A new bill moving through the Texas Senate could soon let grocery and convenience stores sell canned cocktails. Senate Bill 2225 is working its way through the system, and if it becomes law, it will change how Texans can buy their favorite ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails.
What’s Happening?
In March 2025, Texas lawmakers introduced two bills — Senate Bill 2225 and House Bill 4077. These bills aim to change the rules so that spirit-based canned drinks, like vodka or rum cocktails, can be sold in places where beer and wine are already available. Right now, you can’t buy these spirit-based drinks at your local grocery store, even if they have a low alcohol level similar to beer and wine.
On April 17, 2025, Senate Bill 2225 passed an important committee vote. Now it moves forward to the full Senate for more debate. If the Senate approves it, the bill will then head to the House of Representatives. If everything goes smoothly, the new law could take effect as early as September 1, 2025.
The Zendeh Del & Associates, PLLC Team
Why This Matters
For a long time, Texas has had very strict laws about who can sell liquor. In fact, Texas is the only state where publicly traded companies can’t get a liquor license. In the past, similar ideas to allow canned cocktails in grocery stores have been proposed but didn’t succeed. Now, there’s new hope.
If the bill becomes law, you might soon see popular brands like High Noon, On The Rocks, and BuzzBallz on store shelves, right next to your favorite beer and wine. Even brands like White Claw, which now makes vodka drinks, could be included.
Texans Show Strong Support
Surveys show that about 86% of Texans support this change. Big groups, like the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, are also in favor. They believe the state could earn up to $160 million in new taxes over the next three to five years if these sales are allowed.
Awards & Media Appearances
The Growing Popularity of RTD Cocktails
Ready-to-drink cocktails have become very popular all over the country. Thanks to the rise of hard seltzers and ranch water drinks, many big-name liquor brands — like Absolut and Ketel One — have started selling their own canned cocktails.
This new bill could give Texans more choices and make shopping more convenient. It’s an exciting time for both customers and businesses across the state.