The Mysterious Appeal of Pre-Mixed Cocktails

If you’ve ever found yourself wandering along the aisles of your local supermarket (and actually paying attention to the products on the shelves), you’ve probably noticed some interesting products in the alcohol section. Often packaged in brightly coloured cans and bottles, pre-mixed cocktails (or ready to drink cocktails) are a somewhat hidden alcoholic beverage that seems to only be popular with some. 

The idea of the pre-mixed cocktail is brilliant; these beverages comprise a wide variety - from classics such as the Manhattan or the Vodka Mudshake, to more experimental cocktails such as a lychee margarita. The thought of sipping on a delicious cocktail without the exorbitant price tag you’d find at the bar, without shuffling through hordes of people? Sublime. 

Of course, you could have all of the above yourself with a well-stocked home bar (check out our post on tips for setting up your own). But every once in a while, you find yourself unwilling to go through the hassle of smushing your own mint leaves and the like. The answer? Pre-mixed cocktails.

You’ve probably been tempted to try one before wondering: “There must be a catch to these things… they probably don’t taste as good as the ‘real thing’.” 

These thoughts are not ungrounded - there must be some difference between pre-mixed cocktails and fresh ones, no? This beckons for further investigation; how do they compare to their compatriots being served in bars?

Manufacture of Pre-mixed Cocktails   

Word on the street is that these pre-mixed cocktails are just as good as their bar counterparts. However, as with most other products, it depends on the manufacturer and the manufacturing process of the beverage. 

One may expect that the main producers of these pre-mixed drinks are smaller organisations, such as craft producers. Contrary to popular belief (or perhaps to no surprise), the pre-mixed industry has attracted big names from the liquor industry.

For example, Jose Cuervo, the esteemed tequila producers, have incorporated their delicious Cuervo Gold into the ready-to-drink Golden Margarita. Highlighting gold tequila, the Golden Margarita also features orange liqueur, lime juice, sour mix, orange juice, and a lime wedge and salt for garnish.

Jameson, otherwise known for producing some of the finest Irish whiskey, have also not shied away from the pre-mixed cocktail game. Ginger ale and Jameson whiskey make for a surprisingly delightful combination when garnished with lime, which lends a citrusy tang that freshens the beverage.

Impact on Mixology

Considering the countless ways for mixologists to express their creativity through their alcoholic creations, one may wonder; why do big companies place such an emphasis on the development of an official beverage that essentially represents a product or the brand? A product that if poorly received, could potentially stain a brand’s image. A product that may possibly even limit the imagination of mixologists the world over through an adherence to the “archetypal”, ideal beverage set by the creator of the central liquor used? 

Well, despite these, these possibilities appear possible at best. Mixologists have taken to the pre-mixed cocktail game as well as, if not possibly better than what’s made by the big boys (of course, this is only our personal opinion). Take a popular cocktail; the Rock & Rye, for example. The Rock & Rye is a cocktail that is heavily embedded in history. 

Imagine a cowboy in the Wild West heading to a saloon on a dusty, hot, sweltering afternoon. He orders a rye with water (because that’s what was available). It tastes bitter, which can be either appealing or absolutely horrendous, depending on how one appreciates rye whiskey. 

Unfortunately, this cowboy doesn’t enjoy a bitter beverage, so the barkeep adds some bitters (heh) and some citrus zest to make it a little more mouth-watering. Finally, he adds a little rock sugar and maybe a drizzle of honey if it’s available. The cowboy is absolutely floored with how delicious this drink is, and the bar has earned another regular customer.  

Of course this scenario is fictional, but the drink is very real. Hochstadter's Slow & Low Rock and Rye Canned Cocktail is one pre-mixed cocktail that is heavily recommended by cocktail drinkers all over the globe. 

Hochstadter's Slow & Low Rock and Rye Canned Cocktail

At 42% ABV, this cocktail is a strong one too; but the alcohol content isn’t obvious when downed; the rye is a subtle undertone beneath fragrances of orange zest and the thickness of raw honey. The only hint of alcohol is found through a warm trail the beverage leaves as it travels down the gut, but only after the mouth experiences the silky sweetness of raw honey.

Pre-mixed Cocktails - Bar Cocktails 

In all, pre-mixed cocktails are a more than adequate representation of the “real thing” that you would find in bars. If you find yourself balking at the exorbitant prices of these bar cocktails, you have two alternatives. (1) Make your own classic cocktails at home, or (2) look for a more affordable alternative in pre-mixed cocktails. You certainly won’t be disappointed. 

Craving a cocktail after reading this article? Have a look at our latest alcohols on promotion! Get creative and find your favorite spirit for that perfect pre-mixed cocktail. Order above $99 and we’ll provide you with free alcohol delivery.