# Mezcal-Based Margarita Refreshments The Zacalita is Made with Zacal Manso Sahuayo By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2026-07-03 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zacalita References: [thespiritsbusiness](https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/07/zacal-mezcal-launches-zacalita-rtd-cocktail/) & [zacalmezcal](https://zacalmezcal.com)  The Zacalita has been launched by Zacal in the UK as its first [ready-to-drink (RTD) product](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brewts) that offers an elevated twist on the [classic margarita](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/agave-boom-margaritas). The drink starts off with the brand's triple-distilled Zacal Manso Sahuayo mezcal and is formulated with a blend of lime, High Fidelity Triple Sec and a black cardamom distillate. The result is a distinctly unexpected take on the humble cocktail recipe that comes in with a modest 7% ABV, is packaged in 200ml cans priced at £7 each and will make its formal market debut on July 6, 2026. The Zacalita was developed through a collaboration between Zacal with Chris Tanner of the [Dram](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dram) bar in London and Rory Shepherd of De Vie bar in Paris. The product taps into the premium RTD market to help reframe quality amongst drinkers seeking refined options to enjoy this summer. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 35% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 84% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Premium RTD Cocktails:** Upscale canned cocktails are reframing convenience as a quality-driven drinking occasion with craft spirits, refined recipes and bar-level pricing. - **Mezcal Margarita Twists:** Agave-based reinterpretations of classic cocktails create room for smoky flavor profiles and regional spirits to stand out in familiar formats. - **Bartender-collaborated Beverages:** Partnerships with respected bar professionals add credibility and experimentation to packaged drinks seeking distinction beyond standard ready-to-drink formulas. ### Where This Applies - **Alcoholic Beverages:** The growing appetite for premium portable formats is reshaping how spirits brands extend into accessible yet elevated consumption moments. - **Hospitality:** Bar-led product development bridges on-premise mixology and retail availability, giving hospitality talent a stronger role in consumer packaged innovation. - **Specialty Retail:** High-end canned cocktails with distinctive ingredients support curated retail assortments aimed at shoppers seeking craft, novelty and convenience in one purchase. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ready-to-Pour Canned Tequila Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cuervo-canned-cocktails.md) - [Mexican-Made RTD Debuts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-mix.md) - [Margarita-Like Lagers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lagerita.md) - [RTD Tequila-Mezcal Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oaxaca-old-fashioned.md) - [Ready-to-Pour Margarita Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/el-jimador-sparkling-margarita.md) - [Non-Alcoholic Tequila Extract Margaritas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ednas-margarita.md) - [Canned Mezcal Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mezo.md) - [Spiced Mezcal Margarita Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-mezcal-margarita.md) - [Ready-to-Drink Tamarind Margaritas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tamarind-margarita.md)