Canned Cocktails At Your Local Store? Texas Senate Bill 2225 Could Make It Happen

Texas lawmakers are pushing for a significant change in how alcohol is sold at grocery and convenience stores. Senate Bill 2225, introduced in March 2025, aims to lift existing restrictions on ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails made with spirits. Currently, these beverages cannot be sold in areas where beer and wine-based drinks are available, limiting their accessibility to consumers. The bill moved forward in a committee vote on April 17 and is now headed to the Senate for further consideration.

If passed, SB 2225, introduced by State Sen. Kelly Hancock (R-Fort Worth), will allow canned spirit-based cocktails with alcohol content up to 17 percent ABV to be sold alongside beer and wine in grocery stores starting September 1. This change would make Texas one of the few states to expand access to these types of beverages, according to CHRON. Liquor sales at grocery stores have been restricted for years in Texas, making it unique in prohibiting publicly traded companies from obtaining liquor licenses.

The proposal has garnered strong public support, with around 86 percent of surveyed customers backing the bill. The Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. also supports the legislation, predicting it could generate up to $160 million in new state tax revenue over the next few years. The increasing popularity of RTD cocktails, such as High Noon and BuzzBallz, has fueled the push for this change, with major liquor brands already entering the market to capitalize on the growing demand.