Actor and singer Hailee Steinfeld is the latest celebrity seeking to make a splash in the ready-to-drink cocktail space, announcing today the launch of Angel Margarita in partnership with Jordi Zindel and Rodrigo Hernandez of Premium Beers Group.
Offered in four flavors – Lime, Grapefruit Paloma, Ranch Water and Wild Berry – the 100% Agave Tequila Blanco-based cocktail (6% ABV) is sourced and manufactured in Jalisco, Mexico, and features a blend of sparkling water, agave syrup and natural flavors. The drinks come in 12 oz. cans, and will be available in 4-packs for $14.99 and 8-packs for $28.99.
The canned cocktails are slated to roll out on the Angel Margarita website and in select retailers across Southern California beginning March 3.
Why the name Angel? According to a press release, the moniker pays homage to The Angel of Independence in Mexico City and its cultural significance.
“[It’s] in line with our values of authenticity, quality and celebration. The word ‘angel’ is the same in English and Spanish, bridging the two cultures and countries,” reads the release.
The spirit-based RTD market has seen an influx of celebrity entrants over the past few years, including Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre’s Gin & Juice, Blake Lively’s Betty Booze and Kylie Jenner’s Sprinter vodka soda, all three of which launched in 2024. There’s also Jennifer Lopez’s Delola, which debuted in 2023.
The U.S. spirits industry has continued to get a boost from spirit-based canned cocktails, which have grown across all states since 2019, according to market researcher IWSR. California, South Dakota and Connecticut have seen the strongest volume growth. What’s more, spirits-based RTDs are forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 6% between 2023 and 2028.
“Bright spots exist across all types of spirit bases. RTDs with vodka and tequila bases will continue to dominate due to the growing availability of more sessionable vodka/tequila soda offerings,” wrote IWSR in a November report.
During its annual economic briefing on Tuesday, The Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS) said that despite an overall decline in the U.S. spirits market, RTD is continuing to power the category. Though vodka maintained its lead in revenue and volume, RTDs and tequila/mezcal are nipping at the top spirits’ heels.
Vodka held the top spot for revenue in 2024, flat at $7.2 billion, followed closely by tequila/mezcal, which rose 2.9% to $6.7 billion. In fifth place was premixed cocktails (including spirit-based RTDs), which climbed 16.5% to $3.3 billion.