Still Rules Large Parts of the UK
The Mojito remains the most popular choice in over a quarter of UK regions (28%), including Bristol, Bath, East Anglia, and the West Midlands.
It also dominates much of London, particularly in the North, South, and East—although Central and West London still lean towards the classic Gin & Tonic.
Spritz Boom Sweeps the North
One of the fastest-growing trends is the rise of Spritz cocktails, now favoured in 24% of UK regions.
Newer serves such as the Hugo Spritz and Limoncello Spritz—both launched by M&S last year—are proving especially popular across northern cities:
- Manchester: Hugo Spritz #1
- Liverpool & Merseyside: Hugo Spritz #1
- Leeds: Limoncello Spritz #1
- Newcastle & North East: Limoncello Spritz #1
- Sheffield & South Yorkshire: Limoncello Spritz #1
- Glasgow & Western Scotland: Hugo Spritz #1
Piña Colada and Tropical Flavours Dominate the South
Further south, tropical flavours are taking over. The Piña Colada ranks as the top cocktail in regions including Essex, Southampton, the Isle of Wight, and South Wales.
It also performs strongly in Scotland, particularly in Edinburgh, Dundee, and Aberdeen.
Britain’s Overall Favourite: The Classic Gin & Tonic
Despite evolving tastes, one drink still leads nationally: M&S’s Extra Dry Gin & Tonic.
Affectionately known as a “gin in a tin,” it remains the UK’s most-loved canned cocktail overall.
The drink famously entered pop culture in 2019 after appearing in BBC’s Fleabag, where it was enjoyed on screen by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Andrew Scott—sparking a 24% sales uplift.
Fruity Favourites and Regional Standouts
Northern Ireland shows a distinct preference for sweeter profiles, with:
- Pink Passion Star Martini ranked #1
- Strawberry Daiquiri close behind
Meanwhile, the Gin & Tonic is the UK’s go-to “travel tin,” topping sales in airports, rail stations, service areas, and petrol stations.
M&S Responds With New Cocktails and Retro Edition Release
To mark the milestone, M&S has launched a limited-edition Gin & Tonic can featuring retro St Michael packaging, inspired by its original 1980s design.
The retailer is also expanding its range in response to growing demand, particularly around tequila-based cocktails:
- Tequila & Tonic
- Tequila Spritz with Grapefruit
- The Marksologist Tequila Selection (3-pack)
- Peach Bourbon Smash
- Alcohol-Free Lime Margarita
Tequila continues to surge in popularity, with M&S reporting a 50% rise in tequila sales and a 75% increase in margarita sales year-on-year.
Expert Insight From M&S
Jenny Rea, Lead Product Developer for cocktails at M&S Food, said:
“We know the nation loves a cocktail in a can and it’s safe to say our tinnies have achieved cult status over the last four decades. It’s great to see that the Gin & Tonic is still going strong 40 years after we launched it, however The United Tin-dom research also really shows just how much tastes have evolved since the ’80s.”
She added:
“Spritz cocktails have completely taken off in the past year, with newer serves like Hugo and Limoncello quickly becoming go-to favourites across the UK, especially in the North.”
A Nation of Changing Cocktail Tastes
From classic gin lovers to spritz enthusiasts and tropical flavour fans, the UK’s relationship with canned cocktails has never been more diverse.
- M&S Tequila & Tonic, £2.50
- M&S Tequila Spritz with Grapefruit, £2.50
- M&S The Marksologist Tequila Selection, £10
- M&S The Marksologist Peach Bourbon Smash, £3.50
- M&S Alcohol-Free Lime Margarita, £2
As M&S celebrates four decades of innovation in ready-to-drink drinks, it’s clear that while trends may shift, the nation’s love for a convenient “tinny” isn’t going anywhere.
