Target's Casa Cantina Is About to Be Your Go-to Ready-to-Drink Cocktail

Bryce Jones
·3 min read

Target has officially joined the ready-to-drink cocktail trend. The much-loved retailer announced the release of a featured line of ready-to-drink adult beverages, called Casa Cantina, on June 14—just in time for serious summer hosts to pick them up and take their outdoor soirees to a new, lower-stress level. The line features three different flavors: classic margarita, strawberry margarita, and piña colada. All are vegan, gluten-free, and made without high fructose corn syrup.

Courtesy of Target

A ready-to-drink cocktail is a flavored, typically carbonated alcoholic beverage that's often promoted as an alternative to other spirits or mixed drinks. If you haven't already heard of ready-to-drink (or RTD) beverages, you likely will soon: This type of store-bought mixed drink is skyrocketing in popularity. You can find an assortment of options at many retailers (where alcohol is sold in grocery stores, of course). In addition to Casa Cantina, you can find frozen cocktails from SunPop, Ketel One vodka spritzes, and Topo Chico margarita seltzers just on Target's shelves; most grocery retailers will have a selection of RTD drinks these days.

In 2018, there were only 10 brands of ready-to-drink beverages to choose from. That number shot to 65 by 2020, and more companies are now getting on board by collaborating or creating their own ready-to-drink beverages. (Jack Daniels and Coca-Cola just announced their canned whiskey-and-Coke cocktail to come out by the end of 2022, for example.)

According to a report from SkyQuest, a market intelligence company, the RTD cocktail market will surpass $2.17 billion by 2028, growing about 15% (from $800 million) in six years. All of this reflects shoppers' increased desire for low-calorie, lower-alcohol content, and gluten-free drink options. Research also reveals an increased overall spending on alcohol in the U.S., which may contribute to the growing popularity of ready-to-drink beverages as consumers are more willing to experiment with adult beverages.

So, of course, brands like Target are taking advantage of the opportunity to make more options to experiment with. Casa Cantina stands out with each bottle containing 3 liters (enough to make about a dozen 8-ounce drinks) and an ABV of 13.9%. To make your cocktail, just pour the beverage into an ice-filled glass and garnish, if desired. The best part? Products ring up for less than $18, with most priced at less than $10.

While it is affordable, Casa Cantina emphasizes quality—the wine-based crafted cocktails are made with ingredients like real strawberry puree, pineapple, and coconut. Plus, the tropical flavors make for festive summertime drinks, perfect for your next barbecue or picnic (or any event where the stress of drink preparation might keep you from fully enjoying yourself). To accompany these delectable drinks, serve exotic tacos or fresh guacamole alongside the margs for the ultimate Mexican-inspired dinner party, or create a tropical feel by grilling fish and other seafood to go with your piña coladas.

Beginning June 14, Target shoppers can find Casa Cantina at more than 1,200 stores nationwide or purchase it using services like Order Pickup, Drive Up, and Same-Day Delivery with Shipt in the majority of stores with an adult beverage assortment.