What's hitting the shelves? Christmas special
Merry berry bublé
PepsiCo’s sparkling water brand bubly has launched a limited edition holiday flavor - merry berry bublé - as part of its partnership with singer Michael Bublé.
“Merry berry bublé, the bubly brand's first-ever holiday flavor, features the perfect melody of raspberries, blackberries and strawberries, creating a refreshing blend of festive fruit flavors,” says the brand.
“To make the limited-edition cans truly worthy of their namesake, merry berry bublé is playfully adorned with musical notes and an ode to Michael's signature necktie.
"And because no can of bubly would be complete without giving fans a reason to crack a smile, each can of merry berry bublé is decked out in its own tacky holiday sweater, bringing that iconic bubly grin into the holiday season.”
Cranberry vodka seltzer
NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer has launched a limited release cranberry variety pack of four flavors: classic cranberry, cranberry orange, cranberry grapefruit and cranberry apple.
“The holiday period is the biggest time for cranberry, with 20% of yearly consumption by US consumers happening during Thanksgiving week alone,” says Group Vice President of Beyond Beer, Monica Rustgi.
“With hard seltzer being one of the fastest-growing categories in alcohol, NÜTRL wanted to bring consumers the best of both worlds this holiday season with a first-of-its-kind all cranberry seltzer variety pack.”
The NÜTRL brand was launched in the US in September by Anheuser-Busch’s Beyond Beer Portfolio, coming in three 4.5% ABV flavors of raspberry, watermelon and pineapple. It is made from vodka, seltzer and fruit juice, is gluten-free and contains no added sugar, and comes in at 100 calories.
NÜTRL Cranberry Vodka Seltzer is currently available in 10 states: NY, MA, NJ, RI, DE, FL, OH, ID, WI, CO and in select markets in: DC, MD, IL, AZ, WA, GA. In addition to the cranberry pack, NÜTRL also offers a 6-count variety core pack with flavors Raspberry, Watermelon and Pineapple.
Starting in 2022, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer's core pack will be available nationwide.
Guinness Chocolate Mint Stout
The Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore continues its barrel-aging series with a new and limited edition stout for the holidays: Guinness Chocolate Mint Stout Aged in Kentucky Bourbon Barrels.
The 10.8% stout is brewed with dried mint, aged in Kentucky bourbon barrels, then conditioned with pure cacao.
"With each new beer from our barrel-aging program, we look to challenge ourselves with flavor combinations and tastes that most people wouldn't expect from Guinness," said Sean Brennan, Head Brewer at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Baltimore.
"And that's exactly what we've got here with our Chocolate Mint Stout Aged in Kentucky Bourbon Barrels. Chocolate and mint are a classic flavor combination, and the way those flavors interact with the bourbon character leads to something really special. It's the perfect beer to sip on after a solid meal with family and friends over the holidays."
The brewery also recently introduced Guinness Gingerbread Stout: which is brewed with allspice, ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon.
Celebration Ale
Sierra Nevada’s Celebration Ale has returned this season, marking the ale’s 40th anniversary.
“Celebration Ale wields fresh hops (the first harvest of the season) and notes of pine, citrus and malty caramel. It’s a wintertime classic and perfect for cozying up inside by the fire or celebrating the holidays with family and friends,” explains the brewery.
Non-alcoholic bubbly
Non-alcoholic spirits brand Lyre’s has launched its first prosecco style drink in time for the festive period and other celebratory occasions.
The 750ml bottle joins Lyre’s range of non-alcoholic spirits, which are available in more than 50 markets including its home market of Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the US, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Europe.
“Lyre’s Classico Grande will cater to the rise of moderate and mindful drinkers looking to toast and socialise with a great tasting, sophisticated drink that is suitable for any occasion,” says the brand.
“Alongside this, the premium bottle meets demand from shoppers who are looking for non-alcoholic gifting alternatives this Christmas.
“As the no & low category continues to gain momentum, following a change in consumer habits post pandemic, shoppers are experimenting with a range of non-alcoholic equivalents both at home and out with friends.
"Lyre's Classico delivers a classic, dry finish, that has been meticulously crafted to create a prosecco style drink with aromas of fresh peach and granny smith, it is best served chilled in a flute or coupette.”
Sprite: Winter Spiced Cranberry
Sprite has brought back its Winter Spiced Cranberry limited edition flavor, alongside a new zero sugar version.
Available across the US, Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry comes in 20oz or 2 liter bottles, while zero sugar comes in 2 liter bottles.
Botanical bubbly
Non-alcoholic botanical-forward company Dry Soda Co. has launched a new sparkling beverage designed for fall and seasonal entertaining, Botanical Bubbly Reserve.
The drink is available in two flavors - lavender 75 and spiced pear - both of which layer botanical extracts and flavors.
“With Botanical Bubbly Reserve, DRY is inspiring consumers to elevate their hosting and toasting experiences by swapping traditional sparkling wine and non-alcoholic celebratory go-to, sparkling apple cider, with something more unique and distinctive,” says the brand.
“Botanical Bubbly Reserve’s elevated flavors complement any culinary dish or appetizer as wine would but without alcohol.
"Lavender 75 pairs well with seafood, soft cheeses or a fruit and nut board, evoking notes of lavender and lemon to create a delicate, floral base punctuated by with the brightness of rosemary and subtle oak.
"Spiced Pear pairs well with roasted chicken, chocolate, and fondue with its delicious ripe pear flavor and subtle warmth from vanilla and cardamom.
"These complex and multidimensional luxurious sparkling beverages are perfect cheers with all night long and avoid the morning-after headaches.”
Packaged in premium 64 ounce glass bottles and sold individually, DRY Botanical Bubbly Reserve is made with all-natural, non-GMO, low sugar and Kosher ingredients, and is free of gluten, caffeine and sodium.
Winter warmer squash
UK squash brand Vimto is bringing back its seasonal limited edition flavor ‘Winter Warmer’.
Available in the off-trade in a 725ml bottle, Winter Warmer can be served hot or cold.
This year, the squash includes new vitamins C & D fortification, following the introduction of the vits across the wider portfolio in March.
“Extending the squash season outside of the core spring and summer months, Vimto Winter Warmer squash delivers Vimto’s secret recipe, made from a unique blend of fruits, herbs and spices, infused with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove - providing that ‘hug in a mug’ feeling when enjoyed warm,” according to brand owner Nichols Plc.
Budweiser holiday cans
Budweiser has launched its limited-edition holiday cans: with this year’s lineup featuring ‘idyllic winter landscapes, the beloved Budweiser Clydesdales, and a Dalmatian puppy, with plaid designs that spark feelings of nostalgia and celebrate the comfort that the season brings’.
One can also features Wilson, an Ohio-based Saint Bernard who was the winner of Budweiser’s 2021 ‘Pupweiser’ contest.
Budweiser 2021 Limited-Edition Holiday 12oz Cans are available anywhere Budweiser is sold through the holiday season.
