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18 September 2026Latest Articles
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The Cellar
By Inés Alcubierre, the Cellar deskInternational3 min read
Hennessy’s First RTD Cocktail Line Brings Cognac Into a Growing Category

Hennessy’s First RTD Cocktail Line Brings Cognac Into a Growing Category

The ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail category has long been the territory of vodka, tequila, and gin.

All three expressions are built on Hennessy V.S, the house’s flagship cognac. Founded in 1765, Hennessy is introducing the ready-to-serve lineup as an extension of one of its core expressions used in cocktails. Recognized for its fruit, vanilla, and warm spice notes, Hennessy V.S serves as the base spirit for each cocktail, from the citrus-driven Henny Rita to the berry-and-mint profile of Henny Berry, and the tea-forward Henny Iced Tea. Packaged in 375-milliliter glass bottles, these very special cocktails are designed to offer a ready-to-serve format that only requires it to be chilled and poured over ice.

The 18% ABV Henny Rita puts a cognac twist on America’s number one cocktail, with bright citrus blended into the round, toasted vanilla notes of Hennessy V.S for a vibrant take on a classic. With 20% ABV, Henny Berry riffs on Hennessy’s signature Berry Mojito, with juicy ripe berries, mint, and lime, all held in balance by Hennessy V.S’s bright fruit and subtle spice. Henny Iced Tea, which comes in at 18% ABV, pairs crisp iced tea flavor with V.S’s notable vanilla and spice notes for a smooth, balanced refresher with a laid-back finish.

The lineup of flavors positions Hennessy to meet the growing demand for RTDs. Hard tea cocktails grew 107 percent from 2025 to 2026, according to Nielsen, compared with 21 percent growth for the broader spirits RTD category. The Margarita also remains the best-selling cocktail in the U.S., while the brand’s signature Berry Mojito steadily gains traction with consumers—more than 30,000 Berry Mojito cocktails were served across eight music festivals over the last year. By highlighting berry, tea, and citrus profiles, Hennessy is forecast to reach 87 percent of premium-plus spirits drinkers ages 21 to 38, according to Nielsen Bases-Quick Predict 2025.

Launching ahead of summer, Hennessy’s ready-to-drink cocktail lineup brings several high-performing flavor profiles into an approachable format during peak demand. The collection as a whole extends premium cognac into a new consumer occasion: the casual, ready-to-drink moment—with Hennessy V.S’s flavor and reputation behind it.

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Key facts
  • Who: Hennessy · Henny Berry · Henny Iced Tea · Berry Mojito · Henny Rita
  • Percentages: 18% · 20% · 107 percent · 21 percent
  • Figures: 18% · 20% · 107 percent · 21 percent
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