Ready to Drink: What They Really Are and Why They're Taking Over the Cocktail World

In recent years, Ready-to-Drink (RTD) cocktails have gone from a simple shelf curiosity to a central category in the world of mixed drinks. It's no longer just anonymous cans and standardized products: a new generation of premium craft RTDs is emerging, designed to offer the same quality as a bar-prepared cocktail, with the added convenience, flavor consistency, and attention to raw materials.

In this article, we look at what Ready to Drink really means , how artisanal products differ from industrial ones, and why RTDs can become a new ally for those who love conscious drinking, signature cocktails , and curated tasting experiences.

What does “Ready to Drink” mean in the world of cocktails?

Literally, "Ready to Drink " means "ready to drink": these are pre-mixed, bottled, or canned cocktails that require no on-the-spot preparation other than ice, garnish, and the right glass. The basic idea is simple:

• make the cocktail immediately serveable ,
• maintain consistency of taste between one bottle and the next,
• to offer a practical solution for home, events, venues and hospitality.

But if the concept is simple, the quality of the result can change radically depending on how the product is conceived, formulated, and manufactured.

Industrial RTDs vs. Artisan RTDs: They're Not the Same Thing

When it comes to premium RTDs , the difference isn't just a matter of elegant packaging. The ingredients, techniques, balance, and—most importantly—philosophy differ.

Industrial RTDs

In large-scale retail products it is common to find:

• generic or neutral alcoholic base, not always declared in detail;
• natural or artificial flavors instead of real botanicals ;
• simplified recipes to facilitate large-scale production;
• flavor profile often flat or overly sweet .

Premium artisanal RTDs

In artisanal Ready to Drink cocktails , however, the logic is the opposite:

• we start with quality spirits (such as premium gin, selected vermouths, curated bitters);
• we work with recipes that are faithful to the originals , with precise dosages;
• real ingredients are used: infusions, extracts, juices, artisanal syrups;
• the result must be consistent with what a bartender would serve at the counter.

In this sense, a craft RTD is not a “substitute” for the cocktail, but a different way of enjoying the same experience , adapting it to new contexts: home, picnics, travel, events, guided tastings.

Why Ready to Drinks are conquering bartenders and enthusiasts

The growth of RTDs isn't a random phenomenon. It reflects a series of concrete trends:

• Time : Not everyone has the desire, space, or skills to run a full bar station at home.
• Accuracy : A well-designed RTD ensures consistent balance from one serve to the next.
• Widespread quality : venues without a dedicated bartender can serve high-end cocktails in a simple way.
• Experience : miniature formats, tastings, and boxes allow you to explore more recipes without waste.

For those who love conscious drinking, premium RTDs represent a bridge between mixology and comfort : the experience of a great cocktail, anywhere, anytime, while maintaining the aromatic integrity and identity of the spirit.

What defines a truly “premium” RTD?

Simply writing "premium" on the label isn't enough to make it truly premium. A quality artisanal RTD should meet some fundamental criteria:

• Starting spirit : gin, vermouth, bitters and base liqueurs must have their own identity.
• Transparent recipe : clarity on the ingredients used, no opaque shortcuts.
• Technical balance : sweet, bitter, acidic, alcohol and aromas must interact in harmony.
• Aromatic stability : the cocktail must maintain its character over time, without excessive oxidation.
• Functional packaging : not only beautiful, but also protective, practical and consistent with use.

When all these elements work together, the result is a ready-to-serve cocktail that can hold its own against countertop mixology, while offering convenience and replicability .

Naturæ Spirits' vision of Ready to Drink cocktails

At Naturæ Spirits we have chosen to interpret the category with a dedicated line: the Ready to Drink Collection , designed to bring the idea of ​​bar-quality cocktails outside the bar, without losing anything in terms of botanical identity, elegance and aromatic depth.

Each creation is inspired by an iconic cocktail, reinterpreted through our artisanal approach:

• Il Conte – Negroni RTD : the quintessential Italian aperitif, featuring bitters, red vermouth, and gin.
• Basilisk – Gin Basil Smash RTD : a green explosion of gin, basil and citrus.
• A6M Zero – Aviation RTD : a floral journey between violet, maraschino, gin and lemon.

The same logic guides our gins: select botanicals, meticulously crafted recipes, artisanal production, and design inspired by the Italian avant-garde . Each cocktail tells a story, a character, and a visual imagery that accompanies the experience in the glass.

When to choose a craft RTD instead of making your own cocktail

A premium RTD does not replace the bartender's creativity, but becomes an additional, versatile and powerful tool in various contexts:

• At home : for a refined aperitif without having to buy lots of different bottles.
• On-premises : to ensure speed and consistency of service during peak hours.
• In events and catering : where it is essential to serve many cocktails, all at the same level.
• On the go : As a portable tasting experience, ideal for those who love to explore new flavors.

In all these situations, an artisanal RTD allows you to offer a quality experience without compromise, maintaining the focus on hospitality, presentation and attention to detail .

How to best enjoy a Ready-to-Drink cocktail

Even if it's “ready to drink,” a premium RTD deserves a little extra attention:

• Temperature : Keep the bottle in the refrigerator for immediate service.
• Ice : Use good quality, compact ice that is not too wet.
• Correct glass : rocks for Negroni and Basil Smash, glass for Aviation.
• Garnish : Orange zest, basil leaf, or lemon twist complete the flavor profile.

They are simple details, but they make the difference between “drinking a cocktail” and experiencing a real little tasting ritual .

From the bar experience to your table

Ready-to-Drink craft cocktails represent one of the most interesting bridges between contemporary mixology, design, and new drinking habits. When carefully crafted, they're not a shortcut, but a different way of expressing the same values: quality, balance, botanicals, and attention to detail .

For those seeking a simple yet refined approach to cocktails, premium RTDs are an ideal entry point. For those already familiar with and passionate about mixology, they're an additional tool for expanding your tasting experiences.

Discover our Ready to Drink Collection and let us guide you on a journey through Negronis, Gin Basil Smash, and handcrafted Aviation, ready to serve, where nature becomes spirit and every sip tells a story.