Ready to Drink

Ready to drink spirits—often called RTDs or pre-mixed cocktails—are fully prepared, bar-quality drinks served in convenient cans or bottles. They range from classic spirit-and-mixer pairings like gin and tonic or whiskey and cola, to complex, multi-ingredient cocktails like margaritas, negronis, and espresso martinis. The taste varies wildly depending on the base spirit and the ingredients used, ranging from crisp and refreshing to rich, bitter, or sweet.

When choosing, check the label for the alcohol by volume (ABV) and the quality of the ingredients. Some options use premium, real spirits and natural juices, while others rely on malt bases or artificial flavorings. Look for details on the base spirit used to ensure you get the flavor profile you want. These convenient drinks are perfect for picnics, festivals, or casual gatherings where mixing drinks from scratch isn't practical. They pair brilliantly with easygoing party foods like tacos, crisps, and grilled skewers.