Are RTDs and pre-mixed cocktails really healthy?

With the concept of pre-mixed cocktails and mocktails gaining popularity with the millennials, the RTD (Ready to drink) market in India is growing at a fast pace. It has definitely changed the drinking behaviour of consumers. From pre-mixed gin & tonic, whisky & vodka-based cocktails to interesting cocktails like Mango Colada, Mountain Mojito, there are several instant mixes that have flooded the market. According to the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), India is one of the fastest-growing alcoholic beverages markets globally, with estimated market size of $52.5 billion in 2020 and the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8 per cent between 2020 and 2023. This trend of RTDs grew in the wake of the pandemic, as more and more people experimented with at-home cocktails when they were unable to visit bars and restaurants. Also, as per another report published by Triton Market Research, the market for alcoholic ready-to-drink (RTDs) in India is likely to increase at a CAGR of 10.29 per cent in revenue for the period 2021-2026. Additionally, in terms of volume, it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.15 per cent during the same period.

However, the real question that lies here is, whether these pre-mixed cocktails & mocktails are healthy or not? Are they using real fruit juices or natural ingredients, or using harmful preservatives and artificial flavours? We talked to some RTD brands that are getting popular in India like Jimmy’s Cocktails and Stranger & Sons to know more about this entirely new segment that we are witnessing in the market.

Also Read: Whiskey-based summer cocktails to beat the heat

Jimmy’s Cocktail, which is among the most popular choices these days for millennials comes in various flavours. When we asked about their ingredients and the flavours, here is what Yangdup Lama, who is the Head of Product and Mixology at Jimmy’s Cocktails told us. “At Jimmy’s Cocktails, we are cognizant of the fact that millennials today prefer products made from natural ingredients. Jimmy’s Cocktails are crafted with fruits and botanicals sourced from across the world. For instance, Jimmy’s Sex On The Beach is a tropical blend of Nagpur oranges, Egyptian peach and Danish cranberry with a dash of triple sec. These mixers are a testament to our efforts in creating products with fewer calories, natural flavours and zero artificial sweeteners.”

Another pre-mixed cocktail that’s gaining a lot of popularity these days is the Stranger & Sons and The Bombay Canteen’s Perry Road Peru, which is a single-batch, limited edition distilled cocktail made with guava. When asked how it is made and what ingredients go into it, we were told that handpicked and peeled at their peak, ripe guavas are slowly macerated for 6 hours and then distilled for another 18. And a generous pinch of chilli-salt mix is added to it.

According to Vidhi Puri, Founder of The Cocktail Story, “I think, premix cocktails made without alcohol are like just any other juices for me. It's just like, they’re more advanced and suitable for the people out there.” When asked about whether the ingredients used to make it are ‘natural’ Vidhi opines, “These RTDs are more like a cocktail, in which the bartender adds the packaged juice, which has preservatives added into it to increase the shelf life. I believe it's more or less on the same patterns. I think these cocktail mixers have definitely changed the entire game in India.”

This is what Pushpanjali Banerjee, Brand Director at Kyndal Group has to say about the millennial’s love for pre-mixes and the use of natural ingredients in these pre-mixed cocktails, “I believe millennials are getting attracted to these premixes is because of the fact that the regular mixers were quite sugary, for example, the soft drinks. People are always looking for alternatives that have less sugar in them, and that’s where the RTDs come in. Most of these premixes are low in calories as they have very less sugar in them as compared to soft drinks. The drinking scenario is changing for sure and expanding a lot, and people are excited about trying new things. I feel that these mocktails and RTDs provide a lot of variety and options to even those who do not drink. Also, at Kyndal, we have this brand called Bols Liqueur, which comes in 39 flavours currently and is made with natural herbs, fruits and spices. Also, we are closely monitoring the RTD market and it seems like a promising state for us.”

On the health quotient of these cocktail mixers, Vidhi says, “They have made people aware about the cocktail culture. Those, who didn’t even know about cocktails are now making & drinking these cocktails at home because of these brands. These cocktail mixers and RTDs are now bringing interesting flavours and focusing on the dietary aspect also with drinks that have zero sugar in them."

Disha Grover, a Delhi-based Nutritionist says "All such drinks are definitely a NO from me as they are loaded with sugar that gives you a different kick especially when you are trying to lose weight. However, I would advise that if you really have to use such beverages, take a little quantity and dilute it with some water and add natural ingredients like lemon juice, mint leaves and black salt, and make a different cocktail altogether with such cocktail pre-mixes. The idea is to understand how much sugar these bottles of pre-mixed cocktails have. Once in a while, it is okay to have them.”

Another Delhi-based Nutritionist, Mansi Gupta is of the same opinion that None of the cocktail mixes has anything that's healthy. Mansi says, “ Most of the brands do not have natural fruit. They have artificial sweeteners/sugar/added flavours/colours/preservatives. Even the most basic tonic water has 20-40 gms of sugar per serving. Most flavourful drinks have 5 gm sugar in one spoon, and with this now you can imagine the number in a full glass! If you are looking for nutrition, you can't find them in these mixes."
In a nutshell
While cocktail mixes are definitely the new, cool trend, they are also very convenient and can easily give a party-like feel to regular drinks. Those who are trying to lose weight or have health issues should definitely avoid them as they would avoid sugary drinks, cola, alcohol or junk food. And those who have them occasionally with their drinks should buy them from the best and the most trusted brands-the way they buy their drinks.