By Sam Blanchard Health Reporter For Mailonline
Published: 10:28 BST, 24 April 2019 | Updated: 10:32 BST, 24 April 2019
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People drinking cans of pre-mixed cocktails may be getting more than they bargained for and putting their health at risk, experts have claimed.
Cans of gin and tonic, whiskey and coke, or mojito – like the kind Labour MP Diane Abbott was caught drinking on the London Overground last week – could be stronger than many drinkers realise.
The drinks have even been called 'dangerous' because they are so cheap and strong but are marketed in small, colourful packaging.
Social media users last week claimed Marks & Spencer branches had sold out of its £2 mojito cans after the Shadow Home Secretary was snapped drinking one.
And the supermarket also said its sales of G&T cans had risen 24 per cent after the main character drank them in the BBC comedy, Fleabag.
Diane Abbot MP, Labour's Shadow Home Secretary, was snapped drinking a mojito in a can on a train in London – she later apologised because drinking alcohol is banned on Transport for London services
Containing an eight per cent alcohol content, the drinks 'pack quite a punch', one expert said in a warning about the popular cans.
Pre-mixed drinks are available from most supermarkets, with Asda selling Jack Daniels' and cola 330ml cans, with five per cent alcohol, for £1.80 each.
A Sainsbury's own-brand gin and tonic 250ml can costs just £1 and contains five per cent alcohol.
And Tesco sells its own-brand Woo Woo cocktail in a 250ml can for the same price of £1 – it contains four per cent alcohol.
Addiction therapist Eileen Kelly told The Times: 'Research shows that teenagers and young drinkers are attracted to convenient cheap drinks such as these.
'Because of their packaging and small size, people may not realise that these drinks pack quite a punch.
'Those who market and sell these drinks do carry a public health responsibility and pricing at the right amount
