The Drinks Report’s ready-to-drink report: March

March was a busy month for new releases in the RTD world. First forays into the RTD world were made by celebrities, with a Gin and Tonic from Katherine Jenkins and new vodka soda brand by Kylie Jenner. Brands already established in the RTD space also saw releases, including a new flavour from the Jack Daniel’s range of pre-made Tennessee whiskey and mixers. 

Katherine Jenkins releases first RTD for Cygnet
The singer’s brand Cygnet released its first canned Gin and Tonic on 16 March. Cygnet Welsh Dry Gin & Tonic was released at Wales’ Principality Stadium during the Wales v Italy Guinness Six Nations match. Cygnet Gin and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) also ran a competition to win a year’s supply of the RTD and a WRU jersey.

De Kuyper’s ready-to-serve cocktails UK-bound
Dutch liqueur brand De Kuyper’s ready-to-serve cocktails are arriving in the UK, in partnership with William Grant & Sons. The range of four bottled cocktails, which includes Piña Colada, Strawberry Daiquiri, Passionfruit Martini, and Espresso Martini, will be available via Amazon this month. 

Jack & Ginger Ale launches in US
Jack Daniel’s has added another RTD to its portfolio, which already includes Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, and Honey & Lemonade flavours. Jack & Ginger Ale was released in the US in mid-March. In 2023, Jack Daniel’s announced its official collaboration with Coca-Cola, replacing the mixer in its Jack & Coke RTD with the branded soft drink.

Kylie Jenner joins sister in spirits world
Kylie Jenner has released her debut RTD, vodka and soda Sprinter. Experienced drinks developer Chandra Richter collaborated with Jenner to develop the canned drink, which is available in four fruit flavours. This marks Jenner’s first alcoholic beverage release, following her sister, Kendall, who released her brand 818 Tequila in 2021.

Gin brand says ‘swap a beer for a Blackeye’
Blackeye Gin, which was founded by former rugby players Mike Tindall and Jameas Haskell with television presenter Alex Payne, has released its first RTD alongside a campaign focused on the Six Nations. The ‘swap a beer for a Blackeye’ campaign encourages rugby enjoyers to swap their traditional beer for the Gin and Tonic RTD. A percentage of proceeds from Blackeye’s products go to the Blackeye Rugby Fund, which focuses on ‘research, risk, and recovery’ in rugby. 

Savylls’ range of alcohol-free RTD cocktails arrives in supermarket
As the availability of no and low alcohol beverages grows, so does the field of non-alcoholic RTDs. One of the latest to arrive in supermarkets is Savylls, which first launched in 2020. The non-alcoholic RTD cocktail brand’s four flavours arrived in Sainsbury’s in mid-March. 

5 April 2024 - Lucy Schofield