Trader Joe’s Margarita: Our Honest Review of the Canned Cocktail

Trader Joe’s is known for its cheap store brand beer and wine and even hard liquor, but they’ve only recently begun their journey into the world of Trader Joe’s branded canned cocktails. And the latest addition to their line up is the Trader Joe’s Margarita, aka the Everything But the Bartender Classic Lime Margarita. It’s a cute name. Admit it. But is it any good?

I’ve tasted a lot of canned Margaritas (check out our ranking of the best canned Margaritas for proof). So I’m well-equipped to judge Trader Joe’s Lime Margarita. Grab the salt. Let’s get into it.

New Trader Joe’s Cocktail!

Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bartender Classic Lime Margarita

Trader Joe’s

We didn’t love Trader Joe’s Margarita mix (it required that you add triple sec, and I don’t think Marg mix should require me to add anything but booze). So I didn’t have the highest hopes for Trader Joe’s Margarita can. But, actually, it’s pretty good.

Pros: It’s tough for brands to make even semi-decent Margaritas—and so many of them are carbonated, wild—but Trader Joe’s did a darn good job of replicating a Margarita made with a decent Margarita mix. And it’s not sparkling—huge points. It’s pretty sweet, but that’s balanced out by the lime flavor, which is tart but also round, almost like roasted lime. It’s easy drinking but still packs a punch at 15% ABV. But it’s not too big (200ml), so you can safely drink a full can. (Many canned cocktails come as two servings in one can, which can sneak up on you if you’re not careful.) Trader Joe’s Margaritas are pretty cheap ($9.99 for a four pack) and they’re totally gulpable, so definitely pick some up if you’re heading to a pool party or BBQ.

Cons: If you were hoping for a craft Margarita that tastes like a cocktail made with fresh citrus and high quality tequila, Trader Joe’s Margarita is going to be a bit of a let down. As I said, this stuff tastes like Margarita mix—not lime juice and tequila and agave. So temper your expectations. And it could use a bit of dilution—if you can figure out how to get some ice into the can, you’ll be golden.

Credit: Liv Averett / Trader Joe’s

Rating:

7.5/10

Sporks

About the Author

Hi! I’m the editor-in-chief of Sporked. I will never turn down a fresh-shucked oyster but I’ll also leap at whatever new product Reese’s releases and I love a Tostitos Hint of Lime, even if there is no actual lime in the ingredients. Why you should trust me: I have been writing about food and beverages for well over a decade and am an avid at-home cook and snacker. I began my career writing about fine dining and recipes, moved into cocktails and spirits, and now I talk about groceries. If you can eat it or drink it, I’ve probably written about it. What I buy every week: Trader Joe’s dried okra. Appleton Farms prosciutto from Aldi. Some sort of Trader Joe’s cheese (I’m into the aged gouda at the moment). Frozen waffles (usually the Eggo Cinnamon Toast Minis). Spindrift water (loving the Cosmopolitan right now). Favorite ranking: Smoked salmon. Imagine me as Scrooge McDuck but instead of coins I’m diving into a vault of slippery smoked salmon slices. Pure joy. I also found some real steals in that taste test! Least favorite ranking: Canned oysters. I had such high hopes for this but it quickly became a chore. The kitchen smelled like an uncleaned aquarium.