It’s been four years since ALBA was first crafted in West Auckland, and in that time it has helped pioneer the tequila RTD category in New Zealand — introducing real tequila to the ready-to-drink world for the first time. What began as a single margarita has since grown into a family of ready-to-drink options, spanning both alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties inspired by the vibrant flavours of Mexico. The brand’s first release, the Original Margarita, quickly became a cult favourite, and from there ALBA grew in step with its drinkers — new flavours arriving as ideas sparked and the community around the brand expanded, with some, like the Chilli Margarita, going from idea to on shelf in just two weeks.

Along the way, ALBA stayed true to a simple belief: that great RTDs should look beautiful and taste even better. With design-led packaging and drinks crafted much like a bartender would make a cocktail — using real tequila and real ingredients — it proved there was room for something sharper in the market. And Kiwis responded. Today, ALBA commands 72 per cent of New Zealand’s tequila RTD category, and as tequila becomes the fastest-growing spirit within RTDs, the brand continues to surge ahead, growing 59 per cent year on year. That growth hasn’t come from chasing trends, but from setting them.

From the beginning, ALBA focused on authenticity — using real ingredients rather than flavourings and balancing vibrant fruit with the unmistakable backbone of tequila. The result is a drink that feels elevated yet effortless, equally at home at a long lunch, a beach gathering, or a Friday evening that turns into something more spontaneous. The tequila itself is sourced from Magdalena in Jalisco, Mexico, where blue agave hearts are slow-baked in traditional stone ovens before being twice distilled into the final spirit — a process that reflects the brand’s commitment to doing things properly and respecting the craft behind every can of ALBA.