Popular RTDs and their Revolution: Why Ready-to-Drink Sales Are Reshaping Liquor Retail in 2025

The ready-to-drink (RTD) category isn’t just a passing fad — it’s one of the fastest-growing segments in the liquor retail industry. From canned cocktails to spirit-based seltzers and hard teas, RTDs are drawing in new consumers, boosting shelf turnover, and becoming critical revenue drivers for liquor stores nationwide.

Here’s a snapshot of how Popular RTDs are exploding across the U.S. and global beverage landscape:

RTD Growth Projections (2019–2029)

• RTD volumes are projected to increase up to 400% in the U.S. by 2029, significantly outpacing many traditional alcohol categories. The Spirits Business
• The category is expected to reach roughly 9% of total U.S. beverage alcohol share by 2029. The Spirits Business
• Globally, RTDs are expected to double in volume over the decade through 2029. The Spirits Business

According to industry overviews, RTDs have recently captured 20.5% of distilled spirits volume in off-premise retail — one of the category’s strongest performances. Beverage Information Group

Why This Growth Matters

RTDs tap into shifting consumer habits:

• Convenience-driven demand for ready packaging and consistent quality. OhBEV
• Younger and new drinkers entering the category, with many first-time RTD buyers across major markets including the U.S. OhBEV

A shift toward spirit-based RTDs and cocktails, which are increasingly seen as premium alternatives to traditional beer and wine. OhBEV

Top RTD Brands Liquor Store Owners Should Stock in 2026

Top Surfside Flavors

Surfside — The Breakout Star

• Why it matters: Surfside has been dubbed the fastest-growing alcohol brand in U.S. retail with triple-digit sales growth. The Spirits Business
• This vodka-based hard tea and lemonade has seen 360%+ dollar sales growth across U.S. retail and has become one of the top-selling spirits-RTDs. Beverage Information
• Smart flavor extensions (Green Tea, Lemonade, Iced Tea) and national distribution make it a must-carry for stores targeting emerging trends. Surfside
• Tip: Place Surfside near summer-driven displays or seasonal promotions — sales spike when shoppers seek refreshing, low-alcohol cocktails.

High Noon RTD Flavors

High Noon — RTD Heavyweight

• A pioneer of vodka-based hard seltzers, High Noon has been a dominant RTD brand with broad consumer recognition. Wikipedia
• Its expansion into tequila seltzers and vodka iced teas has kept it relevant across demographic segments. Wikipedia
• Known for accessibility and strong shelf-presence, High Noon is a staple for RTD buyers.
• Tip: Position High Noon near craft beer and seasonal canned cocktails to capture exploratory buyers.

Monaco RTD Cocktail Flavors

Carbliss & Other Growth Acts

• Carbliss: Recognized as a rising star in 2025 RTD Growth Brand Awards, showing strong consumer enthusiasm and geographic expansion. Relieve Time
• Monaco Cocktails: Fast Track winner with refreshed packaging and flavor innovation. Beverage Information Group
• Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola RTD: Among RTDs with triple-digit growth according to Brand Champions data. The Spirits Business

These brands represent the innovation edge — bringing distinctive flavors and strategic marketing that help stores differentiate their RTD lineup.

his vodka-based hard tea and lemonade has seen 360%+ dollar sales growth across U.S. retail and has become one of the top-selling spirits-RTDs. Beverage Information

Conclusion

RTDs are no longer a niche; they’re a core driver of category growth in the liquor retail business. With strong forecasts for volume gains and consumer demand for convenience, variety and quality, stocking the right RTD brands — from established leaders like High Noon to breakout stars like Surfside — can boost store sales and customer engagement through 2025 and beyond. The Spirits Business+1