Ready to drink cocktails have been around for longer than you might think and they have come a long way since their inception in the 1930s when they were primarily used by bartenders for convenience. In recent years, advances in canning technology and evolving consumer preferences have led to a surge in popularity for these beverages. Today, ready to drink cocktails are enjoyed by people from all walks of life who appreciate their convenience, variety, and portability. With a wide range of flavors and styles available, including those made with spirits like gin, vodka, rum, tequila, and whiskey, ready to drink cocktails are becoming more popular than ever. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovation in this exciting and dynamic space.

Where do Canned Cocktails come from?

The first prepared cocktail was sold commercially in the late 1800s. One story goes like this: the Heublein brothers owned a fancy hotel in Hartford, Connecticut, and were asked to batch and bottle Martinis and Manhattans for the summer picnic of the First Company Governor’s Foot Guard. The picnic was canceled twice for weather; after a couple of weeks the brothers decreed that the bottles should be dumped. A heroic and curious bartender poured himself a dram from the doomed stash, and discovered it was still… very palatable.

source: Daily Beast

By the 1930s, bartenders were using cans to mix and transport their drinks. During this time, canned beer was becoming increasingly popular, and bartenders saw the potential for ready to drink cocktails as a way to make their drinks more portable and convenient.

In the decades that followed, ready to drink cocktails remained a niche product, primarily used by bartenders and other industry professionals. However, in recent years, they have experienced a surge in popularity, driven by innovations in canning technology and changes in consumer preferences.

One of the key factors that has contributed to the rise of ready to drink cocktails is the increasing demand for convenience among consumers. With many people leading busy lives and looking for quick and easy ways to enjoy a cocktail, ready to drink cocktails offer a convenient solution that can be enjoyed on the go or in situations where it may not be practical to make a drink from scratch.

Another factor that has contributed to the growth of canned cocktails is the increasing diversity of flavors and styles available. Today, consumers can find ready to drink cocktails made with a wide range of spirits, including gin, vodka, rum, tequila, and whiskey, and mixed with a variety of ingredients, such as fruit juices, soda, and syrups. This variety has helped to make canned cocktails more appealing to a wider audience and has contributed to their growing popularity. Besides, modern package designs and product styles allow these drinks to appeal to a wide range of drinkers.

ready to drink cocktails also offer consumers far greater convenience than traditional beverages, particularly when attending events such as live music or sports matches where they can be easily carried to avoid spillage.

Overall, the history of canned cocktails is one of innovation and evolution, driven by changes in consumer preferences and advances in technology. As the popularity of ready to drink cocktails continues to grow, it’s likely that we’ll see even more changes and innovations in this exciting and dynamic industry that we’re happy to be a part of.

Speaking of which, discover our RTD2 cocktails and get inspired by their surprising twists and combos. Also, make sure to check out our reasons to have RTD2 cocktails at home.