Once dominated by artificially flavored, sticky-sweet hard seltzers and margaritas, the ready-to-drink (RTD) category has quickly evolved into a selection of sophisticated whiskey cocktails designed by talented bartenders. Most of these beverages actually include real whiskey, which means you have to go to the liquor store in some states to find them, as opposed to your local grocery store. Rest assured, these RTD cocktails are worth tracking down—and dare we say are surprisingly close to the real thing. No wet bar required.
Cardinal Spirits Bourbon Cream Soda ABV: 8.5%
I was skeptical of this concoction. Just thinking about memories of cream soda from childhood makes my teeth hurt. But the folks at Cardinal Spirits cut the sugar level down to a grown-up’s palate and let the whiskey shine through. It’s a thoughtful, intentional, and delicious drink. $15, 4-pack; cardinalspirits.com
On The Rocks Manhattan ABV: 32.5%
This Manhattan is made with Basil Hayden Dark Rye and sweet vermouth, and is meant to be poured over ice. Is this going to put bartenders out of business? I’m happy to report that my livelihood is safe—for now—but it’s pretty damn close to the real thing. I suggest you keep the bottle in the freezer and pour it straight into a chilled martini glass. otrcocktails.com
Related: William H. Macy Argues There’s a Right Way to Drink Whiskey: ‘Some People Run Afoul’
Social Hour Cocktails Whiskey Mule ABV: 10.5%
Turns out making delicious RTD cocktails is easy when you’ve got world-class bartenders on your team. Social Hour’s founders, Tom Macy and Julie Reiner, can the refreshing joy of a whiskey mule. The classic two-ingredient drink combines high-quality
bourbon with fresh, zingy ginger beer. $20, 4-pack; socialhourcocktails.com
Slow & Low Cherry Old-Fashioned ABV: 40%
Holier-than-thou old-fashioned adherents are the 2025 version of the ’90s martini snob. That’s a shame. Old-fashioneds should be fun. That’s why I love this mix of rye, Luxardo Sangue Morlacco Cherry Liqueur, Demerara sugar, aromatic bitters, and orange peel. Nab the 750ml bottle or a 4-pack of cans ($20). $30; drinkslowandlow.com
Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola Jack & Coke ABV: 7%
Fresh out of college, I was a Jack & Coke guy, so I was happy to try this classic duo. This isn’t the first canned Jack & Coke, but it’s the first to include real Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola. There are Cherry and Vanilla variations, but the OG is what I reach for when pining for a taste of joyous nostalgia. $13, 4-pack; jackdaniels.com
Tip Top Cocktails Whiskey Sour ABV: 25%
Most cocktails are 25 to 30% ABV. That’s worrisome (read: inebriating) in a standard 12 oz. Instead, Tip Top uses short, stout 100ml cans. I took the brand’s whiskey sour on a backpacking trip. It was luxurious to sip on a proper cocktail with tart lemon and rich bourbon notes after a full day’s hike. $24, 4-pack; tiptopcocktails.com
This interview appeared in Men’s Journal’s fall Whiskey Special issue.
