New Delhi, Oct. 5 -- Forget hard seltzers. The next big ready-to-drink alcohol trend is mixes with a strong kick, as Indian consumers seem to prefer beverages closer to the spirits they already drink, even as global alcohol companies move towards lighter, lower-alcohol-by-volume (ABV) options.

New brands are betting on everything from wine-based spirits and Korean-style soju to pre-mixed cocktails with up to 15% alcohol-almost twice the strength of a strong beer-to offer consumers a buzz at a pocket-friendly price.

India sold about 5.3 million nine-litre cases of RTDs in 2025, compared with 410 million cases of beer, according to industry estimates. Though still niche, RTD consumption crossed $200 million in value, growing 11% during th...