What's hitting the shelves? RTD cocktails, vodka iced tea and more
Classic Grape functional soda
‘Better-for-you’ soda brand Olipop has unveiled a seventh flavor, Classic Grape.
Founded by Ben Goodwin and David Lester in 2018, Olipop uses natural ingredients that are proven to support the gut’s microbiome, the ‘good bacteria'’ that aids in digestion, supports immune health, and promotes overall wellness.
Currently, Olipop accounts for almost the entire revenue stream of the functional pop category, the fastest-growing segment across the entire beverage industry. Functional pop grew 360% in 2020 while traditional soda grew just 9%. In 2020 alone, Olipop increased YOY sales by 600% and added around 3,500 new points of sale to its retail footprint. Today, product is sold at upwards of 5,000 grocers and convenience stores nationwide including Whole Foods, Safeway, and Wegmans.
“Unlike the traditional, sugar-filled grape sodas of yesterday, OLIPOP’s Classic Grape is made with Concord Grape concentrate and a hint of lime, making for the perfect sip for summer and beyond,” says the brand. “Each can of Classic Grape contains just four grams of natural sugar, 45 calories and boasts nine grams of plant-based fiber.”
The new flavor initially launched online and is rolling out nationwide across the US in Sprouts and 1,600 Kroger locations.
Vizzy Watermelon
Molson Coors’ Vizzy has launched a new Watermelon Hard Seltzer in the US.
Coming in a 12 pack, Vizzy Watermelon uses watermelon juice and acerola superfruit to provide antioxidant vitamin C.
The four flavors are blueberry watermelon, kiwi watermelon, passionfruit watermelon and mango watermelon.
Each 5% ABV drink contains 100 calories and 1g of sugar.
Ocean gin
With a ‘flavor journey reminiscent of ocean travel’, Greenwich Gin has launched in the UK.
It is the first drink from Greenwich Spirits Company and is a celebration of the London borough’s maritime legacy and the great explorers who sailed the seven seas.
“The premium craft gin pairs British marine and coastal botanicals with a host of enchanting and intriguing flavors from all four corners of the world,” says the brand.
“Using natural, foraged and sustainable ingredients from small, local, family-run suppliers, Greenwich Gin is distilled in a single shot and handcrafted in small batches. It is underpinned by a classic London dry base without any flavoring or sweeteners.”
Marine and coastal botanicals include Atlantic Dulse, Kombu Kelp and Sea Fennel, from the Celtic Sea and around the British Isles. Flavours from around the world include Lulo from Colombia, Sakura from Japan, Tonka from the Amazon, Pink Pepper from Brazil, and Balsam Fir from Canada.
Greenwich Gin also contains classical botanicals including Juniper from Italy, Coriander from Morocco, Angelica from Poland, Bitter Orange from Spain, and Lime from Mexico.
G&T
Aria Gin has launched a canned cocktail, Aria Gin & Tonic: its first major new product launch since 2012.
The cocktail is ‘crafted to be the ideal drink for any and all outdoor adventures’, says the US brand.
“Whether enjoyed on the beach or around a campfire; on a boat or on the front porch with friends; or even crushed after a long day on the mountain, Aria Gin and Tonic is the most convenient little can ready to be the perfect companion for the next adventure.
“Made with all-natural ingredients, the distillers at Aria balanced nine classic flavors to create their own traditional tonic with a bold modern take that pairs beautifully with Aria’s award-winning, British inspired gin. Each familiar and exotic citrus note and flavor was meticulously selected and combined to create the perfect complement to Aria Gin.
"Ounce for ounce, Aria’s custom tonic uses only pure cane sugar, sparingly, and contains less sugar than any other major tonic water brand on the market. The end result is exactly what a great Gin & Tonic should be; natural, crisp and refreshing.”
Tequila RTD cocktails
Premium brand Tequila Cazadores has launched a line of ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktails in the US.
“Made with expertly distilled 100% Agave Tequila Cazadores Blanco and Agave syrup, the new drinks feature real ingredients and flavor and are available in three traditional Mexican cocktails including Margarita, Spicy Margarita and Paloma,” says the brand.
The four-pack of 12 ounce cans has been rolling out nationwide this month.
Vodka iced tea
Boardroom Spirits has launched new peach and raspberry flavors for its 5.5% ABV portable, summer-inspired vodka iced teas.
The new flavors join the original lemon variety.
“Tasty and refreshing, these canned cocktails provide an easy on-the-go option for outdoor adventures, poolside parties or BBQs and any activity where portability is preferred,” says the brand.
The Landsdale, PA-based craft distiller uses 100% all natural ingredients like black tea and produce its canned cocktails with no artificial colors, flavors, sugars or preservatives.
Elderflower Lager
UK alcohol-free brewing pioneer Nirvana Brewery has teamed up with speciality alcohol-free retailer Wise Bartender to launch a limited-edition lager for the summer season: Elderflower Lager.
“In what we believe to be a first in the realm of non-alcoholic beers, we have brewed a classic lager lifted with the addition of seasonal elderflower essence, coming in at 0.5% ABV,” says the duo.
“Dreamt up and brewed in Nirvana’s own East London premises, the UK’s only brewery dedicated to alcohol-free beer, the beer was fermented low and slow just like a good lager should be. A generous addition of seasonal elderflower essence brings just the right balance of sweet and floral flavors to the beer, with the lager base lending sweet biscuit malts and a balanced flavor.
“Vienna malts bring characteristic lager aromas on the pour, giving a straw-coloured body. The brew was dry hopped with a light touch of Cascade to bolster its floral and fruity characters before the final addition of the elderflower essence, resulting in a bev which is deliciously thirst-quenching and undeniably moreish.”
Organic hard kombucha
Bambucha Kombucha has launched a new organic hard kombucha line: with Tropical Guava, Blueberry Vanilla and Hawaiian Hibiscus flavors.
“Brewed in San Diego, Bambucha’s chef-crafted organic hard kombucha is refreshing, flavor forward, and easy drinking, featuring 100% raw, clean, and whole ingredients which are gut-friendly in more ways than one – not only is Bambucha’s kombucha probiotic, vegan, and gluten-free, each can is 6% ABV with only 140 calories and 6 grams of sugar,” says the brand.
The new line joins Bambucha’s roster of five aromatic non-alcoholic flavors: which were launched in 2017 with Thai Ginger, Guava Punch, Hibiscus Rose, Mango Masala and Blueberry Tart.
Tequila Sun Crush
RTD cocktail brand Monaco Cocktails has launched a new Tequila Sun Crush variety for the US summer.
“The ultimate summertime canned cocktail, Tequila Sun Crush combines agave tequila with delicious orange soda for a bright and bubbly mashup of flavors,” says Chicago-based Atomic Brands. “With two shots in every 12oz can, the new, on-trend flavor profile features 9% ABV and no gluten or malt for a mouthwatering taste.”
Tequila Sun Crush is currently available at convenience stores nationwide for $2.50-2.99 per can. It joins Monaco Cocktails’ existing line-up of : Citrus Rush, Tequila Lime Crush, Blue Crush, Cranberry, Mango Peach, Black Raspberry, Tropic Rush and Purple Crush.
