RTD cocktails have been a huge success in recent years, thanks to their increased variety, quality ingredients and focus on sustainability. This beverage category is attracting new consumers and helping bars and restaurants boost revenue.
The best RTD drinks are created by mixologists who use real ingredients. They’re also sold at the same strength you would be served in a bar or restaurant.
Authenticity
The convenience and premium qualities of the ready to drink cocktail are reshaping industry. A new generation of drinkers is demanding portability, authenticity and real ingredients. RTD drinks are a great solution for on-premise businesses, such as hotels and restaurants, that lack the space or staffing to stock a full liquor bar. They are also appealing to younger consumers who may not have the mixology knowledge to make traditional cocktails at home.
The COVID-19 epidemic boosted the popularity of ready to drink cocktails, increasing sales and brand awareness for both mainstream brands and craft brands. Single-serve, canned RTD cocktail formats offer a portable and convenient alternative to beer or seltzer. These cocktails are crafted using high-quality spirits, other ingredients, and have more complex flavors than beer or soda. Many come in a variety flavors, including classic bubbly drinks like French 75s, fruity spritzers and seasonal options.
When choosing a cocktail ready-to-drink, look for products made in small batches with natural ingredients and real fruit. These products will not contain artificial colors or preservatives. Choose a product with cranberry as the color for its cocktails rather than citric acids and synthetic flavors.
A good RTD will also contain no less than 8% of alcohol. This will make it easy to enjoy on the go and will not affect your ability to drive. This will ensure you have a safe alcohol level in your body. However, it is important to check the label on the bottle before buying it. The manufacturer should know the exact alcohol concentration in the drink.
Consider buying your ready-to drink cocktails from a reputable producer if you want the best results. These companies will have a solid manufacturing and distribution network, which means that you’ll be able to buy them at your local liquor store. Also, they can give you information on the cost of each cocktail and the different types.
Convenience
A ready-to-drink cocktail is a convenient option for people on the go. They can serve the drinks to guests without having to mix or measure ingredients. These drinks are a great choice for bars who are short-staffed or have a tight budget. However, people who appreciate well-crafted cocktails don’t want to sacrifice quality for convenience. This is why more brands are stepping up their game and bringing better RTD cocktails to the market.
Some of the most popular RTD cocktail recipes are fruit-based. Examples include margaritas and mojitos. Some are infused, for example, with herbs and spices such as ginger or lavender. Still, the most important aspect of a RTD cocktail is its taste. The best brands use only high-quality ingredients to create drinks that match the original versions in a restaurant or bar.
Consumers are eager for convenient, tasty alcoholic drinks. This trend has driven sales of both ready-to-drink and prepared cocktails in convenience shops. RTDs are available in cans, bottles and other packaging formats. Cans are easier to transport than glass bottles of wine and spirits and they don’t create a mess. They are also a better alternative for the environment, since they’re made from recycled aluminum.
Many RTD cocktails come in cans. This is great for the busy lifestyles of today’s consumers. They can also be consumed in many different settings, such as restaurants, bars, airports, stadiums, hotels and other public places. The drinks are also expected to gain popularity in Asia Pacific, due to the growing demand for convenient and premium drinks.
The best RTD drinks are made with natural ingredients. They are packaged in attractive, functional bottles or cans. The cans have a lid with a cork that keeps the beverage fresh. This packaging is perfect for outdoor events such as camping or tailgating.
A reputable alcohol distribution company is a key partner of any liquor brand. This includes RTDs. A good distribution company will have an ear to the ground and know the best retail locations for the product. In addition, they will have an understanding of state laws governing the sale of alcohol and how to navigate them.
Alcohol content
Alcohol content is a key factor for the success of RTD Cocktails. These drinks are less potent, but still contain alcohol. This level of alcohol is suitable for most consumers, allowing them to have a drink and not worry about driving afterwards. It is important to keep in mind that even a small amount can affect your judgment and balance.
In recent years, RTD cocktails have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and quality ingredients. Many on-premise operators are now incorporating them into hospitality venues, such as stadiums, hotels and theaters, that otherwise would not be able to stock or staff a complete bar. These drinks are also increasingly available in stores, making them accessible to a wider range of consumers.
This has led to a premiumization of the market, with brands focusing more on innovative flavor combinations and high-end products. This trend is particularly pronounced with craft RTDs which are designed in a way to mimic the complexity and taste of drinks served in upscale bars. These new releases help to drive the category’s continued growth.
This growth is also driven by the fact that RTDs can be purchased in cans. They are a more environmentally friendly alternative to glass bottles of wine and spirits. Moreover, they can be easily transported and stored, which makes them ideal for outdoor events, camping, tailgating, and other types of casual drinking occasions.
However, not all RTDs are created equally. Some are formulated with lower-sugar ingredients, which appeal to health-conscious consumers. Others are brewed in small batches to ensure quality and freshness. Finally, some are made with a combination of both natural and artificial flavors to achieve the desired taste and texture.
The market for RTD cocktails is a growing and dynamic one, with significant opportunities for new and established beverage brands. To make the most of this opportunity, you should partner with a beverage company that can assist in developing and distributing your product. A reputable beverage distributor will have a large network of restaurants and retailers that carry your product and can help you navigate issues such as state-specific restrictions for the sale of RTDs based on spirits.
Packaging
RTD cocktails allow you to enjoy a delicious cocktail without having to go to a bar or know how to make one. These drinks are made with pre-mixed ingredients that have been blended to perfection, so you can just open and sip. You can find a variety of different flavors, and they can be delivered straight to your door via direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping models.
Some people who enjoy well-crafted cocktail may be reluctant to try the ready-to-drink version. However, brands that refuse to compromise on quality gain market share and receive accolades. Millennials are the demographic driving the growth of this market, and they’re drawn to cocktails that are convenient and Instagram-worthy. They also value health-oriented trends that emphasize organic ingredients and environmentally-conscious packaging.
Packaging is a crucial part of any RTD cocktail. Consumers want to see a clear, attractive design on the bottle that reflects the product inside. This can help them decide if they want to buy the beverage. Packaging should also be durable enough to endure a long shipping and storage process.
The right packaging can also help a brand stand out on the shelf, especially in crowded grocery stores. SIG’s carton and bag-in box packaging solutions provide a number benefits, including reduced wastage, increased shelf appeal and the ability to brand with high-quality printing. They also offer a superior barrier that prevents air contamination and preserves the flavor of the liquid.
For convenience, a lot of consumers prefer to buy RTD cocktails in cans. This is partly because the cans are more portable, and they’re less likely to break in transit than glass bottles. In addition, cans are more recyclable than bottles, and they don’t require a corkscrew to open.