RTDs Provide Boost to Already Strong Spirits Sales

RTD cocktails continue to surge in popularity, especially during the holiday season, as consumers look for convenience without sacrificing quality.

Many liquor stores used to have a section for that last minute gift on your way to a party so you don’t show up empty handed. These were often 4pks or pre-mixed items that we'd never buy for ourselves, but felt completely fine gifting them!

But, that section is no longer filled with LTO items that end up on the clearance shelf. Instead, it’s filled with brands seeking to create repeat purchase by appealing to shopper's tastes and consumption habits… low/no-sugar, low-calorie, low-carb, all-natural, organic, gluten-free, etc, with premium look and feel aimed at creating a memorable experience.


This shift is directly influencing spirits sales. While traditional bottle sales remain strong, RTDs are capturing incremental occasions and are appealing to new consumers, including those who don’t typically like to mix their own cocktails at home. For brands, RTDs are less of a substitute and more of a gateway, extending reach and driving trial across price tiers.

The best news for suppliers, wholesalers and retailers about the RTDs’ rising presence in Spirts is that price and value are down the list of purchase factors, behind flavor, brand recognition, convenience and label transparency. This is a big opportunity for suppliers to lean into the ever-evolving cocktail culture.

As the holidays stare us down, the brands that go into 2026 with a winning feeling will be the ones that focus on innovation, premium positioning and convenience. RTDs aren’t just a trend, they’re reshaping how spirits are purchased, consumed and celebrated throughout the year.

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The Bottle Wrench, A Review

Photo courtesy The Bottle Wrench

Every now and and then, you come across an item and say to yourself "Duh, why didn't I think of that?" That's exactly what I thought when I happened upon The Bottle Wrench, billed as "the manliest bottle opener you'll ever own". An item so functional, yet, so simply designed, you don't know if it's the brainchild of Bob Vila or Handy Manny. Actually, it's neither. Jake Crawley, who comes to us from Savannah, GA, is the creator, or should I say the mastermind, behind The Bottle Wrench. An idea that came about because he was tired of using his wife's wimpy wine bottle opener to open his manly beer bottles. If you've ever had to use a wine opener, you know how emasculating it could be if another male species ever witnessed it. Jake says he went out to his garage and just a couple of hours later, voila! I'm still not sure what took him so long, but what a great invention it is.

Photo by @DrinkPro

Here's the scoop: The Bottle wrench arrived in a manly brown paper bag tied in a 4-way pattern with twine and knotted in the middle with a bow. I imagine this is the only input from a female in the entire process. The opener itself is an actual living wrench - a brand new tool from a real toolbox. Not some imitation wrench with a sticker on it that says "Not For Actual Use" like those replica football helmets. No, this is the real McCoy. Although they come in various sizes, the Bottle Wrench I received is the 1/2", their most popular size. It has a modified end that allows it to perfectly grip the bottle cap and destroy it in an instant!

Photo by @DrinkPro

All Bottle Wrenches are individually hand cut and specially modified allowing all manly energy to be transferred directly to the cap and leaves the bottle neck ever purring for your lips (sorry guys, my wife is reading 50 Shades of Grey). On the opposite end of the wrench, it comes with a loop of military-grade 550 Paracord, so, it's durable enough to take camping with you or hang it on your work bench or from your key ring. And, if you need to open a soda for the wife, simply flip the wrench over and use it to pry up the can tab so she doesn't break a nail.

If I could make any improvements to the The Bottle Wrench, I would change the way the Paracord ends are melted to keep from fraying. It leaves an eyesore at the end of what is an otherwise decent, manly look. Another thing I would do is offer more colors for the Paracord, maybe collegiate colors. Jake says this is in his plans. Current colors available are Red, White and Blue> OD Green> Red and White> Blue and White.

The Bottle Wrench can be purchased online at www.thebottlewrench.com . They make a great gift and Jake tells me he's even had wedding parties order them. How thoughtful of a groom to think of his men like that!

The price ranges from $8 for a smaller version to $10 for the original size. Shipping is about $3 and he does offer discounts on multiple quantities. Larger size wrenches are available as well. Check out the website for more details.

Product background:
The Bottle Wrench, Savannah, GA

Jake Crawley, Inventor
Website: www.thebottlewrench.com
Follow @TheBottleWrench 

Enjoy,
@DrinkPro

This blog is the opinion of the author. None of the companies mentioned here have any affiliation with this blog, nor do they endorse its contents...but they should. From time to time, @DrinkPro will receive promotional product from suppliers for the purpose of review. Gregg W Shore is a 23 year beverage veteran who writes his blog @DrinkPro, A View of the Beverage Industry, from the Inside Out. Connect on LinkedIn and follow on Twitter @DrinkPro