Premix Drinks: Why Ready-to-Drink Premixes Are Booming

What are premixed drinks?

Premixed drinks, often called premix or RTD (ready-to-drink), are pre-made alcoholic beverages sold in cans or bottles. They combine a spirit such as vodka, gin, rum or tequila with a mixer, and sometimes juice, flavour and sweetener, so they are ready to drink straight from the can.

In Australia, premix is a huge category. It ranges from simple vodka sodas and gin and tonics to cocktail-inspired flavours such as mojito, margarita and pornstar martini.

Why are premixed drinks so popular?

Convenience is the main reason. A can needs no glass, ice, mixer or measuring, which suits barbecues, picnics, festivals and boat trips. Premix also offers consistency: every can tastes the same.

Quality has improved too. Early premixes were often sweet and artificial, while newer products use real spirits, natural flavour and lower sugar. Zero-sugar and lower-calorie versions are now widely available, and brands are releasing new flavours constantly.

How strong are premixed drinks?

Most premix is between 4 and 7 per cent ABV, though some are stronger. Check the standard-drink count printed on every can. A 375 mL can at 5 per cent contains about 1.5 standard drinks, so a four-pack is around six.

Because premix tastes light and sweet, it is easy to drink faster than you realise. Pace yourself, alternate with water and keep count. The Australian guidelines recommend no more than four standard drinks on any one day.

What types of premix can you buy?

Vodka premix includes vodka sodas, vodka lemonades and cocktail flavours. Gin premix includes gin and tonic and pink gin and lemonade. Tequila premix includes margarita and tequila soda, and rum premix includes mojito and dark and stormy styles.

Our vodka premix collection includes cases of 24 cans from brands such as 24 Ice, including 24 Ice Gin & Tonic, Margarita and Mojito, plus Hard Rated 30 Pack.

Explore: Shop vodka premix

How do you choose a good premix?

Check the ABV and standard drinks, then the sugar and calories if you care about them. Look at the ingredients: real spirit, natural flavour and carbonated water are good signs. Choose a flavour you already enjoy as a cocktail, because premix tastes like a simplified version of the drink.

If you are buying for a party, buy a mix of flavours and ABV levels, include non-alcoholic options and keep everything cold.

Is premix cheaper than making cocktails?

Per drink, premix is often cheaper than buying a bottle of spirit plus mixers, especially for cocktails with several ingredients. For a large group it can save time and money. If you drink often and enjoy mixing, making your own gives better quality and more control.

A simple bar kit is a good compromise: see our guide to mixers for a home bar. You can also read about low-sugar seltzers.

How should you store and serve premix?

Store cans in a cool, dark place and chill before serving. Drink within the best-before date, because flavour and carbonation fade over time. Serve over ice in a glass if you want to taste the flavour properly.

Buyers must be 18 or over, and you should not drive after drinking. Recycle cans after use.

How many drinks should you buy for a party?

A common planning guide is about one and a half drinks per guest in the first hour and one drink an hour after that, though it varies with the event. Include non-alcoholic options, water and food, and avoid pushing guests to drink more than they want.

Cases of 24 cans are convenient for large gatherings. Keep cans chilled in a cooler with ice, and check the standard drinks per can so you know what you are serving.

What should you read on a premix can?

Look at ABV, the number of standard drinks, the sugar per 100 mL, the energy in kilojoules and the best-before date. Ingredients are listed in order of weight. A product with real spirit, carbonated water and natural flavour is generally a better choice than one dominated by sugar and artificial flavours.

If you want to avoid sweeteners or sugar, check the panel rather than the front of the can. Compare two flavours of the same brand, since they can differ.

How can you serve alcohol responsibly at home?

In Australia, anyone serving alcohol commercially must complete Responsible Service of Alcohol training, and the same principles help at home. Serve food, offer water and non-alcoholic drinks, never serve people who are intoxicated and make sure nobody drives after drinking.

Premix is easy to drink quickly because it is cold and sweet. Encourage guests to pace themselves, and keep taxis or a designated driver in mind. Buyers must be 18 or over.

How do premix flavours compare?

Vodka sodas and gin and tonics are the driest and lightest, with little sweetness. Cocktail-style flavours such as margarita, mojito and pornstar martini taste sweeter and more dessert-like, and fruit flavours such as strawberry, watermelon and lemon are the sweetest and fruitiest.

If you prefer a drink that tastes like a cocktail, choose one of the cocktail flavours. If you prefer something crisp and light, choose a soda or tonic style. Buy a mixed case to find your favourites before committing to a large order.

How do you keep premix cold at an outdoor event?

Use a large cooler with ice, add a little water so the ice makes contact with every can, and keep the lid shut. Pre-chill cans in the fridge the night before, since warm cans melt ice quickly. Keep the cooler in the shade and avoid leaving it in a hot car.

Bring a rubbish bag for empty cans and a separate cooler for non-alcoholic drinks. If you are hosting a larger group, keep a second cooler as a refill. For more serving ideas, read our guide to the best mixers for your home bar.