RTD Rating Awards Criteria
When brands submit their ready-to-drink cocktails to RTD Magazine for testing and rating, our panel takes the utmost care to sample each and every RTD together at the same time, in the same location, and served in the same conditions to ensure the most accurate and unbiased assessments.
Many qualities are considered by our panel during the testing process and before arriving at a final rating for each RTD cocktail. Some of these attributes include authenticity and accuracy of flavor, appeal of aroma, balance of taste, appearance of liquid, and sessionability, among others.
Once our testing panel has sampled the product, discussed their findings, and arrive at a consensus upon reviewing and averaging their individual scores, one of four ratings is awarded: Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze.