RTD cocktails: meet these ready-to-drink beverages

Practical and delicious, RTD cocktails are becoming increasingly popular among customers since they are both convenient and delicious. They are canned or bottled drinks that are ready to consume, without any additional processing.

But why are they conquering the beverage industry, and what varieties are available?

RTD cocktails: what you need to know

Canned beverages are popular among consumers for several reasons. Since they are single-use, they help maintain hygiene and are also simple to store, carry, and open.

On the other hand, you don't have to be a mixologist to enjoy a wonderful drink. With the assistance of skilled bartenders, the manufacturers design the ideal mixes.

Differences from other beverages

There are several differences between RTD cocktails and other ready-to-drink beverages:

·        Soft drinks: in general, and unlike conventional cocktails, they do not contain alcohol. They are frequently carbonated and include large amounts of sugar.

·        Fruit wines: typically, they are rosé, white, or red wines with additional sugar and artificial flavorings.

·        Flavored rums: although they can be consumed independently, they are frequently used as a base for other cocktails due to their high alcohol level.

·        Hard seltzers: they contain a very low percentage of alcohol (4% to 6%), natural flavorings, and carbonated water. They are among the most conventional on the market.

·        Traditional ready-made cocktails: some of the most well-known cocktail combinations, such as Sex on the Beach or Manhattan, are available in ready-to-drink versions.

Why RTD cocktails are trend-setting

In recent years and due to their advantages, they have found a position in the world of cocktails. They can also be consumed on any occasion without the need to mix or add new ingredients. In this sense, they have the ideal proportion to be palatable on their own.

Furthermore, they are available in a wide range of flavors and varieties to suit all tastes. Many of these cocktails are even made with 100% natural fruit pulp, avoiding artificial additives.

Varieties and flavors available

Consumers can now select from a wide variety of Ready-to-Drink beverages with varying flavors and ingredients:

·        Fruits: they have a low alcohol concentration and a mild and pleasant flavor. Lemon, red fruits, mango, peach, and orange are among the most popular flavors.

·        Herbs and flowers: like hibiscus or orange blossom, elderberry, lemon verbena, and other botanicals.

·        Spices: those with sweet notes, such as cardamom, cloves, ginger, and star anise, are the most used. However, there are also less conventional options such as pepper.

·        Healthy and useful beverages: many manufacturers are brewing kombucha with fruit-flavored and other healthy RTD options. For example, digestive, heart-healthy, relaxing, isotonic, and energizing drinks. In other words, there is a product to meet any demand.

Thanks to their characteristics, RTD cocktails are the drink of choice in social gatherings, parties, and at home. Keep this information in mind when planning your next market launch.

{Bibliographic References

• Bonilla, M. (2023, 8 de septiembre). ¿Por qué a la Generación Z le encantan las bebidas en lata listas para tomar? El Español.
• Méndez, M. (2022, 28 de diciembre). Bebidas ‘Ready to Drink’, el boom que viene. Forbes.