RTD Rating Awards & Criteria
When brands submit their ready-to-drink cocktails to RTD Magazine for our on-demand testing and rating, our panel of judges takes the utmost care and effort 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 during the evaluation process.
Many qualities are considered by our judges during the testing process and before arriving at a final rating for each ready-to-drink 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 judges have sampled the product, discussed their findings, and arrive at a final result upon reviewing and averaging their individual scores, one of six ratings is then awarded: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Double Gold, Platinum, or RTD Royalty.
BRONZE
Our bronze medal is awarded to ready-to-drink cocktails receiving a mixture of mid-to-high level scores across all categories, falling just short in some areas but still performing well in others. While bronze is our introductory level award, by no means is it indicative of an inferior product. RTD cocktails that receive a bronze medal are still above average in quality and found to deliver an enjoyable drinking experience, particularly for consumers who may prefer specific flavor profiles.
SILVER
Our silver medal is awarded to ready-to-drink cocktails receiving strong scores from all judges with relatively minor misses in some areas. These are high quality RTD beverages that you would consider a go-to option for almost any occasion be it at home, while travelling, or in any bar and restaurant setting. You can expect a delightful drinking experience with accurate, smooth, and satisfying flavors from silver medal winning RTDs.
GOLD
Our gold medal is awarded to high-scoring ready-to-drink cocktails which consistently present extremely desirable attributes in all scoring categories. These products are premium quality ready-to-drink beverages that should be a staple in your personal drink inventory and which you'd also be proud to serve and enjoy with friends and guests alike. These RTD cocktails provide an elevated drinking experience that will be appreciated by most everyone.
DOUBLE GOLD
New for 2026! Our double gold medal is awarded to high-scoring ready-to-drink cocktails that exhibit the same qualities as described in our gold medal standards, but with one special distinction: double gold winners received unanimous gold medal scores from all judges on our panel.
PLATINUM
Our platinum medal is awarded to ready-to-drink cocktails which receive exceptional scores across the board and exhibit everything you would want to find in a ready-to-drink cocktail. These beverages are considered an ultra premium product with extraordinary flavors, enticing aromas, and a remarkably inviting profile. The consumer can expect to cheerfully enjoy a superior drinking experience having just one or many over an extended period of time.
RTD ROYALTY
New for 2026! Our Ready-To-Drink Royalty medal is awarded to exceptional scoring ready-to-drink cocktails that exhibit the same qualities as described in our platinum medal standards, but with one extraordinary distinction: RTD Royalty winners received unanimous platinum medal scores from all judges on our panel. A rare occurrence, to be sure. Since platinum is the highest score we recognize, this medal is awarded in addition to platinum status — like a crown to be worn on top. Heavy is the head that wears the RTD Royalty medal. All hail the kings and queens!
Has your brand already received an award from RTD Magazine? See our awards marketing strategy page for ideas on how to best maximize your brand's recognition.
Interested in submitting your brand's ready-to-drink cocktails for rating and review? Please contact us for more information.
