How to Best Enjoy RTD Cocktails

Ready to drink (RTD) cocktails have taken the world by storm, offering a perfect blend of convenience and high-quality taste in every can or bottle. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a weekend picnic, or simply relaxing at home, these pre-mixed cocktails are ideal for a hassle-free yet flavorful experience. But how can you make the most out of your RTD cocktails? This guide will explore everything you need to know about serving, storing, and pairing your ready to drink beverages to ensure you enjoy them to their fullest.

From selecting the right glassware to pairing cocktails with your favorite foods, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the best ways to enjoy RTD cocktails and elevate your drinking experience.

1. Serve Your RTD Cocktails the Right Way

While ready to drink cocktails are incredibly convenient, the way you serve them can have a big impact on your overall enjoyment. Here are a few simple steps to make sure you’re serving them at their best.

A. Chill Your Cocktails First

One of the easiest ways to improve the taste of your RTD cocktails is to make sure they are properly chilled before serving. RTD cocktails are designed to be served cold, and keeping them at the right temperature enhances the flavors and refreshes the palate.

Pre-Chill in the Fridge: Store your cocktails in the refrigerator for a few hours before you plan to drink them. Aim for a temperature of 39-45°F (4-7°C) for the best experience.
Use a Cooler Bag for On-the-Go: If you’re heading to the beach, park, or outdoor event, pack your RTD cocktails in a cooler bag with ice packs to keep them cold and refreshing.

B. Shake or Stir Before Serving

Although RTD cocktails are pre-mixed, some ingredients may settle during storage. To ensure that your drink is perfectly balanced, give the can or bottle a gentle shake or stir before opening. Just be cautious with carbonated cocktails—stirring may be a better option for those to avoid fizz overflow.

C. Use the Right Glassware

While RTD cocktails are perfectly enjoyable straight from the can or bottle, serving them in the right glassware can elevate the experience. The right glass can enhance the aroma, taste, and presentation of the cocktail.

Highball Glass: Ideal for cocktails like Gin & Tonic, Mojitos, or any carbonated cocktails.
Rocks Glass (Old Fashioned Glass): Perfect for spirit-forward drinks like an Old Fashioned or Negroni.
Wine Glass: Great for sangrias, spritzers, or cocktails with wine-based ingredients.
Margarita Glass: Perfect for frozen or shaken margaritas and daiquiris.

Pouring your cocktail into a glass also allows you to add ice, which can help maintain the ideal temperature while also adding a touch of flair.

D. Add a Garnish for Visual Appeal

Even though RTD cocktails are pre-mixed, adding a fresh garnish can enhance both the flavor and presentation of your drink. Consider adding garnishes that complement the flavors of the cocktail:

Lime or lemon wedges: Perfect for citrus-based cocktails like margaritas or gin sours.
Fresh herbs (mint, basil): Enhance herbaceous cocktails like gin or mojito-style drinks.
Berries or cherries: Add a sweet touch to fruity cocktails like sangrias or spritzers.

2. How to Store Ready to Drink Cocktails

Proper storage is essential for maintaining the flavor and quality of your RTD cocktails. Here’s how to ensure your cocktails stay fresh until you’re ready to enjoy them.

A. Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Before opening, your RTD cocktails should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and light can degrade the quality of the drink over time, so keeping them in a pantry, cupboard, or refrigerator is best.

B. Refrigerate After Opening

Once opened, it’s important to refrigerate your RTD cocktails if you don’t finish them in one sitting. Most cocktails will stay fresh for 2-3 days after opening when stored in the fridge, but it’s always a good idea to consume them as soon as possible for the best flavor.

C. Seal Tightly After Opening

If your RTD cocktail comes in a bottle, make sure to reseal it tightly to prevent air from affecting the drink’s flavor. Cans can be transferred into a sealed container if you’re not able to finish them in one go.

D. Freeze for a Frozen Cocktail Twist

If you enjoy frozen cocktails, you can store some RTD cocktails in the freezer for a fun twist. Be cautious not to leave carbonated cocktails in the freezer for too long, as the pressure can cause them to burst. A few hours in the freezer will create a slushy consistency for drinks like margaritas or daiquiris.

3. Best Food Pairings with RTD Cocktails

Pairing your RTD cocktails with the right food can enhance both the drink and the meal. Here are some pairing suggestions based on different cocktail flavor profiles.

A. Fruity Cocktails

Fruity RTD cocktails like margaritas, daiquiris, or spritzers are refreshing and tangy, making them great companions for lighter, tropical-inspired dishes.

Seafood: Pair fruity cocktails with grilled shrimp, fish tacos, or ceviche.
Salads: A citrus-based vinaigrette salad or a tropical fruit salad complements the acidity in fruity cocktails.
Spicy Foods: Fruity cocktails can help balance out the heat in spicy dishes like Thai curry or spicy chicken wings.

B. Herbaceous Cocktails

Cocktails made with herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary (such as mojitos or gin-based cocktails) pair well with Mediterranean-inspired dishes and fresh, savory foods.

Grilled Vegetables: Pair herbaceous cocktails with grilled veggies like zucchini, peppers, or eggplant.
Mediterranean Dishes: Dishes like Greek salad, hummus, or falafel go well with herb-forward cocktails.
Light Proteins: Grilled chicken, turkey, or fish are excellent pairings for herbal cocktails.

C. Spirit-Forward Cocktails

Bold, spirit-forward cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Negroni are ideal for pairing with rich, savory dishes.

Steak and Grilled Meats: Pair spirit-forward cocktails with hearty dishes like grilled steaks, lamb chops, or BBQ ribs.
Cheeses and Charcuterie: Aged cheeses and cured meats like prosciutto or salami are perfect companions to the robust flavors of spirit-forward cocktails.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted root vegetables with herbs and spices pair well with the depth of a strong cocktail.

4. The Perfect Settings for Enjoying RTD Cocktails

Ready to drink cocktails are versatile enough to be enjoyed in various settings, from casual to special occasions. Here’s how to enjoy them in different environments.

A. Outdoor Gatherings

Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, going on a picnic, or spending the day at the beach, RTD cocktails are perfect for outdoor gatherings. Pack them in a cooler with ice packs, and don’t forget to bring plastic or metal cups to avoid breakage. Cocktails like Strawberry Aperitivo or Green Gin are ideal for summer events.

B. Dinner Parties

If you’re hosting a dinner party, offer a selection of RTD cocktails as a pre-dinner aperitif or serve them alongside the meal. Opt for elegant cocktails like Downtown Abbey or Gin Sours to impress your guests. Serve them in stylish glassware with fresh garnishes for a sophisticated touch.

C. Movie Nights at Home

For a casual night in, RTD cocktails can be the perfect addition to your movie-watching experience. Pop open a can of your favorite cocktail, grab some popcorn or snacks, and enjoy a laid-back evening with minimal effort.

5. Experiment with Mixing RTD Cocktails

One of the most fun aspects of RTD cocktails is that you can get creative by mixing them with other beverages to create new and exciting flavors.

A. Add Soda Water for a Lighter Drink

If you prefer a lighter cocktail, add a splash of soda water to your RTD cocktail. This works especially well with fruity or herb-based drinks, giving them a bubbly, refreshing twist.

B. Mix with Other Spirits

For a stronger drink, you can add a shot of your favorite spirit to the cocktail. For example, add a splash of gin to an already gin-based RTD cocktail like Green Gin for an extra boost of flavor.

C. Experiment with Juices

Add fresh juice like orange, pineapple, or cranberry to enhance the fruity notes of your RTD cocktails. This is a great way to customize the flavor and make the drink your own.

6. Enjoy Responsibly

Finally, it’s important to always enjoy your ready to drink cocktails responsibly. Even though they are convenient and easy to drink, they still contain alcohol, so it’s essential to pace yourself and stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water in between cocktails, especially when enjoying them outdoors or during long events.

Conclusion

Ready to drink cocktails offer the perfect combination of convenience and quality, making them an excellent option for any occasion. By following these tips for serving, storing, and pairing your cocktails, you can elevate your RTD experience to new heights. Whether you’re enjoying a casual day at the beach or hosting a sophisticated dinner party, RTD cocktails allow you to enjoy expertly crafted drinks without the hassle. Cheers to effortless enjoyment with ready to drink cocktails ! Get yours on Jannicks Drinks !