Top 5 Ready-To-Drink Gin Cocktails We Tried in 2023
In the ever-evolving realm of mixology, gin enthusiasts are now spoiled for choice with an enticing array of ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails. Blending convenience with the bright flavors of our favorite juniper spirit, iconic drinks like a gin and tonic and negroni can be enjoyed with the crack of a single lid. As 2023 comes to a close, we here at Gin Raiders would like to reflect on the many great canned and bottled gin drinks we had the pleasure of tasting this year.
From innovative combinations to timeless classics, here are the top five RTD gin cocktails we tried in 2023!
Luxardo Cherry Gin and Tonic
(Photo: Luxardo)
This Cherry Gin and Tonic comes from Luxardo, an Italian liqueur producer founded in 1821. Made using the brand’s Sour Cherry Gin, the drink spotlights the Luxardo Sour Marasca cherry of craft cocktail fame.
Tart, herbal and just the right amount of tonic-y sweet, we loved this RTD cocktail’s special fruity twist on a gin classic. Serve it over ice or drink it straight out of a chilled can!
A four-pack can be found for about $20, with each can packing a 10%-ABV punch. While a bit on the pricey side, we think these drinks make for a sweet treat worth savoring.
On The Rocks: Aviation and White Negroni
(Photo: On The Rocks)
RTD cocktail brand On The Rocks impressed us with its bottled versions of an Aviation and White Negroni — two great gin classics.
On The Rocks’ Aviation presents everything one wants in the charming blush-hued drink with its pops of zippy lemon, perfumey violet and tart cherry. Notably, the brand also discloses exactly which gin is used: Larios Dry Gin, a citrus-forward Mediterranean expression.
Meanwhile, On The Rocks’ White Negroni balances floral dry vermouth and a hint of bitters alongside the peppery, juniper-forward palate of Sipsmith London Dry. If you haven’t had a White Negroni yet, this bottled cocktail is a great introduction to the drink.
All these RTD cocktails need is a quick shake with some ice and, if you’re feeling fancy, a fun garnish. We enjoyed our Aviation with a lemon twist, while the White Negroni was topped off with a thick grapefruit slice. Find both of these On The Rocks offerings for just about $15 per 20%-ABV, 375-ml bottle. They also make a neat gift for the gin lover in your life!
Mixoloshe Blueberry G&T
(Photo: Mixoloshe)
This non-alcoholic riff on a gin and tonic, created by RTD mocktail producer Mixoloshe, pleasantly surprised us. Made using the brand’s zero-proof gin alternative, the concoction boasts a blend of sweet blueberries, bitter tonic and juniper and citrus fragrances. While there’s no booze in this one, we couldn’t help but fall in love with its bubbly fruit notes, silky mouthfeel and exceptional botanical kick.
Mixoloshe’s Blueberry G&T is an ideal choice for gin enthusiasts seeking a break from traditional spirits, individuals abstaining from alcohol or those simply looking to indulge in a special treat during the workday. And at a price point of $34.99 per 12-pack, they make for quite a reasonable RTD cocktail alternative.
Spirited Hive Lemon, Juniper & Honey
(Photo: Spirited Hive)
Spirited Hive’s Lemon, Juniper & Honey cocktail incorporates gin sourced from New Haven, Missouri, and organic wildflower honey infused with lemon. The brand launched in 2020 and champions high-quality spirits and natural ingredients.
This RTD offering goes all in on a prominent juniper backbone, joined by oodles of bubbles, lingering rich honey and a weighty mouthfeel. Canned at a hearty 7% ABV, you’ll want to proceed with caution when enjoying these yummy Tom Collins-inspired drinks.
Find Spirited Hive’s Lemon, Juniper & Honey for $15.99 per four-pack.
The Finnish Long Drink: Strong Citrus, Original and Cranberry
(Photo: The Finnish Long Drink)
The Long Drink, a best-selling alcohol category in Finland, originated during the 1952 Summer Games to serve large crowds efficiently. Now introduced to the U.S. in the form of an RTD offering, the classic gin and grapefruit soda beverage quickly attracted the attention of actor Miles Teller, DJ Kygo and PGA Golfer Rickie Fowler, who joined The Finnish Long Drink family as investors.
The brand currently produces four flavors: Traditional (5.5% ABV), Zero (0 carbs, 0 sugar, 5% ABV), Strong Citrus (8.5% ABV) and Cranberry (5.5% ABV).
We tried all four and found that, while each one offered something unique, the Strong Citrus expression ranked supreme with its bold, juicy palate and hearty juniper kick. For this one, a higher ABV also brought on a richer flavor and mouthfeel, making it a perfect slow sipper.
Meanwhile, Finnish Long Drink’s Cranberry offers subtle tart notes that quickly evolve into a little bit of tangy, fruity sweetness. Because it is a tad light on flavor, we felt that this expression was quite approachable and perfect for fans of seltzers. The same goes for the original flavor, which presents delicate grapefruit goodness and a soft juniper experience.
Each flavor of Finnish Long Drink can be found for about $15 per pack of six 12-ounce cans. Or, try all four flavors in one go with a variety eight-pack, priced at under $20.
Read next:
The 5 Best Gins We Tasted in November 2023
‘The Beginning of an Exciting Journey’: Emma Watson’s Renais Gin to Enter US Market
8 Christmas-Inspired Gins Sure to Get You Into the Holiday Spirit
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