The Coca‑Cola Company and Bacardi have announced an agreement to debut BACARDÍ rum and Coca‑Cola as an RTD.

BACARDÍ Mixed with Coca‑Cola RTD will be available in several markets around the world, with the initial launch planned for select European markets and Mexico in 2025.

“We are continuing to develop our portfolio as a total beverage company, including in the growing alcohol ready-to-drink market,” said James Quincey, Chairman and CEO of The Coca‑Cola Company. “This new relationship with Bacardi Limited supports our strategic expansion, and we look forward to the introduction of BACARDÍ Mixed with Coca‑Cola next year.”

“We are excited to bring together two iconic brands so that consumers may enjoy one of the most world’s most popular cocktails – first invented generations ago with BACARDÍ rum and Coca‑Cola – in a high-quality, convenient format,” said Mahesh Madhavan, CEO of Bacardi Limited.

“Through this relationship, we will expand our reach and accessibility so that even more consumers of legal drinking age can enjoy this classic BACARDÍ rum and Coca‑Cola cocktail.” 

The Bacardi and Coca-Cola RTD packaging will feature two of the world’s most recognisable global trademarks. Family-owned Bacardi was first established in 1862 in Cuba before moving to Bermuda, while Coca‑Cola debuted in 1886 in Atlanta. 

This is not the first time the two brands have come together. In 1900, the Cuba Libre cocktail was invented using BACARDÍ rum, Coca‑Cola and lime at the American Bar in Havana.

The global benchmark for alcohol beverage volume (ABV) is 5% but will vary for the product depending on the market. 

As for when the Bacardi and Coca-Cola RTD will arrive in Australia, that could be a long way off. Brown-Forman and Coca-Cola announced a Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola RTD in June 2022 that still hasn’t made it to our shores.