Introduction

When choosing a drink, flavor is often the first deciding factor. But what about alcohol content? Have you ever considered the alcohol content of the drinks you consume? This often-overlooked information is essential for understanding how the drink will impact your body, your night, and even the next day.

In this guide, we will explore in depth what alcohol content is, what types of drinks there are according to this criterion (low, mid and high alcohol), what the RTD and RTS categories mean, and how to choose a natural, balanced and more conscious drink .

We will also talk about Quetzalli , a Brazilian brand of drinks with natural ingredients and tropical fruits that is innovating in the ready-to-serve beverage market, with recipes that combine flavor, responsibility and fruits from the national biodiversity.

What is the alcohol content of drinks?

Alcohol by Volume (ABV) is the percentage of pure alcohol present in the total volume of a drink. For example, a drink with 12% ABV has 12 ml of alcohol per 100 ml of liquid.

Understanding ABV is important because it defines:

• The intensity of the drink's effect

• The time it takes to “beat”

• The sensation on the palate (light, full-bodied, strong)

• The impact on the liver and the chance of a hangover

The higher the alcohol content, the more potent the drink.

The three categories: low alcohol drinks, mid alcohol drinks and high alcohol drinks

The beverage industry and experts usually divide alcoholic beverages into three main groups:

🟢 Low Alcohol Drinks

• Alcohol content: up to 6%

• Examples: light beers, alcoholic kombuchas, hard seltzers

• Profile: Refreshing, easy to drink, low impact

• Perfect for: hot days, brunch, long events

Low-alcohol drinks have been gaining traction among younger, more conscious consumers, who value lighter experiences and fewer hangovers. According to the IWSR report (2023), consumption of low-alcohol drinks has grown by more than 7% globally in the last two years.

🟠 Mid-Alcohol Drinks

• Alcohol content: between 7% and 17%

• Examples: wines, sparkling wines, RTS drinks (like those from Quetzalli)

• Profile: balanced, tasty, with moderate alcohol presence

• Perfect for: dinners, dates, cocktails, quiet nights in

Mid-alcohol drinks are the most versatile. They allow you to fully experience the flavor of the ingredients without losing the alcoholic strength. They strike a balance between pleasure and moderation.

🔴 High Alcohol Drink

• Alcohol content: above 18%

• Examples: pure spirits (vodka, gin, cachaça), classic cocktails (Negroni, Dry Martini)

• Profile: intense, dry or sweet, high alcohol content

• Perfect for: shots, sensory experiences, sophisticated drinks

A high-alcohol drink requires moderation. Generally, they're consumed in smaller doses and with accompaniments, such as water, ice, or mixers.

What is RTD and why has this format exploded?

The acronym RTD stands for Ready-to-Drink . These are industrialized alcoholic beverages that are ready to drink, without the need for preparation or mixing.

RTD Examples:

• Smirnoff Ice

• Beats

• Hard seltzers

• Cans of vodka and energy drinks

These drinks have gained popularity for their convenience and standardized flavor. However, not everything is perfect: these ready-made drinks often contain preservatives, artificial colors, and an "industrial" flavor.

What is RTS: The Evolution of RTD

The RTS ( Ready-to-Serve ) category is the more sophisticated version of RTDs. These are bottled beverages with a higher alcohol content (between 12% and 20%) and are more similar to drinks prepared by a bartender.

The big difference is that RTS allows multiple doses and delivers an experience closer to a craft drink , but with the convenience of being ready to serve.

Examples:

• Quetzalli RTS

• Jack Daniel's Cocktail

• Fruit-infused wine drinks

RTSs are ideal for those who value flavor, presentation, and the ritual of drinking with pleasure — without sacrificing convenience.

Quetzalli RTS: an example of a ready-to-serve drink with naturalness and purpose

Quetzalli is a Brazilian brand of artisanal drinks that focuses on the concept of natural RTS , with recipes based on fruits from the national biodiversity and selected distillates.

What sets Quetzalli apart:

• Use of natural Brazilian fruits , such as cambuci, cashew and passion fruit

• Alcoholic base with tequila, cachaça, gin or vodka

• No artificial colors

• Real flavor, balance between alcohol and fruit

• 500ml bottles with alcohol content between 15% and 17%

Among the brand's highlights is Quetzalli Tequila Maracujá , a refreshing and tropical drink with 17% alcohol, made with natural passion fruit and silver tequila.

This combination makes Quetzalli a real alternative for those who want to drink better, more consciously, and with fewer additives. A truly natural drink , ready to serve.

Why pay attention to the alcohol content of a drink?

Knowing the alcohol content of a drink is essential for conscious drinking . Besides avoiding excess, it allows you to adjust your consumption according to the occasion and your tolerance.

Practical example:

• A glass of wine (150ml) with 12% ABV has about 18g of alcohol.

• A shot of distilled spirit (50ml) with 40% ABV has 20g of alcohol.

• A glass of Quetzalli RTS (100ml) with 15% ABV has 15g of alcohol.

This comparison shows how stronger drinks require more care — especially when they come in seemingly harmless packaging.

Craft drinks and the appreciation of natural ingredients

The growth of the craft drinks market follows a broader trend towards conscious consumption: less industrialized, more natural, more transparent.

When choosing a craft drink :

• You know what you are consuming

• Values local producers

• Avoid unnecessary preservatives and dyes

• Have a richer sensory experience

Brands like Quetzalli have stood out in this scenario by combining innovation, authentic ingredients, and sustainable practices.

Conscious drinking: what does it mean?

It's not just about drinking less. Mindful drinking involves:

• Know what's in your glass

• Know the alcohol content and ingredients

• Choose what suits your moment

• Value quality over quantity

• Reduce the impact on the body and the environment

Choosing a natural drink , with a moderate alcohol content and real ingredients, is an important step towards enjoying yourself without guilt — and with more pleasure.

Checklist for choosing your next drink:

✅ Want to drink for longer and with ease?
→ Choose low-alcohol drinks

✅ Want a balance between flavor, alcohol and freshness?
→ Bet on mid alcohol drinks

✅ Want a powerful and intense drink?
→ Opt for a high alcohol drink (in moderation!)

✅ Do you want practicality without losing quality?
→ Try RTS , like Quetzalli RTS

Conclusion

The alcohol content of drinks is a key factor in understanding how you drink and its impact on your well-being. Knowing what RTD is, what RTS is, and the difference between low-alcohol, mid-alcohol , and high-alcohol drinks helps you make smarter, more enjoyable choices.

The good news is that today there are brands like Quetzalli drinks , which offer products with a balanced alcohol content , real fruit and a commitment to the environment — all without sacrificing flavor.

If you want a ready-to-serve drink unlike anything you've ever tried, maybe it's time to open a bottle of Quetzalli Tequila Maracujá and toast to your conscience.