READY TO DRINK DRINKS

THE BRANDS BELOW MAKE THE BEST READY TO DRINK SPECIALTY COCKTAILS

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Twisted Tea

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Cutwater

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Jack Daniel's

Ready To Drink Specialty Cocktail Recipes

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Interesting Facts About Specialty Drinks

RTD Cocktails Are Pre-Mixed: Ready-to-drink cocktails are pre-made and bottled or canned, containing all the ingredients needed for a specific cocktail, allowing consumers to enjoy a mixed drink without needing to measure or mix.

RTD Cocktails Were Once Niche: Ready-to-drink cocktails were once mostly seen in niche markets but have grown significantly in popularity, especially in recent years with the rise of canned cocktails.

Canned Cocktails Are Convenient: One of the key appeals of RTD cocktails is convenience. They’re portable, pre-mixed, and ready to enjoy right out of the can or bottle, making them ideal for picnics, tailgates, or parties.

The First RTD Cocktails Were Introduced in the 1950s: RTD cocktails first appeared in the 1950s, but they were often considered subpar, typically made with artificial flavors and preservatives.

Craft RTD Cocktails Are on the Rise: In recent years, craft spirits producers have entered the RTD market, using high-quality ingredients and traditional cocktail recipes to offer a more premium option.

Interesting Facts About Specialty Drinks

Popular Types of RTD Cocktails: Common RTD cocktails include classic drinks like Margarita, Mojito, Moscow Mule, Whiskey Sour, and Gin & Tonic.

The RTD Cocktail Industry Is Booming: The RTD cocktail market has seen massive growth, particularly in the U.S. and Europe. This surge is attributed to consumer demand for convenience, craft quality, and innovative flavors.

They Can Contain Alcohol or Be Alcohol-Free: RTD cocktails can contain a variety of alcohol bases, including rum, vodka, whiskey, gin, and tequila, or be non-alcoholic, offering mocktail options for all tastes.

RTD Cocktails Are Available in Cans and Bottles: They come in various formats, including cans, bottles, and pouches, making them easy to take on the go, and often come in single-serve portions.

Alcohol Content Varies: The alcohol content of RTD cocktails typically ranges from 5% to 15% ABV, with most falling around 10% ABV, similar to the strength of beer or wine.

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Interesting Facts About Specialty Drinks

Some RTD Cocktails Are Sparkling: Many RTD cocktails are carbonated, like the popular hard seltzers or sparkling margaritas, offering a fizzy, refreshing drink.

RTD Cocktails Offer Authentic Flavors: Modern RTD drinks are designed to replicate the taste of freshly mixed cocktails, with many brands focusing on high-quality ingredients and more authentic flavors compared to early mass-produced options.

Sustainability Efforts Are Growing: Many RTD brands are making strides in sustainability by using eco-friendly packaging, such as recyclable cans, and focusing on reducing the carbon footprint of production.

RTDs Are Great for On-the-Go: Their portability and ease of use make them popular for outdoor events, road trips, and vacations, where it might be difficult to prepare cocktails from scratch.

The Rise of Pre-Batched Cocktails: Some premium bars and distilleries offer pre-batched cocktails in bottles or cans, allowing consumers to enjoy the same quality drinks they would find at a bar, at home.

Interesting Facts About Specialty Drinks

Flavored RTDs Are Popular: In addition to traditional cocktails, there are now numerous flavored RTD options, such as tropical fruit-infused margaritas or berry-flavored gin cocktails, catering to a wide range of tastes.

They Are Often Lower in Sugar: Compared to traditional cocktails, many RTD cocktails are formulated to be lower in sugar and calories, catering to health-conscious consumers.

RTDs Can Be Shelf-Stable: Most RTD cocktails are pasteurized or treated to remain shelf-stable for extended periods without refrigeration, making them perfect for long storage.

They Are Used by Mixologists for Convenience: Some professional mixologists use RTD options as a base for adding their own personal touch or garnishes, especially at high-volume events.

RTD Cocktails Have Global Appeal: While they are particularly popular in the U.S., RTD cocktails are gaining traction in other markets, including Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia, as international consumers seek convenience and quality in their beverages.

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Specialty Drinks

SPECIALTY DRINK FAQ:
POPULAR QUESTIONS EXPLAINED

Discover everything you need to know about Specialty Drinks with our comprehensive FAQ section. From its origins and ingredients to storage tips and cocktail pairings, we answer the most common questions to help you enjoy Specialty Drinks to the fullest. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or new to the world of Specialty Drinks, this guide has you covered!

Here’s a list of 50 specialty cocktails featuring ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails. These recipes can be made using pre-mixed cocktails as a base, allowing you to create delicious drinks with minimal effort.

  1. RTD Margarita Spritz
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink margarita
    • 1 oz soda water
    • Lime wedge for garnish
  • Instructions: Combine RTD margarita and soda water in a glass over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
  1. Berry Blast Sangria
  • Ingredients:
    • 6 oz ready-to-drink berry cocktail
    • 2 oz soda
    • Fresh berries for garnish
  • Instructions: Mix the RTD berry cocktail and soda in a pitcher. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh berries.
  1. Pineapple Coconut Fizz
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink piña colada
    • 2 oz sparkling water
    • Pineapple slice for garnish
  • Instructions: Mix the RTD piña colada and sparkling water in a glass over ice. Garnish with a pineapple slice.
  1. Moscow Mule Remix
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink Moscow Mule
    • 1 oz ginger beer
    • Lime wedge for garnish
  • Instructions: Combine the RTD Moscow Mule and ginger beer in a copper mug over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
  1. Citrus Vodka Cooler
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink citrus cocktail
    • 1 oz lemon-lime soda
    • Lemon slice for garnish
  • Instructions: Mix the RTD citrus cocktail and soda in a glass over ice. Garnish with a lemon slice.
  1. Ready-to-Drink Tequila Sunrise
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink tequila sunrise
    • Orange slice for garnish
  • Instructions: Pour the RTD tequila sunrise into a glass over ice. Garnish with an orange slice.
  1. Pomegranate Sparkler
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink pomegranate cocktail
    • 2 oz club soda
    • Pomegranate seeds for garnish
  • Instructions: Combine the RTD pomegranate cocktail and club soda in a glass over ice. Garnish with pomegranate seeds.
  1. Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink strawberry daiquiri
    • Fresh strawberries for garnish
  • Instructions: Blend the RTD strawberry daiquiri with ice until smooth. Garnish with fresh strawberries.
  1. Cherry Limeade Cooler
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink cherry cocktail
    • 2 oz lemon-lime soda
    • Lime wheel for garnish
  • Instructions: Mix the RTD cherry cocktail and soda in a glass over ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.
  1. Spicy Mango Paloma
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink mango cocktail
    • 1 oz grapefruit soda
    • Chili salt for rim
  • Instructions: Rim the glass with chili salt, combine the RTD mango cocktail and grapefruit soda over ice, and serve.
  1. Ready-to-Drink Sangria
  • Ingredients:
    • 6 oz ready-to-drink red sangria
    • Fresh fruits (orange, lemon, berries)
  • Instructions: Pour the RTD sangria into a glass over ice. Add fresh fruits.
  1. Sparkling Vodka Lemonade
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink lemonade vodka
    • 2 oz sparkling water
    • Lemon wheel for garnish
  • Instructions: Mix the RTD lemonade vodka and sparkling water in a glass over ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
  1. Tropical Ready-to-Drink Cocktail
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink tropical cocktail
    • 1 oz coconut water
    • Pineapple slice for garnish
  • Instructions: Combine the RTD tropical cocktail and coconut water over ice. Garnish with a pineapple slice.
  1. Cucumber Cooler
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink cucumber cocktail
    • 2 oz tonic water
    • Cucumber slices for garnish
  • Instructions: Mix the RTD cucumber cocktail and tonic water in a glass over ice. Garnish with cucumber slices.
  1. Raspberry Lemon Spritz
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink raspberry cocktail
    • 2 oz lemon-lime soda
    • Raspberries for garnish
  • Instructions: Combine the RTD raspberry cocktail and soda in a glass over ice. Garnish with raspberries.
  1. Lemon Basil Spritzer
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink lemon cocktail
    • 1 oz basil syrup
    • Fresh basil for garnish
  • Instructions: Mix the RTD lemon cocktail and basil syrup in a glass over ice. Garnish with fresh basil.
  1. Peach Bellini Fizz
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink peach cocktail
    • 2 oz sparkling wine
  • Instructions: Pour the RTD peach cocktail into a glass, top with sparkling wine, and serve.

 

  1. Cranberry Vodka Spritzer
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink cranberry cocktail
    • 2 oz club soda
    • Lime wedge for garnish
  • Instructions: Combine the RTD cranberry cocktail and club soda in a glass over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
  1. Ginger Limeade Cocktail
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink ginger cocktail
    • 1 oz lime juice
  • Instructions: Mix the RTD ginger cocktail and lime juice in a glass over ice.
  1. Coconut Lime Cooler
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink coconut cocktail
    • 2 oz lime soda
    • Lime wedge for garnish
  • Instructions: Combine the RTD coconut cocktail and lime soda in a glass over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
  1. Mango Mojito
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink mojito cocktail
    • 1 oz mango puree
    • Mint leaves for garnish
  • Instructions: Mix the RTD mojito cocktail and mango puree in a glass over ice. Garnish with mint leaves.
  1. Sunset Cooler
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink orange cocktail
    • 2 oz cranberry juice
  • Instructions: Layer the RTD orange cocktail and cranberry juice in a glass over ice.
  1. Mint Julep Twist
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink mint julep
    • 1 oz sweet tea
    • Fresh mint for garnish
  • Instructions: Mix the RTD mint julep and sweet tea in a glass over ice. Garnish with fresh mint.
  1. Strawberry Basil Fizz
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink strawberry cocktail
    • 1 oz basil syrup
  • Instructions: Combine the RTD strawberry cocktail and basil syrup in a glass over ice.
  1. Watermelon Vodka Slush
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink watermelon cocktail
    • 1 oz vodka
    • Watermelon wedge for garnish
  • Instructions: Blend the RTD watermelon cocktail with ice until slushy. Garnish with a watermelon wedge.
  1. Raspberry Peach Sparkler
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink peach cocktail
    • 2 oz raspberry soda
  • Instructions: Mix the RTD peach cocktail and raspberry soda in a glass over ice.
  1. Mango Rita
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink mango margarita
    • 1 oz lime juice
  • Instructions: Combine the RTD mango margarita and lime juice in a glass over ice.
  1. Cucumber Melon Cooler
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink melon cocktail
    • 1 oz cucumber juice
  • Instructions: Mix the RTD melon cocktail and cucumber juice in a glass over ice.
  1. Cherry Vodka Fizz
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink cherry cocktail
    • 2 oz club soda
  • Instructions: Combine the RTD cherry cocktail and club soda in a glass over ice.
  1. Pineapple Basil Smash
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink pineapple cocktail
    • 1 oz basil syrup
  • Instructions: Mix the RTD pineapple cocktail and basil syrup in a glass over ice.
  1. Raspberry Lemonade Splash
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink raspberry lemonade
    • 1 oz vodka
  • Instructions: Combine the RTD raspberry lemonade and vodka in a glass over ice.
  1. Coconut Mango Cooler
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink mango cocktail
    • 1 oz coconut water
  • Instructions: Mix the RTD mango cocktail and coconut water in a glass over ice.
  1. Ginger Lemon Spritz
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink ginger cocktail
    • 2 oz lemon-lime soda
  • Instructions: Combine the RTD ginger cocktail and soda in a glass over ice.
  1. Peach Mojito Fizz
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink peach mojito
    • 1 oz soda water
  • Instructions: Mix the RTD peach mojito and soda water in a glass over ice.
  1. Spicy Grapefruit Margarita
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink grapefruit margarita
    • Jalapeño slices for garnish
  • Instructions: Pour the RTD grapefruit margarita over ice and garnish with jalapeño slices.
  1. Ready-to-Drink Sangria Fizz
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink sangria
    • 2 oz sparkling water
  • Instructions: Mix the RTD sangria and sparkling water in a glass over ice.
  1. Mint Lemonade Cocktail
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink mint lemonade
    • 1 oz gin
  • Instructions: Combine the RTD mint lemonade and gin in a glass over ice.
  1. Raspberry Lime Rickey
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink raspberry cocktail
    • 1 oz lime juice
  • Instructions: Mix the RTD raspberry cocktail and lime juice in a glass over ice.
  1. Pineapple Strawberry Fizz
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink strawberry cocktail
    • 2 oz pineapple juice
  • Instructions: Combine the RTD strawberry cocktail and pineapple juice in a glass over ice.
  1. Cucumber Lemon Spritz
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink cucumber cocktail
    • 2 oz lemon-lime soda
  • Instructions: Mix the RTD cucumber cocktail and soda in a glass over ice.
  1. Sunshine Spritzer
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink citrus cocktail
    • 2 oz soda water
  • Instructions: Combine the RTD citrus cocktail and soda water in a glass over ice.
  1. Peach Passionfruit Fizz
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink peach cocktail
    • 1 oz passionfruit puree
  • Instructions: Mix the RTD peach cocktail and passionfruit puree in a glass over ice.
  1. Cranberry Mojito
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink cranberry cocktail
    • 1 oz mint syrup
  • Instructions: Combine the RTD cranberry cocktail and mint syrup in a glass over ice.
  1. Spicy Pineapple Margarita
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink pineapple margarita
    • Jalapeño slices for garnish
  • Instructions: Pour the RTD pineapple margarita over ice and garnish with jalapeño slices.
  1. Coconut Berry Cooler
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink berry cocktail
    • 1 oz coconut water
  • Instructions: Mix the RTD berry cocktail and coconut water in a glass over ice.
  1. Cherry Lime Sparkler
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink cherry cocktail
    • 2 oz lemon-lime soda
  • Instructions: Combine the RTD cherry cocktail and soda in a glass over ice.
  1. Citrus Rum Punch
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink rum cocktail
    • 1 oz orange juice
  • Instructions: Mix the RTD rum cocktail and orange juice in a glass over ice.
  1. Watermelon Fizz
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink watermelon cocktail
    • 1 oz soda water
  • Instructions: Combine the RTD watermelon cocktail and soda water in a glass over ice.
  1. Ginger Peach Cocktail
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink peach cocktail
    • 1 oz ginger syrup
  • Instructions: Mix the RTD peach cocktail and ginger syrup in a glass over ice.
  1. Berry Citrus Spritzer
  • Ingredients:
    • 4 oz ready-to-drink berry cocktail
    • 2 oz sparkling water
  • Instructions: Combine the RTD berry cocktail and sparkling water in a glass over ice.

These cocktails are perfect for any occasion and can be easily adapted to your taste. Enjoy!

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