What is an RTD Cocktail? Everything You Need to Know

RTD cocktails are everywhere. In supermarkets, liquor stores, at festivals, and now even in your fridge at home. But what does RTD actually mean, and why are they so popular? In this article, we'll explain.

What does RTD mean?

RTD stands for Ready-to-Drink: pre-mixed beverages that can be consumed directly without further preparation. No shaker, no separate ingredients, no bartender needed. Just open and enjoy.

RTD cocktails are essentially cocktails that have already been mixed for you — in perfect proportions, with the right ingredients. All you have to do is keep them cold and pour.

Are RTD cocktails really good?

That used to be a fair question. The first generation of RTD drinks were often overly sweet, full of artificial flavors, and far removed from a real cocktail. Think of the alcopops from the nineties.

But the market has changed drastically. The new generation of RTD cocktails — including those from Williams — are premium crafted cocktails that approach bar quality. The same ingredients, the same proportions, only you don't have to mix them yourself anymore.

What makes a good RTD cocktail?

A good RTD cocktail distinguishes itself on three points:

Balance — The ratio between sweet, sour, and alcohol must be right. This is exactly what a good bartender does: bringing everything into balance. With an RTD, this must be perfect before the can is sealed.

Taste — No artificial flavors or excessive sweetness. A good RTD tastes just as you'd expect it to in a good cocktail bar.

Experience — This is where Williams makes the difference. Our can is designed like a shaker. By shaking the can vigorously before opening, you create that characteristic foam layer you normally only see in a cocktail bar. Exactly as it should be.

Which RTD cocktails are popular in the Netherlands?

The most popular RTD cocktails in the Netherlands are:

• Pornstar Martini — the absolute bestseller. Fresh, fruity, and tropical
• Espresso Martini — for coffee lovers. Full-bodied and creamy
• Margarita — fresh and potent, always a hit
• Negroni — for the connoisseur. Bitter, complex, and stylish

These are precisely the four cocktails that Williams offers — no coincidence. These are the modern classics everyone knows and loves.

Why are RTD cocktails so popular?

The popularity of RTD cocktails has grown enormously in recent years, and there are several clear reasons for this:

Convenience — No one always wants to gather seven ingredients for one cocktail. An RTD gives you the same result in ten seconds.

Quality — The new generation of RTD cocktails is better than ever. Premium brands ensure a consistent result that increasingly approaches bar quality.

Price — A good cocktail in a bar can easily cost €12 to €15. A premium RTD cocktail from Williams costs €5.50. That's bar quality for a fraction of the price.

Flexibility — RTD cocktails are perfect for home, but also ideal for a picnic, festival, birthday, or any other moment when you don't have a bar nearby.

Where can you buy the best RTD cocktails in the Netherlands?

Williams Cocktails sells premium RTD canned cocktails directly through our webshop. Free shipping from €35 in the Netherlands and Belgium. Choose from our four favorites or order a mix in one of our bundles.

New? Start with the Pornstar Martini — our bestseller — or go straight for a bundle of 10 for just €4.50 per cocktail.