According to the DISCUS Annual Economic Briefing, “Spirits ready-to-drink cocktails remain top spirits category with an impressive 16.4% sales growth last year.” (DISCUS, 2026) Ready-to-drink (RTD) spirit-based canned cocktails are a great way for distillers and brewers to expand their portfolios and generate new revenue fast. Grain neutral spirits (GNS) are an excellent solution for making RTDs, serving as a versatile blank canvas.
As the beverage industry continues to evolve, the opportunity to expand beyond beer into spirits-based offerings can be a smooth transition with GNS’s help. The neutral base provides a practical, low-barrier path for brewers to enter this growing category. Without the need for distillation equipment or major capital investments, brewers can leverage GNS to create RTDs, tap into new customer demand, and bring innovative products to market faster than ever.
Here are a few keyways GNS can help brewers:
- Diversification and new revenue streams: Ready-to-drink (RTDs) canned cocktails are up 17.1% by volume while other alcohol categories decline. This offers brewers an exciting opportunity to innovate and diversify beyond beer with higher-value packaged products.
- Low Start-Up Costs: Partnering with us for GNS avoids major equipment investments and, with our carbon-filtered option, allows you to proof down and move straight into production with minimal additional processing. This also enables rapid entry into the RTD market.
- Versatility and Quick Product Launches: The neutrality of our GNS gives brewers a blank canvas for spirit creations. This allows brewers to experiment with multiple products and test them in the market without committing to one spirit type. The versatility of using GNS streamlines the production process and reduces the need for specialized equipment. Seasonal releases, line extensions, and limited-time offerings (LTOs) can be developed and launched quickly, allowing you to respond to trends and keep your portfolio fresh and exciting.
- Scalable Production: Our GNS enables you to increase output without expanding the capacity of existing equipment. From pilot batches to nationwide roll-outs, we have shipping options to fit your current needs.
- Production Power: Just one tote of our 192-proof GNS can yield over 55,000* cans or 2,290+ cases, while one drum can yield approximately 11,000* cans or 458+ cases (*these numbers are based on 12oz cans at 5% ABV and cases of 24 cans) *Actual yield may vary based on formulation, proof, losses, and fill specifications
- Leverage Our Existing Networks: All you need is an idea! Leverage our extensive network of co-packing and canning partners to quickly break into the RTD market. Our partners can take your product from formulation to finished can, allowing you to launch quickly and bring production in-house when the time is right.
Just one tote of our 192-proof GNS can produce over 55,000 RTD cans with alcohol costs as low as $0.03 per 12oz can at 5% ABV*
Grain neutral spirits unlock a clear path for brewers to diversify, innovate, and grow. By eliminating the need for in-house distillation, GNS reduces complexity while enabling fast entry into the expanding RTD space. Combined with access to co-packing networks and a clean, consistent base for product development, brewers can efficiently launch new offerings, test the market, and scale at their own pace.
“The Ready-to-Drink (RTD) alcohol category continues to be one of the fastest-growing segments in beverage alcohol. Industry data show that RTDs have grown rapidly from a niche into a significant portion of global alcohol sales.” (OhBev, 2026) As RTDs continue to capture market share and reshape consumer preferences, brewers who act now are well-positioned to stay competitive, expand their portfolios, and drive new revenue streams.
Ready to get into RTDs? Request a quote or samples, or reach out today to see how our grain neutral spirits can help you launch or grow your brand!
Sources:
https://distilledspirits.org/news/distilled-spirits-council-annual-economic-briefing-2025/
