What's hitting the shelves? Tea, rum, gin and more
AfterGlow Hard Kombucha
AfterGlow Hard Kombucha by Aqua ViTea has introduced two new flavors: Cherry Sour (‘a refreshingly juicy and tart flavor’) and Apricot Dream (‘with fresh, crisp notes of hops’).
The two 5% ABV drinks are gluten-free, non-GMO, lower calorie, lower sugar and paleo and vegan-friendly.
They also contain natural probiotics, antioxidants, b-vitamins and detoxifying acids.
Vermont-based Aqua ViTea launched the USDA Certified Organic brand AfterGlow Hard Kombucha in 2019 and its line-up already has two other flavors: Ginger Blue and Citrus Rush.
Founder Jeff Weaber said: “AfterGlow Hard Kombucha is made from the naturally occurring alcohol that kombucha generates during fermentation, so it's a more natural option than spiked seltzers.
"We're excited to expand our flavor profile and offer more delicious beverage options for those who want to align their active lifestyles with their social activities.”
AfterGlow Hard Kombucha is available in select markets at $9.99 for a four-pack and $12.99 for a six-pack.
Van Hunks mead
Van Hunks is launching Brut Sparkling Mead and a Brut Rosé Sparkling Mead in the UK and Europe.
Made in South Africa at Van Hunks' meadery at the foot of Cape Town’s Table Mountain, the 12.5% ABV mead uses three ingredients (honey, yeast and water), Van Hunks is designed for those who want an alternative to sugary-sweet drinks.
Van Hunks uses a patented dry fermentation process to ferment the honey resulting in a completely dry base mead. No artificial flavourings or additional sugar are added.
The mead is best enjoyed as a pre-dinner aperitif and as an alternative to sparkling wine.
Tom Gamborg, Founder, Van Hunks and Skäl Drinks said: “We have focused on the beauty of our product and brand story to change how consumers view mead, and plan to do what Prosecco did to sparkling wine, with no sugar and our authentic craft credentials.”
Coastal gin
UK gin brand Bullards Spirits has launched Coastal Gin: a product inspired by the Norfolk coastline with local hard-foraged sea purslane, marsh samphire, sea aster and Douglas Fir.
Coastal Gin is described as ‘delicate and salty on the palate, with a bright citrus flavor’. A bottle has a RRP of £40 and is available from Bullards website and in select East Anglian on-trade and off-trade venues. Bullards also offers an Eco-Refill pouch at £35.
Baileys: Autumnal Apple Pie
Baileys has introduced a limited edition Apple Pie flavor in the US: ‘an indulgent take on the classic autumn treat’.
The liqueur is available across the US for a suggested retail price of $24.99 for a 750ml bottle.
It can be drunk neat, over ice, in coffee or chai tea or over ice cream.
"Apple pie is a timeless, nostalgic American treat meant to be shared among loved ones," said Stacey Cunningham, Director of Liqueurs at Diageo.
"With the launch of Baileys Apple Pie, we hope to provide consumers with a convenient way to experience this familiar comfort."
Tulsi Focus teas
Organic India is introducing four new Tulsi Focus teas next month.
The four functional flavors blend ayurvedic adaptogens with nootropic botanicals: containing the signature blend of rama, vana and krishna varieties of the flagship herb tulsi along with gota kola, bacopa, ashwagandha and shankpushpi.
The four flavors are clementine vanilla, hibiscus cinnamon (both caffeine free); pomegranate orange (containing green tea and 13mg of caffeine); and raspberry lemon (containing black tea and 30mg of caffeine).
Tulsi Focus has a MSRP of $5.29 for an 18-count box and will be available in Whole Foods, Sprouts, select natural grocery retailers and Amazon.
Captain Morgan: Sliced Apple Spiced Rum
Diageo’s Captain Morgan is launching Captain Morgan Sliced Apple Spiced Rum.
“With this twist on a classic, we took the flavor of our signature Original Spiced Rum, added a subtle hint of ginger and fused it all together with the deliciously juicy and crisp taste of fresh cut apples,” says the brand.
The rum can be drunk neat, on the rocks, as a chilled shot or in cocktails.
Captain Morgan Sliced Apple is available across the US and Canada. It is packaged in a 750ml bottle with an ABV of 35%, and the suggested retail price is $15.99.
Other drinks in the Captain Morgan portfolio include original spiced rum, pineapple rum, cannon blast and watermelon smash.
Tropicana Lean
Tropicana has unveiled a trio of ‘Lean’ juices in the UK: with 40% less sugar and calories than the average fruit juice, according to the company.
The three flavors – Citrus Fruit, Mixed Berries and Tropical Fruit – contain no added sugars, no added sweeteners, and have a RSP of £2.75 for a 900ml bottle.
Tropicana has also relaunched its Essentials range with a new name (Tropicana +) and new design to highlight its functional credentials. The range is moving into 50% rPET bottles.
CBD water
The Alkaline Water Company has launched a CBD flavored water in the US.
Sold under the A88CBD brand, the zero-calorie lemon-lime CBD-infused water contains 10mg of hemp extract in a 500ml bottle.
The CBD water is being launched alongside gummies, bath bombs and deep-relief cream under the A88CBD brand.
Ricky Wright, President and CEO of The Alkaline Water Company, said: “As a trusted lifestyle brand, our new products are all-natural and zero-calorie and include the same high-quality and lab-tested CBD.
"Guided by data-driven insights and carefully curated formulations, we believe these new items for our A88CBD line are some of the best in the industry.
“The all-natural element of our ingestible and topical line fits well with our target demographic of consumers seeking healthier alternatives.”
Red Bull Arctic Berry
Red Bull Winter Edition Arctic Berry is launching in the US, offering a ‘refreshing take on the classic Red Bull Energy Drink for the cold weather and frosty days ahead’.
The new launch, flavored with a hint of raspberry, is available in 8.4 fl oz and 12 fl oz frosty blue cans, designed to represent icy glaciers and winter snow.
A 8.4 fl oz (250ml) can of Red Bull Winter Edition Arctic Berry contains 80mg of caffeine; B-group vitamins; sugar and taurine.
Unlocked by Coffee mate
Unlocked by Coffee mate will launch in the US at the start of next year: a ‘first-of-its-kind line of coffee-flavored coffee creamers, designed to turn your kitchen into your favorite neighborhood coffee shop – no fancy machines or expensive equipment required’.
The new range will come in Classic Colombian and Italian Espresso varieties.
“Inspired by the unique characteristics of various coffee blends, Unlocked by Coffee mate cuts any bitterness of traditional black coffee, while adding a creamy richness and the taste of a gourmet roast to your mug,” says the brand.
Tequila and soda
Mamitas Tequila & Soda, a hard seltzer made with tequila, is debuting in the US with four flavors: Lime, Paloma, Pineapple and Mango.
Each 5% ABV drink is gluten-free with 96 calories per 12 oz can.
“As the tequila, hard seltzer and ready-to-drink categories continue to grow, Mamitas comes at the perfect time,” says the brand.
“Instead of just joining the movement, Mamitas decided it was time for consumers to put down their sugar-brewed seltzers and crack open real tequila. This is the first ready-to-drink tequila seltzer with four unique flavors.”
