In the early 2020s, hard seltzers had their moment. But what started as a carbonated craze has matured into something much more sustainable: a full-blown spirits-based Ready-to-Drink (RTD) revolution.
Fast forward to 2025, and the ready-to-drink market just a trend — they’re a transformational category, reshaping consumer preferences, retail shelves, and the way alcohol brands go to market. Premixed cocktail sales surged by ~16% in 2024 to a whopping 860 million, making RTDs one of the fastest-growing segments in the entire U.S. spirits industry.
And the best part? We’re only scratching the surface.
The Rise of the RTD Cocktail Trend: More Than a Fad
What makes RTD 2.0 different from the original seltzer boom?
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Real Spirits, Real Flavor: Today’s RTDs are crafted with actual vodka, bourbon, tequila, and gin — not malt bases. Consumers are trading up for premium, spirits-forward cocktails that deliver bar-quality experiences in a can.
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Premiumization: Craft margaritas. Whiskey highballs. Espresso martinis. Brands are focusing on quality over quantity, with an emphasis on real ingredients and mixologist-level flavor profiles.
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Convenience & Lifestyle Fit: Whether it’s a picnic, a concert, or a hike, RTDs give consumers a grab-and-go solution without sacrificing quality — and they’re voting with their wallets.
In just five years, RTDs have grown from a novelty to owning 14% of the U.S. spirits market by volume. That’s a seismic leap in a space traditionally slow to change.
RTDs Are Changing the Distribution Game
Perhaps the most disruptive ripple effect of the RTD boom isn’t in flavor — it’s in how products reach consumers.
Because spirits-based RTDs are often under lower-ABV thresholds, they’re now eligible for sale in beer distribution networks in many states. This means:
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Spirits brands can bypass traditional liquor wholesalers
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RTDs can now show up in convenience stores, grocers, and beer coolers
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New cross-category retail opportunities are opening for distillers and marketers
In other words, the route to market is widening, and producers who adapt fast stand to gain the most shelf space and brand visibility.
What This Means for Brands, Distributors, and Producers
The RTD cocktail market surge presents an enormous opportunity for B2B operators, including:
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Distillers looking to extend their brand into new formats
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Retailers seeking exclusive, high-margin house cocktail lines
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Co-packers and white label partners ready to fill the demand
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Distributors wanting to diversify portfolios with high-velocity SKUs
With the right formulation, production, and compliance partners, it’s now faster and more affordable than ever to launch a ready-to-drink product line — without having to build everything from scratch.
And the success of big names entering the space (think High Noon, Cutwater, On The Rocks) has cleared the path for smaller players to get in on the action, just like what we’ve seen in private label spirits.
RTD x Private Label: The Smartest Route for “New Entrants”
Much like the private label boom we’ve seen in core spirits categories, the RTD space is primed for white label success. Retail chains, bars, and even event groups are exploring custom-branded RTDs to offer something proprietary, without the R&D and compliance headaches.
By partnering with a turnkey producer (like us), you can:
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Create your own branded cocktails without in-house production
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Take advantage of beer-style distribution laws
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Move fast while the category is still in momentum mode
The Bottom Line: The RTD Window is Wide Open – For Now
The Ready-to-Drink category is no longer an experiment. It’s a major force that’s reshaping how spirits are made, sold, and consumed. And with consumers demanding more quality, variety, and accessibility than ever before, the brands who act quickly, and smartly, will be the ones who win.
Interested in launching your own RTD cocktail line?
We work with retailers, wholesalers, and brand owners to create premium, spirits-based RTD products from concept to can. Whether you want a private label espresso martini or a regionally focused tequila spritz, we’re your partner from formulation to fulfillment.
Let’s build something your customers will crave.