Top Ready-to-Drink Cocktails for Summer 2024

Explore why RTDs are the preferred choice for modern consumers seeking convenience, quality, and variety. Learn about the top RTD picks for summer, from Absolut Vodkarita to High Noon Vodka Seltzer, and find out what makes these beverages ideal for outdoor summer activities and health-conscious lifestyles with Union Wine and Liquor at 2675 Union Road, Cheektowaga, NY 14227.

Ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails have surged in popularity due to their unmatched convenience and consistently high quality. Market research indicates that the global RTD market size was valued at USD 22.45 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2021 to 2028. This growth is driven by a shift in consumer preferences towards more convenient drinking options, particularly among millennials and Gen Z consumers who value ease of use and portability. Furthermore, innovations in packaging technology have allowed for improved taste and shelf stability, making RTDs more appealing than ever. The diversity of flavor options and the ability to replicate popular cocktails at home or on-the-go without the need for multiple ingredients or complex preparations have also contributed significantly to their rise.

RTD Cocktails: A Summer Staple

RTDs are especially popular in the summertime due to their refreshing nature and ease of transport. These beverages are ideal for outdoor activities such as picnics, beach outings, and barbecues, where convenience is paramount. The trend towards health-consciousness has also seen the emergence of lower-calorie, lower-sugar options within the RTD sector, aligning with the dietary preferences of health-focused consumers. The seasonal marketing of limited-edition summer flavors further boosts their appeal during this season. Additionally, the social aspect of RTDs, with packaging often designed for sharing and social gatherings, complements the informal, communal nature of summer celebrations, making them the perfect choice for enhancing the social experience while offering a variety of sophisticated flavors and premium spirits.

Top 5 RTD Cocktails

Absolut Grapefruit Paloma

The Absolut Grapefruit Paloma offers a delightful twist on the classic Paloma cocktail, featuring a prominent grapefruit flavor that is both zesty and tangy. This ready-to-drink cocktail is infused with natural grapefruit flavor, providing a fresh, citrusy aroma that complements its slightly sweet and fruity taste. The grapefruit's natural bitterness is expertly balanced with a subtle hint of sweetness, creating a refreshing and invigorating drink.

Additionally, the Absolut Grapefruit Paloma has a light pink hue, which makes it visually appealing, and it finishes with a crisp, clean palate that doesn't leave an overly sugary aftertaste. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a bright and bold citrus flavor with a sophisticated profile, making it an ideal choice for sipping on warm summer evenings or at festive gatherings.

Cutwater Mango Margarita

The Cutwater Mango Margarita blends the tropical sweetness of ripe mango with the classic tang of a traditional margarita, creating a refreshing and exotic cocktail experience. This ready-to-drink cocktail features a robust mango flavor that is both juicy and lush, providing a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the sharpness of the lime and the subtle warmth of tequila.

The cocktail strikes a balance between sweet mango pulp and the citrusy zest of lime, with a background note of smooth, agave-forward tequila that rounds out the drink with a slightly earthy undertone. The Mango Margarita has a vibrant orange color, enticing with its bright, summery appeal. It finishes with a pleasantly sweet and tangy aftertaste, leaving a refreshing hint of tropical fruit and a clean, crisp edge from the lime. This Cutwater creation is perfect for those seeking a fruity yet sophisticated cocktail that captures the essence of a beach vacation in a can.

Crown Royal Apple RTD

The Crown Royal Apple Ready-to-Drink (RTD) cocktail offers a smooth, crisp fusion of Crown Royal's signature whisky with a bold apple flavor. This beverage has its distinctively fresh apple aroma that immediately greets you upon opening, hinting at the refreshing experience to come. The flavor profile is characterized by a blend of sweet, bright green apple notes seamlessly integrated with the rich, smooth, and slightly spicy undertones of Crown Royal whisky.

As you sip the Crown Royal Apple RTD, you'll notice a balanced taste where the natural juiciness of the apple complements the whisky's vanilla and oak nuances, without overpowering the spirit's character. The drink finishes with a clean, slightly tart apple aftertaste that lingers pleasantly, inviting another sip. This cocktail is ideally suited for those who appreciate a fruit-forward drink that still maintains the depth and complexity of traditional whisky.

Bacardi Bahama Mama RTD

The Bacardi Bahama Mama RTD embodies the essence of tropical island flavors, blending Bacardi rum with coconut, orange, pineapple, and a hint of coffee. The cocktail starts with a juicy burst of pineapple and orange, providing a refreshing sweetness that dominates the flavor profile. This is seamlessly balanced by the creamy texture of coconut, which tempers the bright citrus notes.

Adding a unique twist, a subtle hint of coffee enriches the drink with a slight bitterness, adding complexity to the fruity cocktail. The rum base is smooth and integrates well, supporting the bold tropical flavors without overwhelming them. This Bahama Mama is an ideal choice for those seeking a festive, tropical cocktail that offers a relaxed, beachside getaway vibe, complete with a sweet and lingering coconut-citrus finish.

High Noon Hard Seltzer Lime

High Noon Hard Seltzer Lime features a crisp and clean flavor profile, highlighting the bright, zesty taste of freshly squeezed lime. Its natural citrus tartness is balanced by a subtle sweetness, thanks to the real fruit juice used in its formulation. The seltzer has a light, bubbly mouthfeel with a refreshingly crisp finish that leaves a subtly sweet lime aftertaste. This makes High Noon Lime an ideal choice for those seeking a straightforward and refreshing beverage suitable for sunny days and social gatherings.

Where to Purchase RTDs

As the RTD market continues to expand, these convenient, quality cocktails provide the perfect blend of flavor and simplicity for any summer occasion. Embrace the trend and explore our top picks at Union Wine and Liquors, located at 2675 Union Road, Cheektowaga, NY 14227, or call us at (716) 608-6190. Visit our website at https://unionwineandliquor.com/ for more information.