The History and Evolution of Premixed Cocktails

Hello Hello,

Lovely to see you all back here on the blog again!

Let me tell you a little something about the history and evolution of ready-to-drink cocktails, also known as RTD cocktails. Now, I know you might be thinking "Alan, why on earth are you talking about premixed cocktails?", but let me tell you, there's a lot more to these bad boys than you might think.

First of all, let's take it back to ancient times, where people would mix wine with spices, honey, and other ingredients to create a more flavourful and intoxicating beverage. That's right, the concept of ready-to-drink cocktails has been around for centuries, who knew?

Fast forward to the 18th century, and we start to see the first premixed cocktail recipes in print. One of the most famous was the "Sling," which consisted of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. This simple recipe laid the foundation for many of the cocktails that we know and love today.

But it wasn't until the 19th century that ready-to-drink cocktails really started to take off. The invention of new technologies, such as the ice machine and the cocktail shaker, made it easier for bartenders to create and serve premixed cocktails. And let's not forget the rise of the temperance movement, which led to an increase in demand for non-alcoholic premixed cocktails, such as the "Shirley Temple."

Now, we all know what happened in the 20th century, the Prohibition era in the United States led to a decline in the number of bars and taverns. But, as with everything in life, where there's a will, there's a way, and the rise of speakeasies meant that ready-to-drink cocktails were still being served. And after the repeal of Prohibition, premixed cocktails experienced a resurgence in popularity.

But the real game-changer for ready-to-drink cocktails was the advent of modern bottling and canning technology. This allowed for premixed cocktails to be easily transported and consumed anywhere, and it laid the foundation for the ready-to-drink cocktail industry that we know today.

And let me tell you, the ready-to-drink cocktail industry is still going strong. New flavours and ingredients are constantly being introduced, and the popularity of premixed cocktails in cans and bottles has led to an increase in ready-to-drink options at bars and taverns. And with the rise of the cocktail culture and the increasing interest in mixology, there's a renewed appreciation for ready-to-drink cocktails.

So, in conclusion, ready-to-drink cocktails have a long and fascinating history, and have evolved significantly over time. From ancient wine mixed with spices, to modern ready-to-drink cocktails, premixed cocktails have always been a popular way to enjoy a flavourful and intoxicating beverage. And with the ready-to-drink cocktail industry still going strong, there's never been a better time to give them a try.

Cheers!