Ready-to-drink is the buzzy cocktail category of 2025. Here’s our guide to this booming trend.
Imagine the perfect cocktail — a fancy bar vibe, bold flavor, zero fuss — and it’s right in your hand, wherever you are. That, along with the huge increase in tasty options, is what sparked the boom in ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails. No shaker. No guesswork. Zero mixology know-how. Just pop, sip and smile.
Whether you’re kicking back on your porch, hiking our beloved trails or boating at Horsetooth, RTDs are the ultimate sidekick for living your best Fort Collins life. So make Mulberry MAX your source for RTDs, because we stock a wide variety of ready-to-drink cocktails, including the newest/most popular options.
How Many Brands? Spoiler: More Than You Think
First, a bit on the popularity of RTDs. Once craft one-offs, they’re now mainstream money‑makers.
- Back in 2024, global RTD cocktails hit $1.01 billion, projected to $1.14 billion in 2025 and nearly $3 billion by 2033.
- The category has exploded beyond malt-based wine coolers like the old Bacardi Breezers.
- Major beer and spirit companies — Molson Coors, Diageo, Bacardi — are aggressively entering the space.
That’s nothing but terrific news for the RTD fans of the world. Your near future will see myriad new options, and we’ll be working to keep the selection compelling and up-to-date at Mulberry MAX.
Why so many people are obsessed with RTDs
So what’s this craze all about? Here are our thoughts.
1. Convenience on steroids
You love a good cocktail but you’re no fan of mixing, measuring and cleanup. Or maybe you don’t want to be bartender for the night while your friends enjoy your party. RTDs should be your Plan A: Grab a ready-to-drink cocktail from Mulberry MAX, crack it open, and boom — instant beverage bliss. Plus, canned cocktails are travel-friendly, and they’re just the thing for camping by the Poudre, balcony hangs at a friend’s condo or spontaneous picnics — and no glassware required.
2. They taste like a pro bartender’s special — because they are
Tired of watered-down drinks? RTDs deliver bar-quality recipes created by pros. Think margaritas with tang, Old Fashioneds with style, and spritzers that sparkle, all curated by expert mixologists and available at Mulberry MAX.
3. Health-conscious but not boring
Want something lighter or lower in sugar? You got it. RTDs are rolling out low-ABV and low- or zero-sugar options (Hello, Long Drink!) that let you sip mindfully without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for long sessions or when you’re going for round two.
4. Insta-worthy aesthetic
These cans look good, with vibrant colors, eye-catching labels and sticker-worthy designs. Great for your IG or TikTok — just don’t blame us when your friends show up asking what you’re sipping.
Who’s down for RTDs?
These aren’t just for the party crowd — they’re beloved across age groups. Everyone does their own thing, but here’s how we’ve seen the different age groups leaning at Mulberry MAX:
- Gen Z (21–29): Tending toward stylish sips with bold flavors, and affordability helps. RTDs check those boxes and step up the cool vibe.
- Millennials (30–44): They tend to want something premium but easy. RTDs are perfect for dinner on the deck or winding down after work.
- Gen X & beyond: More likely to want craft cocktails without the hassle, but they’re also not opposed to other options.
Whatever your preference, we at Mulberry MAX work our tails off to keep a rotating selection of RTDs that fits your mood. Stop in and we’ll point you in the right direction to find the right one for you.
The RTDs to grab at Mulberry MAX
🍸Vodka seltzers
Among our most popular RTDs, these are all over the map flavorwise. High Noon and -196 are favorites at The MAX.
🧋Tea-based RTDs
Also hugely popular, these are just the trick to cool off your summer day. Twisted Tea and Surfside are booming right now at our store.
🔥BuzzBallz
Bold flavor bombs — mango, margarita, chocolate and more. 15% ABV, a circular party in the best way. They’re a vibe waiting to happen.
🌿 Low-ABV and low-cal spritzers
Light, crisp and easy. Think spritzers with tequila vodka, gin or wine — ideal for brunch, porch hangs or afternoon walks. Ranch waters are leading the pack in this crowd.
🍸 Local craft spirit RTDs
Local flavor ftw — The Heart and Kure’s Craft Beverage both make some of our most popular and craveworthy RTDs.
🍹 Classic Margarita RTDs
Lime, salt, tequila — no blender, no drama. Easy to share, easy to love. Try the margs from Astral, On the Rocks, High Noon or Cutwater.
This is just a boozy drop in the RTD bucket at Mulberry MAX, of course. Our selection rotates, because we’re always on the lookout for the newest and best for when you’re ready to drink.
How to RTD like a champ? We have ideas
Wondering which ready-to-drink cocktail is best for your occasion? Glad you asked:
- BBQ + High Noons
Grill night? This brand has a flavor for everyone. A few mix packs will have your crowd pleased and will work well with whatever is on the barbecue. - Lunch on the lawn
Surfside or Lucky One flavored lemonades + patio vibes = peak midday refreshment. - Game or friend night
Craft RTDs on trivia night are a recipe for instant fun. We have excellent RTD Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, Expresso Martinis and other cocktails to fit your crowd. - Tailgating with Cutwaters
Another brand with a big variety of choices, from Bloody Marys to Pina Coladas. They have the right flavor for an early kickoff or a night game.
The friendly Mulberry MAX staff is ready to help you pick out the right RTD for whatever’s on your mind.
Bonus hacks for elevating your RTD
The pop-the-can convenience is a prime reason to choose RTDs, but sometimes you want to level it up. Here are some thoughts:
- Chill ’em early: A few hours in the fridge or cooler = chilled perfection.
- Pour ’em: Pour over ice in your favorite glass, garnish with lime, lemon or herbs — instant upscale vibes.
- Mix ’em: RTD + soda, ginger beer or tonic = bespoke flavor buildup.
- Dress ’em up: Add a straw, lime wedge, or fresh fruit — just enough for that mixologist cred.
- Combine ’em: A glass of ice with half blueberry lemonade and half strawberry, maybe? Pretty sure this is how the Arnie Palmer was invented, and it was a (lucrative) moment of genius. So let your own inspiration lead you to greatness.
Your RTD adventure starts here
Drop by Mulberry MAX, Fort Collins and:
- Chat with experts about your mood and find out what’s new and hot. Casual sipper? Bold flavor chaser? We’ve got you.
- Pick a 4-pack or maybe a mix pack of RTDs. Find something that suits your rhythm.
- Work out the perfect pairing — BBQ? Camping? Porch party? We’ll guide you to the right RTD for the moment.
We’re your Fort Collins RTD launching pad
RTDs are more than a drink — they’re your go-to sidekick. They get you. They bring flavor. They’re ready when you are. Mulberry MAX is your RTD HQ, zero drama, all taste. We’ll cover all your needs with our broad selection, and we’ll try our best if you have suggestions on anything we should bring in.
Check out our large-footprint store for piles of RTDs and broad selections of:
- Spirits
- Wine
- Natural wine
- Craft beers
- Macrobrews
- Ciders
- Soju
- Sake
- Non-alchoholic beers, wines, spirits and mixers
- Snacks
Our store takes good care of the Fort Collins region, including LaPorte, Wellington, Timnath, Loveland and beyond. We also regularly see customers driving in from Wyoming for our rockin’ selection and service.
Don’t Miss Out:
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for flash deals, new releases, and event drops. Want insider access? Sign up for our newsletter — monthly sips, specials and secret-stash alerts.
Cheers to effortless cocktails, Fort Collins!
