We are exploring the world of Ready to Drink Cocktails this month, including some new-to-us beverages!
Delicious, convenient, and oh so portable, Ready to Drink (RTD) Cocktails are taking the adult beverage marketplace by storm. You can get fancy and start with the correct glass or chilled mug, pour over ice, add a garnish, and almost convince yourself you made the cocktail the traditional way. OR, you can also skip all of that fuss and just pop the top after a long hike or chores, a swim, or whenever the timing is right for a delicious adult beverage that is ready to enjoy.
RTD Cocktail Styles
There are a lot of variations in how Ready to Drink cocktails come together, so it pays to take a look at the can or bottle to see what the base alcohol ingredient is, if it contains real juice, and whether there are natural or imitation flavors. There is also a good amount of variation and no correlation between the alcohol level (ABV) and the size of the package, with some on par with beer and some more similar to wine, or even a spirit in strength.
We have asked our team of beverage experts at Oliver’s for their top Ready to Drink Cocktail picks, so without further ado, let’s jump into our list!
Note: All prices in effect from April 1-30, 2025 at all four Oliver’s Market locations.
Featured Favorite
Aperol Spritz, 4Pk – 200 ML Bottles, $14.99 +crv NEW!
“Three simple and easy ingredients: Aperol, sparkling wine, and soda water. Bottled and ready to accompany you on your next outdoor adventure!” – Matteo Polverari, Montecito Wine Manager
Bold & Boozy Classics
These tasty takes on the classics, often by the producer known for the cocktail, bring quality ingredients and create a sip so delicious, you might not guess it’s premade!
Please note that this group tends to have a higher ABV, and the bottled options contain several servings, so plan on enjoying them with friends and serving over ice for maximum enjoyment.
- High West Old Fashioned, 375 ML Bottle, $9.99 +crv
“This premium Ready To Drink Cocktail is matured in used Rye barrels, allowing the flavors to create a rich, smooth, and well-rounded product. Bourbon, bitters, and simple syrup all in one, ready to go. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon peel and a maraschino cherry for best results.” – Justin Bowman, Cotati Wine Manager - Campari Negroni, 375 ML Bottle, $11.99 +crv
“My favorite cocktail is finally in a convenient ready-to-drink package! The iconic bitterness of Campari is balanced by the fruity sweetness of vermouth and juniper provided by the gin. You won’t be disappointed!” – Brandon Witwicki, Windsor Wine Manager - Copper Can Moscow Mule, 355 ML Can, $3.49 +crv
“This gem has the perfect blend of vodka, ginger beer, and lime all in a can. Easy refreshing and handy, a classic to go.” – David Riley, Stony Point Wine Manager - Bulleit Manhattan Cocktail, 375 ML Bottle, $9.99 +crv
“Clean, satiny, and woody notes of straight Rye whiskey with sweet vermouth and bitters. Ready to drink excellence! – David Riley, Stony Point Wine Manager
Easy Sippers for Sunny Days
This collection of beverages is great for any occasion, but shines on warm weather days when refreshment is especially needed along with great flavor.
- The Finnish Long Drink, 355 ML Can, $1.99 +crv | 6-Pack $10.99 +crv
“Super refreshing with just the right amount of Gin to satisfy the Gin lovers of the world. Golf course, beach….The Long Drink fits many occasions!” – Josh Kirchhoff, Corporate Wine & Liquor Coordinator - Salt Point Greyhound, 355 ML Can, $3.99 +crv | 4 Pack $14.99 +crv
“Made from premium vodka, grapefruit, lime, and carbonated water, this is one of the most popular items in the liquor department these days. Convenient, delicious, and they can be taken almost anywhere. They will get you where you want to go in more ways than one.” – Justin Bowman, Cotati Wine Manager - Suntory -196, 355 ML Can, $2.49 +crv | 4-Pack $8.99 +crv
“Japan’s number one selling Seltzer! Suntory freezes and crushes real whole fruit and then infuses it with premium vodka. Fruit-forward with a bold and flavorful taste!” !” – Matteo Polverari, Montecito Wine Manager - High Noon Vodka Seltzer Variety Pack 12-Pack/355 ML Cans $22.99 +crv
“This pack offers a crisp selection of vodka seltzers with refreshing real fruit flavors. Balanced, low calorie, and endlessly sippable, an excellent choice for any occasion.” – David Riley, Stony Point Wine Manager
Tropical and Zesty Vibes
These offerings take the premade cocktail in a classic direction, but take a look at the suggested ways to add another layer of complexity below. These classics are delicious any time of year!
- Oliver’s Own Paloma, 200 ML Can, $3.49 +crv | 4Pk – 200 ML Cans, $12.99 +crv
“Oliver’s Own Paloma is the #1 selling ready to drink cocktail from the Oliver’s Own line, so this one is sure to please. Crisp and bright, with the perfect amount of tequila, grapefruit, lime juice and agave syrup. Grab one…in fact grab two. Your tastebuds will thank you!!!” – Josh Kirchhoff, Corporate Wine & Liquor Coordinator - Cutwater Margarita, 355 ML Can, $2.99 +crv | 4 Pack $11.99 +crv
“Is there a better way to bring in Spring than with a margarita? All the classic notes of a margarita but with the convenience of the can. Enjoy with a glass and a salted rim, or straight out of the can! It’s up to you!” – Brandon Witwicki, Windsor Wine Manager
Elevating Your Experience
For maximum enjoyment, serve these beverages fully chilled at a minimum, and over ice if convenient. Each of these featured beverages is tasty in their original form, but with a little creativity, you can take them up a notch, or into a new flavor direction!
Check out these simple upgrades and give one a try:
• For the Aperol Spritz: For some extra sparkle, serve on the rocks with a float of Prosecco or sparkling wine and garnish with an orange wheel.
• For the Bulleit Manhattan: Add a dash of maple syrup and garnish with a cherry or orange peel
• For the Copper Can Moscow Mule: Add a few muddled berries and garnish with lime and mint.
• For the Campari Negroni: Top with a little Prosecco and garnish with an orange slice
• For the High West Old Fashioned: Add a splash or Orange Bitters or dash of Smoked Salt and garnish with an orange peel twist.
• For the Finnish Long Drink: Serve over ice with a splash of soda water or tonic and garnish with a lemon or cucumber slice.
• For the Suntory -196: Serve on the rocks with a splash or Yuzu juice or lemonade and garnish with mint or a lime wedge.
• For the Salt Point Greyhound: Rim your glass with salt and garnish with fresh grapefruit slice
• For the High Noon Grapefruit Vodka & Soda: Add a splash of sparkling or tonic water and garnish with a rosemary sprig or grapefruit peel.
• For the Cutwater Tequila Margarita: Take it in a spicy direction with a dash of hot sauce or a few jalapeno slices and garnish with a Tajin rim or lime wedge.
• For the Oliver’s Own Paloma Cocktail: Take it in a new direction with a splash of grapefruit juice or a dash of mezcal and garnish with salt or Tajin rime and grapefruit or lime wedge.
We hope you will try out some of our favorite Ready to Drink Cocktails this month, enjoy the savings, and remember that you CAN have a delicious cocktail almost anywhere.
Cheers!
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