Whether you're planning a house party, beach day, or birthday celebration, ready to drink cocktails promise to be the ideal companion. Simply stick them in the fridge to keep them cool and crack them open when it's time to serve.
From ready-to-go margaritas to pre-mixed strawberry daiquiris, the choices are vast and thrilling. This article covers everything you need to know about canned cocktails, including tips for picking the right one and highlights of our favorite brands.
Why Choose Ready to Drink Cocktails?
With ready to drink cocktails, you can forget all about mixing mishaps and running out of limes. These off-the-shelf drinks offer the perfect combination of convenience, taste, and quality.
Let's take a closer look at some of the reasons why they're such a game changer:
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Zero prep: With ready to drink cocktails, there's no need to slave away in the kitchen. Just crack them open and you're good to go!
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Consistent flavor: These drinks have been mixed by experts and undergo rigorous testing so you enjoy the same delicious flavor every time.
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Ideal for on-the-go parties: Heading to a beach party, festival, picnic, or tailgate? All you need is a decent cooler to enjoy tasty cocktails on the go.
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Plenty of variety: From old-fashioned negronis made with sweet vermouth to fizzy spritzers with bold flavors, there is truly something for everyone.
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Save money: Most canned cocktails are relatively inexpensive and eliminate the need for a fully stocked bar cart.
Some of Our Favorite RTD Cocktail Brands
Start browsing premixed cocktails and you'll discover a plethora of eye-catching options to choose from. But which bottles are worth the bucks, and which ones are better left on the shelf?
While we stock dozens of RTD cocktail brands, some of our favorites are:
Jose C![]()
uervo
Best known for their premium tequila, Jose Cuervo also nails the convenience game with a lineup of tasty margaritas and refreshing palomas. Think tangy citrus, smooth tequila, and just the right amount of kick, perfect for getting the party started.
Throwing a backyard barbeque or some other type of get-together? The Peach Lemonade Margarita will not disappoint!
Casamigos
Celebrity-backed and cocktail bar–approved, Casamigos brings a sense of luxury to every can. Expect elevated flavors, super-smooth tequila, and stylish packaging, perfect for when you want to impress your guests and your taste buds.
The 8-pack of margaritas offers zesty hints of orange and a sprinkling of sea salt, ideal for poolside sipping.
Sazerac
Known for its whiskey heritage, Sazerac's range of "Uptown Cocktails" delivers rich flavors alongside a touch of elegance. But this line of fashionable cocktails doesn't just appeal to whiskey lovers! They are suitable for cocktail enthusiasts of all kinds.
Sazerac's ready-to-pour Pina Colada is expertly crafted to deliver fresh notes of pineapple, coconut, and vanilla.
Astral
Astral's canned cocktails channel the spirit of celebration with bold, tropical-inspired blends that are perfect for summer vibes. Their tequila-based drinks are especially great for those who want something a little cosmic with their cocktail.
You can't go wrong with the Astral Margarita cocktail, made from agave tequila and real lime juice.
BeatBox
The life of any party, BeatBox is loud, proud, and packed with flavor. Their wine-based cocktails come in punchy, fruit-forward varieties with a surprisingly high ABV. A little goes a long way, so sip responsibly and get ready to dance the night away.
BeatBox's Fresh Watermelon drink delivers crisp flavors that will whisk you away to a tropical escape.
How to Choose the Best Ready to Drink Cocktails for You
With hundreds of different RTD cocktails on the market, choosing one (or more) that you'll love requires considering the following factors:
Picking out the flavor
The first thing to do is to select your favorite flavors. Do you prefer something sweet like a strawberry daiquiri? Or perhaps something rich and smooth like an espresso martini is more up your alley?
Fruity cocktails are great for poolside sipping, while herbaceous or bitter drinks offer a more sophisticated edge. If you're unsure where to start, go for a crowd-pleaser like a margarita or pina colada.
Looking at the ingredients
If healthy ingredients are important to you, remember to check the label before you make a purchase. Look for real spirits and natural flavors, with minimal artificial additives. Brands using fresh juices, botanicals, and quality alcohol deliver the best experience in both taste and aftereffects.
Make sure the price is right
Ready to drink cocktails range from budget-friendly six-packs to luxury, single-serve cocktails. There is something to suit every budget, so take the time to decide if you’re looking for casual convenience or something more upscale.
Pro tip: You can often get excellent quality without breaking the bank. Just compare different brands and serving sizes, while keeping a lookout for discounts and special offers.
Alcohol content
Some RTDs sit around the same ABV as beer (4–6%), while others climb into spirit-strength territory (10–14% or higher). It all depends on how many and what type of spirits are included in the drink.
If you're new to drinking alcoholic beverages, you should definitely start with something that has a lower alcohol content.
Packaging: cans, bottles, and beyond
RTD cocktails come in all kinds of packaging. Cans are the most common, ideal for poolside lounging, festivals, or tossing into a cooler. They're lightweight, portable, chill quickly, and the container is often recyclable.
Glass bottles, on the other hand, tend to feel a little more luxurious. They’re suited for more formal occasions but are heavier, breakable, and not always allowed at outdoor venues.
You’ll also find pouches and boxes, which are great for sharing and have a longer shelf life. Think about where you’ll be enjoying your drink and choose packaging that fits the vibe.
Consider the occasion
Whether you're hosting a 4th of July party or a bachelorette celebration, you want to match the drinks to the occasion. Fruity, bright drinks are great for daytime events, while strong, moody cocktails work well for intimate gatherings and after-dark vibes.
If you want to go the extra mile, pick out bottles that match the decor or choose drinks that align with the guest of honor's favorite flavor profiles.
How to Serve Ready to Drink Cocktails
Just because they come pre-mixed doesn’t mean you can’t elevate the entire experience! Serving RTD cocktails with a little flair can easily take your celebration to the next level. The best part? It's still a lot less time-consuming than creating cocktails from scratch.
Here’s how to serve your favorite pre-mixed cocktails like a pro:
Chilled out
Most RTDs taste best ice-cold. Simply pop them in the fridge a few hours before your event or store them in an ice bucket if you’re heading out. A warm canned margarita? Nobody wants that.
Choose the right glass
While RTDs can be sipped directly from the can, pouring them into proper glassware can enhance the aroma and elevate the presentation. Here are a few ideas for choosing the right serving glasses:
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Margaritas and daiquiris: Coupe or rocks glasses are a classic choice.
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Mojitos and spritzes: Tall highballs or stemmed wine glasses work beautifully.
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Whiskey-based cocktails: Opt for a tumbler or lowball with a chunky ice cube.
Add ice
Some RTDs are designed to be served over ice, especially those with a higher ABV or bold flavors. You could even use fun-shaped ice trays for extra charm. However, if your drink is already diluted or low-proof, skip the cubes so you don’t water it down.
Garnish it up
A simple garnish can turn a basic drink into a mini-masterpiece. Here are a few garnishing ideas to inspire you:
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Lime or orange wheels
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Fresh mint or rosemary sprigs
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A sugar or salt rim
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Frozen berries for color and chill factor
Create a Cocktail Bar Moment
Hosting a party? Set up a self-serve RTD station with chilled options, glassware, ice, and fun garnishes so guests can customize their drinks. It feels fancy and luxurious but requires minimal effort. Guests will feel well-cared for as they sip on their tailor-made cocktail.
FAQs
What are ready to drink cocktails?
RTD cocktails are pre-mixed alcoholic drinks packaged in cans, bottles, or boxes. They combine spirits, mixers, and flavorings into one ready-to-enjoy drink. They have become increasingly popular thanks to their convenience, affordability, and wide variety of options.
What is the best ready to drink cocktail brand?
That all depends on your taste! Casamigos is ideal for tequila aficionados, while BeatBox is perfect for partygoers. When it comes to refined palettes, Sazerac takes the cake. Our advice is to try a few to find your personal fave.
What type of ready to drink cocktail should I choose for my first time drinking?
It would be best to start with something light and approachable, like a canned mojito or a fruity spritz. These are generally lower in alcohol and easy on the palate. If you aren't keen on alcohol, there are plenty of mocktail options to choose from.
Do ready to drink cocktails make good gifts?
Absolutely! A curated selection of ready to drink cocktails makes for a fun, modern gift, especially when paired with a cool cooler bag or special glasses. Just make sure to choose flavors based on the recipient’s preferences for a thoughtful touch.
Are cocktails considered a "standard drink" in the USA?
No. A standard drink in the USA contains 14 grams of pure alcohol. However, when it comes to cocktails, the alcohol content can vary greatly as they often contain multiple types of spirits.
Can I bring ready to drink cocktails to a picnic, beach, or festival?
Absolutely, but check the rules first! Many RTDs come in cans or pouches, making them perfect for outdoor events. They're easy to pack, require no mixing tools, and eliminate the need to haul multiple bottles. However, some beaches, parks, and festivals have strict rules around alcohol consumption or glass containers.
Final Thoughts
Ready-to-drink cocktails bring ease and excitement to any gathering, from laid-back picnics to festive celebrations. And with so many exciting options on the market, it’s never been easier to find your perfect sip!
Here at The Liquor Bros, you'll find a wide selection of delicious, ready-to-pour cocktails. Let's clink our glasses and say cheers to convenience, craft, and drinks that come ready to roll!
