Juice Runners, the ready-to-drink (RTD) brand from hip-hop duo Run The Jewels, just secured US$2 million in seed funding, according to The Spirits Business. The US$2 million in seed funding for Juice Runners signals a new wave of celebrity-backed, spirit-forward canned cocktails. The brand launched in spring 2025 with a 5.9% ABV mezcal-based canned cocktail, the Paloma Remix.
The ready-to-drink cocktail market is projected for massive growth and innovation in spirit-based options. A vast majority of current sales, however, still come from less dynamic malt-based products. This creates a clear tension: consumers crave premium spirit experiences, yet the market is still dominated by less sophisticated alternatives. For more, see our Ready-to-drink cocktail market sees major.
Therefore, the beverage industry is likely to witness a sustained and aggressive shift towards premium, spirit-based RTDs, intensifying competition and potentially reshaping the entire alcoholic beverage landscape.
The Exploding Market for Canned Cocktails
The global ready-to-drink cocktails market was estimated at USD 3,693.1 million in 2025, according to Grandview Research. This market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.1% from 2026 to 2033. These robust projections confirm a fundamental shift in consumer preferences towards convenient, pre-mixed alcoholic beverages. The market's rapid expansion suggests a significant opportunity for brands that can meet evolving demands for quality and convenience.
Spirits Drive Innovation and Market Share
Ready-to-drink spirit cocktails grew to a nearly US$4 billion category in 2025, according to The Drinks Business. Spirits RTDs gained 11 percentage points in market share in 2025. This rapid growth confirms a consumer migration towards spirit-based options, indicating a preference for higher-quality, more authentic cocktail experiences over simpler malt beverages.
Spritz Society is launching a new product called Skinny Spritz™, featuring 100 calories and no added sugar, according to BevNET. The combination of rapid market share gains for spirit-based RTDs and health-conscious innovations like Skinny Spritz™ illustrates a sophisticated evolution. Brands are now competing not just on convenience, but on premium ingredients and dietary considerations, pushing the category beyond its initial, simpler offerings.
