Ready-to-drink is no longer a niche category.
Spirits-based RTDs generated approximately $4 billion in U.S. measured off-premise sales during the 52 weeks ending October 3, 2026 — up from approximately $1 billion in 2021.
Dollar sales increased 23.1% over the last 52 weeks and 16.6% over the latest 13 weeks. Eleven of the top 30 spirits brands by volume are now RTDs.
Implications for producers:
Look beyond the standard 750ml bottle. Convenience, smaller formats and new serving occasions are increasingly important, but carefully assess production costs, shelf stability, pricing and suitability for each sales channel.
