Are you ready for a new era of RTDs?

Want to enjoy a pre-mixed drink on the beach, or maybe take a cocktail to a concert?

Meet what is being billed as the world’s first resealable RTD in a fully recyclable tetra pack carton - from Mandatory Twisted by Queensland-based Mandatory Spirits Co.

Enjoying spirits from a smaller version of a milk carton might seem a little weird, but it actually makes a lot of sense.

If convenience and sustainability are important to you then Mandatory Twisted might be worth giving a go.

The non-carbonated vodka premix comes in a resealable carton perfect for anti-spiking at festivals or public gatherings.

It is also easy to drink in a "mindful" way, as you can just seal it back and put it in the fridge for later.

The tetra packaging can be fully recycled into building materials and the drinks, while tasting quite sweet, contain zero added sugars, all natural flavours and just 72 calories per serving.

Mandatory Twisted comes in Dark Fruits & Vodka and Passionfruit Vodka Punch (I preferred the dark fruits, poured over ice, very chilled). Just 4.4% alcohol but a very decent aperitif or thirst quencher.

Available now for $20 per four-pack or $120 for a 24-pack at First Choice Liquor Stores.

 


Mandatory Spirit Co is Australian owned and its drinks are promoted as preservative-free, gluten-free, and Vegan-friendly.

The new Prisma Pak packaging produces a 6.5x lower carbon footprint than traditional packaging like plastic bottles, glass and cans.

So if you'd like to say goodbye to glass, plastic, and cans - your on a winner.

“As we embark on this groundbreaking journey, I am thrilled to launch our revolutionary sustainable range of flavoured vodka RTDs, meticulously crafted and thoughtfully packed in a sustainable carton," says Mandatory Spirit Co co-founder Mark Collins.

"This innovation not only redefines convenience but also emphasises our unwavering commitment to sustainability and responsible consumption. With this world-first initiative, we aspire to inspire a new era of conscious drinking, where every sip reflects our dedication to both taste and the planet.”

Mark's a bit excited, but he has reason to be.

For more information see the Mandatory Spirit Co website mandatoryspiritco.com.au

Uber-cool canned cocktails are world leaders

A small Melbourne company that only launched four years ago has emerged as a global leader in the fast-growing premium cocktail-in-can space.

You'll find Curatif cocktails being served on Qantas flights, and exports are about to begin to both the US and UK following the company's second straight win as top RTD producer at the the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London.

Curatif's success is built on three core pillars: quality, convenience and sustainability, says brand founder Matt Sanger in an interview with GoTR.

I enjoyed chatting to Matt, who has boundless enthusiasm and a focus on "quality, convenience and sustainability".

Curatif boomed during the Covid era, when drinkers wanted to consume quality beverages at home, rather than in cocktail bars, and has benefitted from what Sanger describes as "the MasterChef effect" - with people looking to enjoy gourmet dishes and premium beverages at home.

"A lot of people stopped drinking vodka and Red Bull and turned instead to Espresso Martinis," Sanger says. "They discovered cocktail bar-quality drinks - using amazing ingredients - can come in a can.

"Mindful consumption is a very big trend around the globe - and many folk are looking to drink less, but higher quality."

I must admit I was a little sceptical about the quality of cocktails in a can, but I am working my way though several in the range and have really enjoyed both the fresh, vibrant and refreshing Curatif Cosmopolitan and the tangy and seriously chilli-flavoured Curatif Spicy Margarita.



It seems that sparkling alcoholic seltzers and cocktails in a can are very much on the upswing: and so easy for social gatherings.

Curatif has aligned with well-known Australian distillers like Archie Rose and Never Never Distilling Co., as well as with premium Australian imported brands like Appleton Estate Rum, and bars like Savile Row, to produce its bespoke cocktails in a can.

Sanger says: “The broader RTD category is an animal that is capable of staggering growth - look at what happened with seltzers. 

"More importantly, RTD is a pillar of the broader alcobev segment…the most incredible cocktails of the world’s best bars are now only as far away as opening the fridge door, and as portable as the cans we send them out in.

“The ready-to-drink category has changed a lot," Sanger adds. “What I’m loving is this movement away from bag-in-a-box flavour components and into both natural and native ingredients.”

The IWSC judges were impressed by Curatif’s Bar Bambi Amaretto Sour, Black Pearl Toreador, Jacoby's Trader Vic's Mai Tai, Never Never Distilling Co Negroni, Plantation Hurricane, Ron Colón Corn & Oil, Rum Old Fashioned and Spicy Margarita.

They were particularly high on the gold-medal-winning Archie Rose Espresso Martini.

“If the IWSC is our industry’s version of the Oscars, then brands like Curatif, Four Pillars and Grainshaker are Australia’s own Hemsworth, Kidman and Jackman," says go-getter Sanger, who is planning an expansion of his Port Melbourne distillery to cope with growing demand.

He points out that cans are more easily recyclable than other containers, and are also lighter in weight. There is a lot of science, too, in making sure the contents of each can has a long lifespan.

"We are committed to being the best corporate citizen we can be," Sanger says. "And by using only the finest spirits and liqueurs from the world, we are ensuring our drinks are made with integrity.

"We are a brand that provides customers with the highest quality ingredients, blended to perfection without preservatives."

Curatif ready-to-serve can cocktails can be purchased at major retailers and independent liquor stores nationally for an RRP of $49.00 for a four pack. Seasonal drinks are on the way, including a Pina Colada for summer.

For full details visit www.curatif.com, where discounts are available to subscribers.

What Sophie says: Anyone for a Yellow Tail cocktail for summer?

Fancy a pre-mixed cocktail on a summer evening? 

Australian wine brand [yellow tail] has just released a line-up of ready-to-drink cocktails that are described as "deliciously light and fizzy" and weigh in at just 11.5% alcohol. 

The new range features a Wild Peach Bellini and Blood Orange Mimosa, both ready to pour straight from the bottle and billed as being "perfect for summer soirees, festive celebrations and holiday brunching in style".

[yellow tail] Australian ambassador Sophie Monk has been wheeled  out do the honours, saying: "I’m a huge fan of sparkling wine and I love a no-fuss cocktail so new [yellow tail] sparkling cocktails are the perfect match for my taste buds and lifestyle. 

“[yellow tail] sparkling Wild Peach Bellini is the drink I’d be sipping on at brunch with pancakes or my personal Sunday favourite, French toast. 

For super-hot summer days, I can’t go past a [yellow tail] sparkling Blood Orange Mimosa, poolside with some watermelon or any fruit really and nuts to munch on."

For non-Australians, former singer and media personality Monk only recently took on her brand ambassador role, and they are certainly working her hard. 

The new releases are very much on trend with sparkling wine, ready-to-drink and spirits categories in growth globally and in Australia, primarily driven by millennials and younger drinkers seeking flavour and convenience.

“The ready-to-drink segment is booming in Australia - it’s the fastest-growing category in the alcoholic beverage industry globally," says [yellow tail] global marketing manager Anna Czarnocka. 

"Coupled with the rising cost of living, we are seeing more consumers increasingly focusing on products that offer accessibility, convenience and value." 

The drinks are made by the sixth generation of the Casella family at the family-owned winery in Yenda. 

The new [yellow tail] sparkling cocktails are available at Dan Murphy’s and BWS nationally at an RRP of $18. 

I actually enjoyed both of them. Good thirst quenchers on a summer afternoon. The lifted blood orange flavours of the mimosa just edged it for me but I’d drink both well chilled over summer. 

See www.yellowtailwine.com.au.

A mojito that tastes like a mojito: in a can

A mojito in a can? 

Why not? 

Bacardi, probably the most famous name in the world of rum, has unveiled a new, ready-to-drink cocktail: Bacardi Mojito.

I'm not usually a big fan of RTDs - but this one hits the spot. 

There's lively lime, mouth-watering mint and sparkling soda water, making for a refreshing and appealing summertime quaffer. 

“With the original Bacardi Mojito having a rich history and rise in popularity since the 1930s, we’re proud to continue to meet our customers' desires and launch the ready-to-drink Bacardi Mojito in time for summer here in Australia." says Bacardi brand ambassador Loy Catada.

"The Bacardi brand has been synonymous with classic Caribbean cocktails since 1862 and our latest launch gives consumers the ease of a high-quality cocktail made with the natural flavours and real ingredients of mint, lime, and the world’s most awarded Rum in a convenient format.”

Bacardi Mojito is available in select Dan Murphy’s, BWS, Liquorland, First Choice Liquor Market and independent retailers for $24.99 per pack of four. See www.bacardi.com 

So fast, so shiny, so sharp: quality cocktails poured from a pouch

Quality pre-mixed cocktails in pouch? 

I was dubious to say the least, but happy to be proved wrong. 

During this lockdown phase, research has shown that Australians are purchasing - and drinking - more alcohol than usual.

And Sophisticated Cocktail Co is redefining what it means to “drink consciously” and with minimal effort.

Manly-based Sophisticated Cocktails Co is Australia's sustainability-based RTD cocktail brand. 

For cocktails lovers used to slaving over a range of ingredients, the new range is shaken, stirred and ready to sip. 

No specialised skills, ingredients or YouTube/ Instagram reels needed. 

The RTDs - including margaritas and espresso martinis - come in eco-friendly nitrogen stand-up pouches (they used to be called goon bags) with a tap for you to use to pour straight to your cocktail glass.

Not only do the pouches look smart, they are also good for the environment.

The pouches reduce carbon footprints by 80% compared to glass bottle equivalents. 

The drinks are sugar- and preservative-free, using locally grown fresh-pressed fruit, premium alcohol brands, and locally roasted cold brew coffee. 

Slick, smooth and easy.

The Sophisticated Cocktails range features Pina Colada, Gin Martini and Cosmo Carrie as well as the rather delicious margarita l tried with Saltbird kaffir lime and chilli salt on the rim (and will be trying again tonight).

To be honest, I could tell no difference between my drink and a $20 cocktail bar effort. Impressive.

The range starts at $59 per 750ml and is available to purchase online at https://www.sophisticatedcocktailco.com.au/ and at stockists including some Porters stores in NSW.