Cocktail trends shift toward home batching and ready-to-drink cans

The cocktail landscape is evolving through two distinct trends: the rise of batching for home entertaining and the growth of the ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktail market.

In home entertaining, there is a shift toward batching cocktails to allow hosts to spend more time with guests. This method focuses on flavor experimentation, where small additions like different types of bitters—such as aromatic, orange, or cocoa—can significantly alter the character of a shared drink.

Simultaneously, the RTD category has expanded significantly. This market includes various products such as hard seltzers, wine spritzers, and pre-mixed cocktails like Negronis or Mojitos. While the category can be confusing due to varying alcohol bases, there is a growing consumer trend, particularly in the United States, toward products made with recognizable spirits rather than malt-based alternatives.