The rise of premium margaritas in the UK, and how to choose the right format
(can, bottle, bag-in-box, keg)
If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering what exactly a ready-to-drink margarita is and why it’s suddenly everywhere.
For hosts, event planners and cocktail lovers alike, the idea of bar-quality cocktails without all the mixing faff has never looked more appealing.
At Pimentae, we believe that great margaritas shouldn’t be complicated. They just need to taste incredible, be served simply and match the moment. Here’s everything you need to know about RTD margaritas in the UK: where the market stands, what formats exist, and how to pick the perfect one for your occasion.
1. Why the RTD cocktail category is booming
According to Grand View Research, the UK ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails market was valued at USD 58.1 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a 16.2% CAGR through 2030.
The key drivers?
- A growing consumer appetite for convenience without compromise
- The ongoing premiumisation trend (better ingredients, better experiences)
- And a surge in at-home socialising, as people trade the pub for the patio
As Simpsons Beverages notes, consumers now expect the same level of craftsmanship from an RTD cocktail as they would from a mixologist.
The broader shift: RTDs are no longer just “cheap mixers”, they’re being reimagined as crafted, elevated alternatives to bar-made cocktails.
In short: the moment for RTD margaritas has arrived, and for good reason.
2. Meet the formats: Can, Bottle, Bag-in-Box & Keg
Let’s break down the four formats and how each suits a different purpose.
Cans
Ideal for: casual gatherings, picnics, beach days, festivals, convenience stores.
Why they work: single-serve, portable, chilled and ready. No mess, no mixing.
Pimentae tip: Choose our canned Spicy Margarita when you want something immediate and punchy.
Bottles
Ideal for: dinner parties, home bars, premium gifting.
Why they work: More drink per pour, more perceived value, great for slower sipping.
Pimentae tip: For those who want to treat guests to bar quality but keep it at home.
Bag-in-Box
Ideal for: bigger gatherings, garden parties, self-serve setups.
Why they work: Bulk-packaging means fewer refills, less packaging waste per drink, and still a strong serve.
Pimentae tip: Slide our BiB into your BBQ or garden bash, efficient, stylish, and effortless.
Kegs
Ideal for: weddings, venues, festivals, events.
Why they work: High-volume, draft experience, low labour, big impact.
Pimentae tip: Our margarita keg means your bar-quality range scaled up, no bartender required.
3. Why premium ingredients matter (and how Pimentae gets it right)
In the RTD world, premium means more than just fancy packaging, it’s about quality, authenticity, and taste.
At Pimentae, we craft every margarita using:
- Real tequila (CRT-certified, not just flavouring)
- Mexican Lime
- Family-run distilleries – supporting heritage and craftsmanship
- No artificial aftertaste
- Packaging designed for the moment, whether it’s a can, bottle, bag-in-box, or keg
Because when you choose a premium RTD margarita, you’re not compromising, you’re making a smarter, more flavourful, more stylish choice.
4. The Final Pour
Whether you’re popping open a can at sunset, pouring a bottle over dinner, lining up a bag-in-box for a garden party, or serving from a keg at a wedding, RTD margaritas offer unmatched versatility.
For Pimentae, it’s all about bringing bar-quality flavour to every moment, in whichever format fits yours best.
So whatever the occasion, big, small, or somewhere in between, choose your format, pour generously, and enjoy the perfect marg every time.
Cheers!
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