Drink types
Ready-to-drink mixes, counted from the can
An RTD is a pre-mixed drink, not a standard serve. Two cans with the same flavour can hold very different grams of alcohol.
- Read the statement
- Can
- Typical ABV
- Varies
- One standard drink
- 10 g
- Legal purchase age
- 18+
RTDs (ready-to-drink products) are pre-mixed alcoholic drinks, often a spirit with a soft drink, sold in cans or bottles. They are not one standard drink by default. The count is the standard-drink statement on the can — commonly anywhere from well under one to well over two, depending on volume and ABV.
Definition
Ready-to-drink (RTD). A pre-mixed alcoholic product sold ready to consume. It is a package, not a measurement. Standard drinks are still 10 grams of pure alcohol.
What people assume versus the can
| Compare | Common assumption | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| “It’s only a mixer.” | Treat the can as weaker than a nip. | A tall can can hold more than one 30 mL nip of 40% spirit. |
| Same flavour, same count | Brand flavour equals one drink. | Volume and ABV change between products. Compare the printed numbers. |
| Sharing a four-pack | Split the pack, split the risk evenly in your head. | Count each can. The guideline is still 10 a week and 4 on any day. |
Questions
Questions people actually ask
Ready-to-drink products — pre-mixed alcoholic drinks, often a spirit and a mixer in a can or bottle. They are a package type, not a standard serve. Read the standard-drink statement.
The can is the calculator
If you need the formula, use the standard-drinks page. If you need the official adult numbers, use the guidelines. If you need help, use resources.