We Thought Gen Z Avoided Alcohol. These Canned Drinks Challenge That Notion

A viral TikTok video captures a grandmother reclining on a carpet, slightly tipsy, beside a Christmas tree. The footage alternates between her rapidly drinking an alcoholic beverage and her smiling up at the camera from the floor. But this isn’t a case of excessive sherry consumption. Instead, she’s sampling a sugary drink from a corner shop, one that younger people are luring their older relatives to try as a lighthearted gag. The caption humorously frames it as “POV: You assumed Christmas Day was the perfect time to introduce BuzzBallz to your grandma.”

The Popularity of Pre-Mixed Beverages

Such videos are proliferating across TikTok, and if you visit any student gathering, you’ll likely spot a collection of the brand’s signature ball-shaped cans in bold hues of red, green, and blue. While BuzzBallz may be the most visually striking example, pre-mixed bottled and canned cocktails have gained traction in recent years. Sales of these drinks in the UK surged by 30% between March 2025 and March 2026, according to Circana data. A 2023 IWSR survey revealed that 43% of Gen Z respondents had consumed a pre-mixed can within six months, compared to just 26% of the general UK population.

Gen Z is frequently portrayed as the generation favoring mindfulness over intoxication. Yet, the reality appears more nuanced. On a warm Wednesday evening in central London, Keilly Linares, 26, and Chyna Buena, 27, were unwinding with post-work drinks in a park. When I mentioned BuzzBallz, Keilly chuckled and pulled a red can from her bag. “They’re not the most refined,” she admitted, “but they work for the occasion.” Chyna, sipping a similarly sweet can of Echo Falls Summer Berries Spritz, echoed this sentiment: “They do the job.”

For these friends, pre-mixed drinks serve as “journey juice” — a convenient option for commutes or taxi rides. Their compact size makes them easy to carry, as Keilly noted. This trend echoes past generations’ fondness for colorful, sugary alcopops like Hooch, WKDs, VKs, and Bacardi Breezers. However, today’s brands have capitalized on TikTok’s viral potential, transforming their appeal.

Cameron Couliard, a 19-year-old Strathclyde University student, observed how videos of people stacking BuzzBallz cans on conveyor belts or unloading shopping bags full of them have sparked interest. While some genuinely enjoy the drinks, others are drawn to their novelty, joking about being “obsessed” with them. Students often refer to their first BuzzBallz as “baby’s first BuzzBall,” highlighting its role in social rituals.

Despite mixed opinions on flavor, the trend persists. One 20s friend described them as “gross” and “too sweet,” yet many still opt for these cans over traditional beer or cider. Katy Russell, an Aberdeen student, notes, “Canned cocktails and BuzzBallz have definitely taken over.” Caitlin Crampshee, 20, begins her nights with a supermarket-brand can, calling it “as good as the big names” for just £1.

Experts suggest the appeal lies beyond taste. Ellen Jenkins of HRA Global compares the drinks’ vibrant packaging to “gimmicky bubble tea or bright vapes,” noting their playful, Instagram-friendly design. Chloe Combi, a Gen Z researcher, adds that the combination of affordability, visual appeal, and sweetness makes BuzzBallz stand out. “The high potency is softened by their sugary profile,” says Dr Laura T, emphasizing how this framing might make them seem less intense to younger drinkers.

Though not everyone shares the enthusiasm, the trend underscores a shift in how Gen Z engages with alcohol. These cans, once niche, now symbolize a broader cultural preference for convenience, style, and shared humor over traditional drinking habits.