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The Pre-Mixed, RTD & Hard Seltzer Masters 2024 results

RTDs have taken the world of spirits by storm, with producers all over the globe meeting consumer demand for handy formats. In our annual competition, the judges discovered which expressions were the best.

RTD
The wide-ranging RTD space is resonating with younger drinkers

What is there not to love about a ready‐to‐drink (RTD) alcoholic beverage? Convenience in a can, bottle, or pouch – there has never been so much variety to choose from. Portability is also a key appeal of the category, and with creative colours and designs drawing more drinkers into the RTD sector, competition is rife. Plus, the rise of hard seltzers – particularly in the US – has put extra pressure on brands vying for consumers’ affection.

While RTD growth is slowing, the category is continuing to build its share of the total beverage alcohol market. In 2023, RTD volume sales rose by 2% in 2023 in 10 key markets (Canada, the US, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, the UK, Germany, China, Japan, and Australia), according to the RTDs Strategic Study 2024 report by IWSR. The biggest growth came from Mexico (up by 8%), followed by Germany (up by 4%). Out of the 10 regions only Australia declined (down by 1%).

“Despite the slowdown in growth, RTDs are continuing to gain share of TBA – a trend that we expect to continue throughout the forecast period, and particularly in the more established markets of Japan, the US, Australia and Canada,” said Susie Goldspink, head of RTD insights, IWSR. “As this occurs, RTD consumption is impacting other categories, so companies need to join or invest in the RTD market to combat this. The UK, Japan, Brazil, and Australia all report a decline in spirits consumption as a result of people drinking more RTDs, with other markets reporting a similar reduction in beer.”

Like any category, emerging or established, the quality of the liquid is imperative to any future success. For 2024, RTDs, pre‐mixed serves and hard seltzers were grouped together to determine the best convenient tipples globally.

The judging of this year’s blind tasting took place at Sparrow Italia in London’s Mayfair. Three panels of independent judges put the entrants through their paces. The first team comprised Emily Webster, marketing and PR manager at Whisky.Auction, and Matt Chambers, spirits writer and co‐founder of the Whisky For Everyone blog. Melita Kiely, editor of The Spirits Business, and chair of The Global Spirits Masters Competitions, chaired the group.

Sarah Miller, founder of the Gin A Ding Ding blog, chaired the second panel. She was accompanied by Luke Williams, assistant buyer at Harrods, Richard Legg, founder of Distilled Knowledge, and Ruchira Neotia, drinks consultant, Neo Margarita. The third team was led by David T Smith, spirits writer, consultant, and co‐founder of the Craft Distilling Expo. He was joined by Will Meredith, co‐founder of beverage consultancy Daisy Age Drinks, and Allison Strydom, spirits judge, and the founder of Gin Squares.

The judges did not have long to wait to enjoy the first Master‐worthy product of the day, which was discovered in the opening Vodka‐Based flight. The top accolade was bestowed upon De Kuyper Passionfruit Cocktail, which was praised for having “nice weight on the palate and good acidity on the finish”. The RTD was said to be “rich and fruity – exactly as it’s described”, with “bright orange, passionfruit, and light vanilla” notes.

RTDs
RTD brands are partnering with major spirits producers on co-branded products

The opening heat also delivered 11 Gold medals. One of the biggest branded collaborations of 2024, Absolut & Sprite, was among the Gold winners. The judges liked how the combination remained “light and refreshing”. Also in the Gold running was Libertine Blends Cucumber Mule, which impressed with its “good balance of ginger – not too spicy or overpowering. Cucumber offers a decent backbone; a good product marketed to the low‐sugar crowd.”

Thirteen Silver medals completed the flight, including awards for The Drinks Bureau’s Espresso Martini and Lychee Martini, and Intercontinental Brands’ Rozél Vodka with Raspberry & Rose Lemonade.

“The higher scorers in this flight had authentic flavours rather than confected ones,” noted Chambers. “There were some solid entries in the vodka‐based round.”

The tasting progressed to Gin‐based serves, where four more Gold medals were added to the growing tally. Two of those went to Det Norske Brenneri, one for the producer’s Harahorn Gin & Tonic and a second for its Harahorn Pink Collins. The G&T option had an impressive “citrusy, juniper and quinine aroma with good carbonation – lots of lemon zest and pith”. The Pink Collins serve secured its Gold medal for notes of “pink grapefruit and lemon” on the nose, which led to “pink sherbet lemon and a hint of bitterness” on the palate.

GinTing also won a Gold medal in this flight for its Passionfruit, Mango & Elderflower with Tonic. “The passionfruit, mango and elderflower flavours are balanced well in the gin – light, delicately made, and not overly imposing,” noted Kiely. “It’s fruity but not confected or domineering. A well‐made gin.”

Completing the Gold medallists in the Gin‐Based flight was Lind & Lime x Hey Palu White Strawberry Negroni. The judges detected a “a touch of balsamic” on the nose, with “herbaceous” notes. The palate brought “black pepper, subtle strawberry, bitter vermouth, and a lovely texture”.

Two Silver medals completed the flight, which were awarded to Dylan Alexander’s Passionfruit Gin Sour and De Kuyper Clover Club Cocktail.

The Drinks Bureau’s Spicy Margarita RTD
Taste Master 2024: The Drinks Bureau’s Spicy Margarita

The Tequila/Mezcal/Agave Spirit‐Based contingent really upped the ante, delivering a trio of Master winners. First of all, a Master medal was awarded to The Drinks Bureau’s Spicy Margarita. “Slightly smoky with chipotle‐esque or ancho chilli notes on the nose,” noted Meredith. “Peppery notes come through on the palate, which is nice; not too spicy and clean. Feels bright and not overly acidic, with some agave notes coming through and a touch of coriander on the back as well.”

Curatif Spicy Margarita also took home a Master medal, celebrated for “good agave notes coming through on the nose”. Additional flavours enjoyed by the judges included “ginger and chilli on the nose, with powerful spice, lime and agave blended on the palate”.

The third Master in this heat was handed to Jose Cuervo Sparkling Paloma. “Well‐balanced, refreshing, and crisp,” were words used to describe the cocktail.

The judges liked how a “touch of salinity” added complexity, and they were impressed by the freshness of the grapefruit. “Tequila RTDs are hot property at the moment, and when done well, they are some of the best the entire category has to offer,” enthused Smith. “Sweet, sour, smoky, refreshing and delicious,” he added about the breadth of flavours and styles of serves available.

Six Gold medals made for further enjoyment, with Mirror Margarita securing its Gold status. “Lovely classic aroma – agave sweetness, some light lime zest, and a zesty, slightly sharp, well‐balanced palate. The Tequila is balanced really well – a cracking RTD Margarita,” said Kiely.

Proximo Spirits secured four of the remaining five Gold medals, including one for 1800 Pineapple Margarita, which was enjoyed for delivering “nostalgic tinned pineapple circles”.

The remaining Gold medal in this flight was awarded to Bar Strength Smoked Chilli Margarita, liked for “Tajín chilli notes, a lovely hot kick of spice”. Six Silver medals rounded off the flight, including medals for Badwater Tequila Grapefruit Paloma, and Pals Tequila Mango Margarita. Webster said: “I liked the experimentation, and some of the entrants had great flavours, authentically representing the fruit they claimed to be. It would be great to see RTD producers be a bit bolder with their use of Tequila, and to allow more of the Tequila character to shine through.”

From agave spirits, the tasting moved onto Rum‐based RTDs, pre‐mixed serves and hard seltzers. One entrant left a lasting impression on the judges, earning a top Master medal: Malibu Piña Colada. “This smells exactly like a Piña Colada,” complimented Chambers. “Tastes creamy, good coconut flavour, great balance. Delicious; light, well‐balanced and very tasty.”

A pair of Gold medals were also awarded alongside six Silvers. Hampton Court Spirits secured a Gold medal for The Father of the Fleet, which offered “ginger and some oaky spice, brown sugar and ginger ale” notes.

RTD
Hard seltzers – alcoholic sparkling water – have boomed in the US

Vibrant coconut

Gold‐winning De Kuyper Piña Colada Cocktail impressed with aromas of “butter popcorn, desiccated coconut”. The palate delivered “creaminess, a touch of light citrus, corn, and more vibrant coconut”.

Among the Silver winners was Pernod Ricard’s Havana Club Raspberry Daiquiri.

Across the judging panels, while the medal winners were celebrated, the teams noted that there was room for more expressive rums to shine in this part of the RTD, pre‐mixed space.

The Master standard continued into the Whisky/Whiskey‐Based heat. Two top accolades were awarded in this flight, including a Master for Batavia Highball. “Light whisky flavour, refreshing, clean, crisp – easy to drink,” said Smith.

The second Master in this flight was bestowed upon The Fetichist’s Bourbon Old Fashioned. “Rich, fruity, with some orange, cherry and lovely spice” on the nose, noted Smith. “A beautifully balanced profile – a perfect blend of sweetness, spice, and a boozy hit,” added Meredith.

Next came a flight of Liqueur/Speciality‐Based products. Two Gold medals were collected by Curatif in this flight: Curatif Limoncello Sour, and Curatif Amaretto Sour. Commenting on the Limoncello Sour medallist, Neotia said: “When you’re in need of a lemon fix, this is it. Fresh lemon, citric acidity, and a zesty brightness. Well made and a good product to help expand the reach of limoncello.”

Five Silver medals closed the flight, including two flavours of the Creamy RTD Concept from B2B producer Creamy Creation: Caramel Fudge and Café Latte.

RTD
Creative colours and designs are drawing more drinkers into the RTD sector

Slightly sparkling

A flight of Spirit Blend‐Based entries delivered a trio of Gold medals and four Silver awards. The Gold winners included two medals for the Sunnyside Drinks Co: “Warm, spiced ginger, and slightly sparkling,” Sunnyside Alcoholic Ginger Beer, and “juicy, sour” Sunnyside Alcoholic Tropical Ginger Beer.

A short flight of Low and No added another Master medal to the tasting: Libertine Blends Hopped Bellini. “This feels elegant; a very good‐tasting Bellini, and good carbonation,” said Chambers. The “sophisticated, with gentle pear and cardamom” Libertine Blends Fizzy Pear & Cardamom also collected a Gold medal in this flight.

A flight of Hard Seltzers saw “very pleasant, sweet” Nütrl Pineapple win a Gold medal. Four hard seltzers were also found to be deserving of Silver medals, including Aupalte Seltzer Grapefruit.

It was double Gold in the Kombucha round. The medal winners included Nÿcha Kombucha Superfruits, which presented “sour berries and a discerning fresh ginger kick”. Nÿcha Kombucha Alpine Herbs, which also won Gold, had “interesting complexity”, with “mint, savoury and sour flavours – very interesting”.

The final flight of the day was Vegan, which resulted in two respectable Silver medals for “coffee‐flavoured, silky” Panther M*lk Café, and “chocolatey, orange” Plant‐Based Chocolate Orange Creamy RTD Concept from Creamy Creation.

As the judges retasted the Master winners of the day, they remarked on the high standard of RTDs and pre‐mixed drinks that are available in multiple categories.

There were several contenders in the running for the ultimate Pre‐Mixed, RTD & Hard Seltzer Taste Master award, but in the end, the winning product of 2024 was The Drinks Bureau’s Spicy Margarita.

If the high standard seen in many of this year’s medal winners continues, it will ensure the growth forecast for this burgeoning category does indeed move upwards – as it deservedly should.

 

Vodka-Based
Company Product Medal
De Kuyper De Kuyper Passionfruit Martini Cocktail Master
Gabriel Boudier Pornstar Martini 20% Gold
Curatif Curatif Espresso Martini Gold
Served Drinks Served Cosmopolitan Gold
Pernod Ricard Absolut & Sprite Gold
Pals Pals, Triple Distilled Vodka, Pineapple, Lime And Soda Gold
Libertine Blends Libertine Blends Cucumber Mule Gold
The Drinks Bureau Passion Fruit Martini Gold
De Kuyper De Kuyper Sex on the Beach Cocktail Gold
Dylan Alexander Bar Strength Espresso Martini Gold
Dylan Alexander Pornstar Martini Gold
Served Drinks Served Lychee Martini Gold
Served Drinks Served Passion Fruit Martini Silver
Served Drinks Served Espresso Martini Silver
Dylan Alexander Espresso Martini Silver
Dylan Alexander Bar Strength Pornstar Martini Silver
Intercontinental Brands Rozél Vodka with Raspberry & Rose Lemonade Silver
The Drinks Bureau Espresso Martini Silver
The Drinks Bureau Lychee Martini Silver
Aldi Infusionist – Espresso Martini Silver
Pernod Ricard Absolut Strawberry Spritz Silver
The Fetichist Pornstar Martini Silver
The Fetichist Sex on the Beach Silver
De Kuyper De Kuyper Cosmopolitan Cocktail Silver
De Kuyper De Kuyper Espresso Martini Cocktail Silver

 

Gin-Based
Company Product Medal
Det Norske Brenneri Harahorn Gin & Tonic Gold
Det Norske Brenneri Harahorn Pink Collins Gold
GinTing GinTing – Passionfruit, Mango & Elderflower with Tonic Gold
Lind & Lime Gin Lind & Lime X Hey Palu White Strawberry Negroni Gold
Dylan Alexander Passionfruit Gin Sour Silver
De Kuyper De Kuyper Clover Club Cocktail Silver
Cygnet Distillery Cygnet Welsh Dry Gin & Tonic Silver

 

Tequila/Mezcal/Agave Spirit‐Based
Company Product Medal
The Drinks Bureau Spicy Margarita Taste Master & Master
Curatif Curatif Spicy Margarita Master
Proximo Spirits Jose Cuervo Sparkling Paloma Master
Mirror Margarita Mirror Margarita Gold
Dylan Alexander Bar Strength Smoked Chilli Margarita Gold
Proximo Spirits 1800 Pineapple Margarita Gold
Proximo Spirits 1800 Peach Margarita Gold
Proximo Spirits 1800 The Ultimate Margarita Gold
Proximo Spirits Jose Cuervo Sparkling Classic Margarita Gold
Proximo Spirits 1800 Mango Margarita Silver
Proximo Spirits 1800 Strawberry Margarita Silver
Badwater Drinks Badwater Tequila Grapefruit Paloma Silver
Badwater Drinks Badwater Tequila Lime Margarita Silver
Pals Pals, Tequila, Mango Margarita Silver
Pals Pals, Tequila, Chilli Margarita Silver

 

Rum-Based
Company Product Medal
Pernod Ricard Malibu Piña Colada Master
Hampton Court Spirits The Father of the Fleet Gold
De Kuyper De Kuyper Piña Colada Cocktail Gold
Served Drinks Served Strawberry Daiquiri Silver
GinTing RumTing – Passionfruit, Mango & Elderflower with Lemonade Silver
The Drinks Bureau Strawberry Daiquiri Silver
Pernod Ricard Havana Club Raspberry Daiquiri Silver
The Fetichist Mojito Silver
The Fetichist Mai Tai Silver

 

Whisky/Whiskey-Based
Company Product Medal
Orang Tua Group Batavia Highball Master
The Fetichist Bourbon Old Fashioned Master

 

Liqueur/Speciality-Based
Company Product Medal
Curatif Curatif Limoncello Sour Gold
Curatif Curatif Amaretto Sour Gold
Dylan Alexander Bar Strength Amaretto Sour Silver
Intercontinental Brands Café Solo Espresso Martini Cocktail Silver
Cointreau Cointreau Cocktail Twists Berry Cosmo Silver
Creamy Creation (B2B) Café Latte Creamy RTD Concept Silver
Creamy Creation (B2B) Caramel Fudge Creamy RTD Concept Silver

 

Spirit Blend-Based
Company Product Medal
Sunnyside Drinks Co Sunnyside Alcoholic Ginger Beer Gold
Sunnyside Drinks Co Sunnyside Alcoholic Tropical Ginger Beer Gold
Dom Tápparo/Grupo Petrópolis Cabaré Ice – Limão Gold
Dom Tápparo/Grupo Petrópolis Cabaré Ice – Frutas Amarelas Silver
Dom Tápparo/Grupo Petrópolis Cabaré Ice – Tangerina Silver
Dom Tápparo/Grupo Petrópolis Cabaré Ice – Frutas Vermelhas Silver
Pilt Persuasion Pilt Pilot Silver

 

Low and No
Company Product Medal
Libertine Blends Libertine Blends Hopped Bellini Master
Libertine Blends Libertine Blends Fizzy Pear & Cardamom Gold

 

Hard Seltzer
Company Product Medal
Anheuser Busch NÜTRL Pineapple Gold
Anheuser Busch NÜTRL Cranberry Silver
Anheuser Busch NÜTRL Orange Silver
HC Spirits Aupale Seltzer Grapefruit Silver
HC Spirits Aupale Seltzer Lemon Cranberry Silver

 

Kombucha
Company Product Medal
Nycha Kombucha Superfruits Gold
Nycha Kombucha Alpine Herbs Gold

 

Vegan
Company Product Medal
Beastly Brews T/A Panther M*Ik Panther M*Ik Cafe Silver
Creamy Creation (B2B) Plant based Chocolate Orange Creamy RTD Concept Silver

 

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