READY TO DRINK

“Ready to Drink” (RTD) literally means “ready to drink”. The term describes drinks that are already mixed and bottled and are ready to be enjoyed immediately without the need for further mixing or addition. You open the bottle or can and can serve the drink immediately.

In the area of ​​alcoholic beverages, RTD primarily stands for ready-made cocktails and long drinks that combine the quality of the bar with comfort. These include classics such as rum-cola, vodka-lemon, gin and tonic, whiskey-cola as well as modern variants such as mojito, margarita or Aperol spritz. These drinks are usually sold in handy cans or bottles, contain 4 to 8 percent alcohol by volume and are perfectly chilled and ready to drink immediately.

During production, real spirits such as gin, vodka, rum or tequila are combined with suitable mix ingredients such as tonic, cola or fruit juices. Premium products rely on natural flavors and balanced recipes, while cheaper versions often use artificial additives or neutral alcohol.

The success of RTD cocktails lies in their convenience and consistent quality: no mixing, no effort, just enjoy. They are ideal for picnics, parties, festivals or after work when you feel like enjoying a cocktail without a bartender.

For the best taste experience, RTDs should be served well chilled (4-8°C). If you like, pour it into the glass, add ice and a fresh garnish, for example lime or mint - this creates a stylish drink with a real bar feeling in seconds.

Ready-to-drink cocktails (RTD cocktails) consist of the same ingredients as freshly mixed drinks, but are pre-made, bottled and ready to drink immediately. The difference lies in the standardized blend, thanks to which taste, shelf life and quality remain constant - no matter where and when you enjoy it.

A high-quality RTD cocktail is made up of four main components:
The base spirit forms the heart and determines the character. Depending on the recipe, rum, gin, vodka, tequila or whiskey are used.
The mixer or filler complements and balances the alcohol, for example with tonic water, cola, lemonade or fruit juice.
Aroma components such as sugar, syrup, herbs or fruit extracts give the drink depth and harmony, while acid or bitter substances - such as lemon juice or bitters - ensure freshness and balance.

The combination of these ingredients determines whether the RTD acts more as a long drink (light, refreshing) or as a spirit-based cocktail (strong, aromatic).

The most popular variants include classics such as Gin Tonic, Rum Cola or Mojito, but also summer drinks such as Aperol Spritz or Hugo. For lovers of more intense flavors, there are more complex RTDs such as Margarita or Whiskey Sour, which are perfectly balanced and ready to serve immediately.

In short:
A good RTD combines the quality of real spirits with the convenience of ready-to-drink perfection: always balanced, aromatic and ready for the moment of enjoyment.

Ready-to-drink cocktails, or RTDs for short, perfectly combine enjoyment, quality and convenience. Your biggest advantage: No mixing, no effort and no equipment is necessary. They are already ready to drink and just need to be chilled. They offer the perfect cocktail experience in every situation - whether at a picnic, at festivals, at a barbecue or as a spontaneous after-work drink. Simply open, pour, enjoy.

Another reason for their popularity is their consistent quality. While home-mixed cocktails often fluctuate, RTDs are precisely balanced: consistent alcohol content, perfectly balanced recipe and a reliable taste in every can or bottle. So every drink - whether gin and tonic, mojito or rum cola - always turns out perfectly.

Modern lifestyle also plays a big role. Today, spontaneity, mobility and style count: on-the-go instead of at the bar, smart & ready instead of homemade. RTDs are handy, light and stylish and are therefore ideal for an urban, pleasure-oriented lifestyle.

In addition, the quality has improved significantly. Modern premium manufacturers rely on real spirits, natural fruit juices and less sugar. The result is “Premium RTDs” with bar quality from the bottle or can. This means that they are no longer cheap products, but rather a real alternative to mixed cocktails.

The portion size and safety are also impressive: one can usually corresponds to exactly one portion - perfect for conscious, controlled enjoyment.

After all, it is the great variety and innovation that make ready-to-drink drinks so attractive: from hard seltzers to classic cocktails to aperitif spritz variants in sustainable packaging. RTDs are now lifestyle products - uncomplicated, versatile and always ready for the moment.