Go hard or go home

If you’ve been to any Irish music festivals this summer, it’s hard to ignore the prevalence of young people drinking canned seltzers and ready-to-drink cocktails in abundance. These drinks have certainly caught the imagination of the IT crowd who want to enjoy tasty, fruit flavoured drinks with low calories and sometimes low alcohol content. Drinks Industry Ireland takes a look at the brands that are making the biggest splash in this space

Hard seltzers and ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails have rapidly evolved into some of the fastest-growing segments of the global alcohol industry, and Ireland is no exception. The demand for convenience, lower-calorie options, and bold new flavours has fuelled a significant rise in popularity for these pre-mixed drinks, particularly during and after the pandemic, when at-home consumption became a key trend. In recent years, major brands and independent producers alike have jumped into the market, launching a wide array of offerings, from classic vodka soda combinations to more adventurous concoctions infused with botanicals, tropical fruits, and functional ingredients. For Irish publicans and drinks distributors, this presents a unique opportunity and challenge. The RTD category is no longer limited to canned gin & tonics or alcopops of the early 2000s; today’s consumer is seeking premiumisation, transparency, and innovation. As global trends influence local palates, Irish producers have also begun entering the space with craft-focused, home-grown alternatives.

Live like the sun’s up

Grab your mates because this one can’t wait – High Noon, the category leader in the US, has landed in Ireland and it’s here to stay. Known for its laid-back vibe and exceptionally refreshing flavours, this delicious vodka soda has reached our stores in perfect time for the Irish summertime.

Already a firm fan favourite Stateside, High Noon is ready to make waves on this side of the Atlantic with two best-selling flavours: Pineapple and Black Cherry.

Crafted with premium 5x distilled vodka, soda water, and a hint of natural fruit flavours, High Noon is perfect for long lunches, midday refreshments, spontaneous park meet-ups, or BBQs that roll out into long summer nights. At 95 calories per can, gluten-free, and without artificial sweeteners, it is as bright and crisp as your favourite white tee.

High Noon Vodka Soda Pineapple 330ml (RRP €14.00 4 pack, 4.5% ABV) is a tropical getaway in a can, High Noon Pineapple Vodka Soda blends premium vodka, soda water, and natural pineapple flavours. Close your eyes as you sip and picture yourself in a cabana overlooking the turquoise waters of Tahiti.

High Noon Vodka Soda Black Cherry 330ml (RRP €14.00 4 pack, 4.5% ABV) is the perfect mix of premium vodka, soda water, and a hint of natural black cherry flavour. It’s refreshingly tangy, slightly sweet, and always lively with a bright, bubbly finish.

High Noon is all about living like the sun’s up! Capturing more than just the time of day, sun’s up is a state of mind and the centre of all things High Noon. Whether you’re making the most of the summer heat or embracing the moment, High Noon’s mix of premium vodka, soda water, and natural flavours is perfect for soaking up life’s sunny side.

Cocktail indulgence

This year Slattery Wine and Spirits have brought two new additions to the Irish drinks market: Big Sipz and Clubtails. These innovative ready-to-drink cocktails are quickly becoming must-stock items for retailers and venues looking to meet the growing demand for high-quality, convenient alcoholic options.

Big Sipz is an exciting launch boasting a robust 14% ABV, offering consumers a bold, bar-quality cocktail experience straight from the unique cup. Available in four flavours, Big Sipz is perfect for parties, festivals, or simply enjoying a night in with friends. Its higher strength sets it apart from many other RTDs on the market, offering a truly unique and indulgent option for cocktail lovers.

Meanwhile, Clubtails has arrived to make a splash with its smooth and refreshing 10.1% ABV drinks, available in three flavours. Clubtails is designed for those who appreciate a slightly lighter but still impactful cocktail experience, without compromising on flavour or quality.

These two brands are rapidly becoming essential additions to shelves across Ireland. Their vibrant flavours, eye-catching packaging, and strong consumer appeal make them standout choices for anyone looking to offer something new and exciting. By introducing Big Sipz and Clubtails, Slattery Wine and Spirits continue to demonstrate their commitment to innovation in the Irish drinks industry, setting a new standard for ready-to-drink cocktails that are sure to delight customers nationwide.

A bold new sparkling tequila drink for summer

White Claw, Ireland’s number one hard seltzer brand is back with a bold new innovation just in time for summer: White Claw Tequila Smash. Crafted with sparkling Tequila Blanco and real fruit juice, Tequila Smash delivers a clean, crisp sip with full-on flavour. At just 80 calories and 5% ABV, it’s light, refreshing, and the perfect summer drink.

Two bold flavours. Endless summer vibes.

• Strawberry Lime – juicy and citrusy
• Mango Passion Fruit – bright, tropical, and refreshing

Tequila is booming globally, but ready-to-drink tequila options have lagged behind — until now. Tequila Smash brings the same innovation that made White Claw a global phenomenon, now with a tequila twist. Splash of Tequila Blanco. Squeeze of Real Juice. Available now nationwide in Tesco and MRPI estate stores.

Bold innovation and unrivalled appeal

WKD continues to dominate the ready-to-drink (RTD) category, delivering bold vibes, unbeatable variety, and a proven ability to drive footfall and sales in the on-trade. With its iconic status and a brand awareness of 80%₁, WKD remains the go-to choice for venues looking to elevate their social experience and keep the energy high.

From enjoying the iconic WKD Blue with mates, to the WKD VIBE range that dials up the energy on a big night out, WKD’s versatile line-up perfectly matches the vibrant, high-energy vibe of on-trade venues. WKD Blue 0.0% also offers consumers an alcohol-free variant, featuring a mix of sparkling fruit flavours.

With summer now in full swing, RTDs are convenient for all spontaneous social moments the season brings. Available in a range of flavours and formats tailored for bars, pubs, and clubs, WKD continues to generate strong interest and incremental sales, driven by a loyal and highly engaged fan base.

48% of Gen Z want to create memories or have a story to tell when socialising – with the flavour and experience of both the drink and venue becoming part of the