The 2025 San Francisco Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Competition brought together top contenders from across the category, highlighting the exceptional innovation and craftsmanship happening in vodka-based RTDs. From crisp spritzes to indulgent twists on classic cocktails, this year’s finalists demonstrate the range and appeal of vodka as a foundation for convenient, high-quality cocktails. These standout products were selected for their flavor balance, aroma, finish, and overall drinkability.

Paddock Spirits Co., known for its focus on elevated, fruit-forward canned cocktails, combines premium ingredients with an eye for sessionable flavor experiences. The Strawberry & Red Apple expression captures the brand’s ethos of refreshing simplicity. Built on a clean vodka base and naturally flavored with ripe strawberry and tart red apple, it’s a vibrant and crowd-pleasing RTD designed for warm afternoons and casual sipping.

Crafthouse Cocktails, co-founded by world-renowned bartender Charles Joly, continues to push the RTD space forward with bartender-quality recipes in every bottle. The Moonlighter Vodka Spritz is a refined and floral interpretation of a vodka spritz.

Trade Eights is a craft cocktail brand specializing in RTDs made with premium spirits and thoughtfully layered flavors. Their combinations lean slightly culinary, with a nod to seasonal ingredients. Grapefruit Honey + Vodka is a zesty, aromatic cocktail that balances tart pink grapefruit with smooth vodka and a kiss of wildflower honey and cinnamon.

Another standout from Crafthouse Cocktails, the Moscow Mule offers a faithful and bold interpretation of the classic vodka-and-ginger combination. Crafted with real ginger beer and fresh lime, this cocktail is a ready-made crowd favorite, delivering familiar flavors in an ultra-refreshing profile

Cutwater Spirits is one of the most recognized names in the RTD game, known for its boundary-pushing flavors and seasonal innovations. The Peppermint White Russian reimagines the classic dessert cocktail with festive flair

Cutwater's Long Island Iced Tea delivers the spirit-forward punch of the original, blending multiple spirits in a balanced, approachable way.

The vodka-based RTD category continues to evolve, embracing everything from floral finesse to nostalgic indulgence. These finalists from the 2025 San Francisco RTD Competition demonstrate that pre-mixed doesn’t mean compromised - these are thoughtfully crafted cocktails, ready to sip.