What will consumers be sipping this summer?
Circana data highlights premixed cocktails performance during summer
In the 1966 hit “Summer in the City by The Lovin’ Spoonful, the group sings about how the heat during the day wears on people, but that all changes when the sun goes down: “But at night, it’s a different world/ Go out and find a girl/ Come on, come on, and dance all night/ Despite the heat, it’ll be alright.”
Yet, whether it’s during the night or perhaps gathered around an afternoon barbecue, it looks like consumers will turn to premixed cocktails when they choose to imbibe this summer.
An Insights from Circana titled “What’s Sizzling As Summer Approaches?” notes that despite alcohol sales struggling last year, premixed cocktails stood out last year in summer as a bright spot for the market.
“During the week of Memorial Day-related shopping in 2025, premade cocktail units surged 22%, volume rose 24%, and dollar sales climbed 26% compared to the holiday run-up in 2024,” the Insights states.
Citing its “Share of Sip: Mapping the Beverage Evolution” report, Circana added that premixed cocktails were up 15% in unit sales when comparing November 2024 with November 2025.
Whether the ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail market can continue this momentum is to be seen, but beverage manufacturers are actively creating solutions to support that goal.
On the frozen side, Daily's Cocktails announced two additions to its RTD cocktail pouches line: Spiked Strawberry Lemonade and Spiked Iced Tea Lemonade.
Citing Circana data for the 52 weeks ending Feb. 15, Daily’s Cocktails notes the popularity of lemonade and tea-flavored ready-to-drink beverages, with lemonade representing 11% of dollar sales and tea at 5%. Combining the flavors, Daily’s Cocktails crafted a frozen cocktail with a 5% ABV in each 10-ounce serving.
“Summer calls for bold, refreshing flavors — and nothing says warm weather like lemonade and iced tea,” said Randi Jachino, chief marketing officer at Harvest Hill Beverage Co., in a statement. “With our new Spiked Strawberry Lemonade and Spiked Iced Tea Lemonade frozen cocktails, we’re taking those backyard classics and giving them the Daily’s treatment: flavor-forward, ready-to-freeze, and ridiculously easy to enjoy. It’s effortless fun, straight from your freezer.”
Yet, for those wanting to enjoy the flavors of an RTD cocktail, but without the alcohol, manufacturers have been active in that arena as well.
Image courtesy of RecessNon-alcohol beverage brand, Recess debuted a Zero Proof “Margarita” Mini Party Pack. Recess’ mini can collection is a four-flavor sampler featuring its Lime “Margarita” alongside three brand new twists on the classic Margarita: Spicy, Watermelon and Strawberry. Available for purchase in eight- and 12-packs, the Margaritas feature guayusa and adaptogens, the same functional lineup in the rest of the Zero Proof line.
Although there might be a lot of buzz around RTD cocktails, Circana’s Insights noted some beverages never go out of style during the summer.
“But don’t dismiss the summertime staple of beer: lagers came in first in the ranking of top Memorial Day-related categories for the week preceding Memorial Day in 2025, with a $52 million week-over-week dollar lift,” it states.
With summer fun ahead, now is a good time for beverage-makers to engage with consumers to show they can be their go-to beverage choice.
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