Why Ready-to-Drink Cocktails Are Having a Moment
The ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail category reached $3.8 billion in 2025 and grew at a remarkable 16.4% — outpacing nearly every other segment in the beverage alcohol market. What's driving it? Convenience without compromise. Today's RTDs are crafted with real spirits, fresh juice, and bar-quality recipes, packaged to go wherever you do.
At PJ Wine, RTDs have become one of our fastest-growing categories. Our customers clearly agree: over the past 90 days, we've moved more than 58,000 RTD units totaling over $302,000 in net sales. Here's how to navigate the shelf — and find the right can for any occasion.
The Main Styles: What's in the RTD Universe
Margaritas
The undisputed king of the RTD category. Canned margaritas range from classic lime to mango, watermelon, and blood orange, and the best ones use real tequila and real citrus juice — not malt base or artificial flavors. Look for the spirit base on the label: tequila-based cans deliver the most authentic flavor. Our top seller by a wide margin is the Cutwater Lime Margarita, with over 5,400 units sold in the last 90 days — a testament to just how good a well-made canned margarita can be.
What to look for: 10–12.5% ABV, real tequila listed as the base spirit, and a balance of sweet and sour without being syrupy.
Highballs
Highballs — spirits mixed with a carbonated mixer like soda water, tonic, or ginger beer — are the most versatile style in the RTD category. Whisky highballs (especially Japanese-inspired styles), vodka sodas, and gin & tonics have all found strong audiences in the can format. They tend to be lower ABV (4–8%) and lower calorie, making them a natural crossover for wine drinkers looking for something lighter and more refreshing.
What to look for: clean carbonation, named spirit base, and a mixer that doesn't overpower.
Sparkling Cocktails
Think champagne-inspired spritz drinks, Aperol-style alternatives, and wine-based sparkling cocktails. This is the most elegant corner of the RTD market — cans that work as well at a dinner party as on a picnic. Sparkling RTDs often clock in at 6–10% ABV and pair well with food. They tend to come in sleek 250ml cans rather than the standard 12 oz, which gives them a premium on-shelf presence.
What to look for: wine or spirit base (not malt), natural carbonation when possible, and serve-cold instructions on the label.
Serving Temperature: Don't Skip This Step
RTDs are not shelf-stable once opened, and most are best served significantly colder than room temperature. Here's a quick guide:
- Margaritas & tropical RTDs: 34–38°F — serve as cold as possible, over ice if the can allows headroom.
- Highballs & vodka sodas: 35–40°F — carbonation reads better ice cold; warm highballs go flat faster.
- Sparkling cocktails: 40–45°F — slightly warmer than a beer but colder than room temp; similar to how you'd serve a Prosecco.
Pro tip: if you're buying for a party, budget at least 2 hours of fridge time or 30 minutes in an ice bath. A warm RTD is a missed opportunity.
Price Tiers: What to Expect at Each Level
The RTD market spans a wide price range. Here's how to think about value at each tier:
- Under $4 / can: Malt-based or flavored malt beverage (FMB) territory. These are sessionable and affordable but generally not made with distilled spirits. Fine for casual settings, but don't confuse them with cocktail-quality RTDs.
- $4–$7 / can: The sweet spot. Most of our top-selling RTDs live here — real spirits, solid recipes, and widely available in 4- and 6-packs. Cutwater, High Noon, and similar brands occupy this range.
- $7–$12 / can: Premium and craft territory. Expect small-batch spirits, thoughtful flavor development, and packaging that makes a statement. Great for gifting or special occasions.
- $12+ / can: Ultra-premium and luxury RTDs — often 250ml format, craft distillery partnerships, or wine-adjacent sparkling cocktails. Comparable price-per-ounce to a quality cocktail at a bar.
How to Read an RTD Label
A few things worth checking before you buy:
- Spirit base: Look for tequila, vodka, rum, whisky, or gin listed as a primary ingredient — not "malt beverage" or "brewed with natural flavors."
- ABV: Most cocktail-quality RTDs run 8–13.5%. Below 5% usually signals a malt or wine base.
- Juice content: "Real juice" or a named juice percentage is a positive signal. "Natural flavors" alone is not.
- Size: 12 oz / 355ml is standard. 250ml cans are common in the sparkling and European-style segment. Larger 16 oz cans exist but are usually lower-ABV.
Pairing RTDs With Food
RTDs aren't just grab-and-go — the right can can anchor a meal.
- Lime margarita cans → tacos, ceviche, grilled shrimp, anything with citrus or chile heat.
- Whisky highballs → charcuterie, smoked meats, aged cheeses, sushi.
- Sparkling cocktails → oysters, soft cheeses, light salads, brunch spreads.
- Tropical fruit RTDs → spicy food, jerk chicken, mango-based salsas.
Shop Our Ready-to-Drink Collection
We carry a curated selection of the best RTDs on the market — from everyday margaritas to premium sparkling cocktails. Browse the full range, filter by style or brand, and order for local delivery or in-store pickup.
Shop the Ready to Drink Collection →
Available for local delivery and in-store pickup in New York. Selection varies by availability.