What's hitting the shelves? New beverage launches
Sessionable cocktails
Cutwater Spirits is launching a lineup of sessionable slim cans in the US: with a new assortment of cocktails in 12 oz cans.
The cocktails (pictured above) range from ranch waters to rum mojitos and vodka soda, all made from Cutwater’s own spirits. Each cocktail comes in at under 6% ABV, with 99-165 calories, and are gluten-free with no artificial sweeteners. They range from 0g-12g of natural sugar per 12 oz serving.
“We expanded our portfolio’s refreshing, easy-to-enjoy offerings by developing new flavor variations that build on three of Cutwater’s most enjoyable cocktails and feature our own award-winning vodka, rum or tequila”, says Yuseff Cherney, Cutwater Spirits co-founder and master distiller.
“The new slim can format is inspired by the kind of highball glass you’d get at your favorite bar if you ordered one of these cocktails off the menu.”
Japanese-inspired sour soft drinks
Chu Lo, a new premium Japanese-inspired sour soft drink, has launched in the UK.
Inspired by Japan’s popular alcoholic sour tipple, Chuhai, Chu Lo fuses the same freshly squeezed fruit juice and flavours into a lower sugar, alcohol-free, super sour soda with a unique fizzy kick. Chu Lo is also vegan friendly and gluten free.
Chu Lo can be served solo or paired as a spritzer or used as a cocktail mixer.
Steph Buttery, Founder of Chu Lo, said: “We’re excited to bring a slice of incredible Japanese culture to the UK and launch our delicious new cherry flavor very soon. Chu Lo was born in homage to my love of Japan and Japanese culture, after I was stationed there while working in the Royal Navy. I was deeply inspired by the punchy, sour flavors I found in Japan but struggled to find anything similar once I returned home - and so Chu Lo was born!”
Buttery will be joining the first BBC series of Gordon Ramsay’s Future Food Stars as a contestant taking on weekly cookery and business challenges with other entrepreneurs.
Chu Lo is available online, in independent stockists, and Yo Sushi.
Rum from the Seychelles
Seychellois rum, Takamaka Rum, has expanded into 11 new European markets.
Family-owned distillery Trois Freres Distillery will now distribute their products in France, Spain, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, the Republic of North Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia.
In 2021, Takamaka expanded its distillery at La Plaine St Andre and underwent a full brand redesign. It is now available in 28 markets including the UK, Germany and UAE.
BrewDog gin
BrewDog Distilling Co has released its latest creation, LoneWolf Dear Mum Gin, ahead of Mother’s Day in the UK.
This 40% ABV gin is ‘bursting with citrus flavors, offering a marmalade hit, that gives a zesty yet warming sensation on the palate.’ It is made at BrewDog Distilling Co’s new distillery in Aberdeen.
Steven Kersley, Director of BrewDog Distilling Co, said: “On top of LoneWolf’s audacious juniper backbone we’ve layered more flavor by distilling fresh botanicals such as, blood orange peel, sweet orange peel and a selection of fragrant spices including all spice, ginger, and cinnamon.
"The aroma is unmistakably LoneWolf however there’s top notes of candied orange and spicy ginger which when diluted with your favorite tonic balance perfectly against a bold juniper backdrop.”
Tango editions
UK soft drinks company Britvic has launched Tango Editions, a sugar-free, rotational flavor series aiming to drive excitement in the fruit flavored carbonated category.
The first edition ‘Berry Peachy’ is a peach and raspberry flavored drink, ‘designed to tickle the taste buds and deliver the ultimate in tangy refreshment’. The new flavor is available in a variety of formats to help cater to the many shopper missions currently driving sales in the channel. Multipacks and 2L bottles are ideal for sharing occasions, while 500ml bottles and 330ml cans will suit shoppers who are seeking refreshment while on-the-go.
Ben Parker, at-home commercial director at Britvic, said: “We know how important it is to keep shoppers on their toes with exciting new innovation, especially in the fruit carbs category. Our ‘Tango Editions’ range was developed for exactly this reason – so retailers can offer their shoppers a series of rotational flavors which disrupt the category through bold tastes, liquids and pack designs.
“Sugar free options have grown ahead of the fruit flavored carbs category at +12.4%, which shows just how important it is for us to continue meeting the needs of health-conscious consumers.”
Captain Morgan Cherry Vanilla
Diageo rum brand Captain Morgan is launching a limited edition flavor, Cherry Vanilla.
The spirit ‘blends the signature taste of our spiced rum with the sweetness of dark cherries, the notes of rich creamy vanilla and a hint of spice to create a contemporary twist on a timeless classic.’
Captain Morgan Cherry Vanilla is available on shelves now for a limited time across the US and Canada in a 750mL bottle with an ABV of 30% at a suggested retail price of $15.99.
Mexican-inspired cocktails
Beam Suntory brand Sauza is launching a line of flavored RTD Mexican-inspired cocktails.
The Sauza Agave Cocktails are crafted with agave nectar and real fruit flavor; looking to meet the demand from RTD drinkers looking beyond seltzers and seeking a beverage full in flavor and refreshment by taking inspiration from Mexican heritage to craft bold, indulgent cocktails.
The four flavors are Lime Crush, Tropical Twist, Strawberry Breeze, and Black Cherry Smash.
The cocktails are available in 12-can variety pack, single flavor six-packs of Lime Crush and Tropical Twist, and 24oz single cans of Lime Crush and Tropical Twist, at select retailers nationwide.
The Sauza Agave Cocktails are 8% ABV and have a suggested retail price of $17.99 for a 12-can variety pack, $9.99 for a single flavor six-pack and $3.49 for a single can (24fl oz).
As part of a long-term, strategic partnership, Beam Suntory – which will handle national marketing and advertising, public relations, and social media promotion for Sauza Agave Cocktails – is leveraging Boston Beer Company’s expertise in brewing, distribution, sales, and trade and local marketing for this new product.
Jameson's first RTD
Jameson Irish Whiskey is launching its first ever RTD offering, Jameson Ginger & Lime.
“The ready-to-drink category has experienced massive growth in recent years, and Whiskey-based ready-to-drink cocktails are a driving force behind the category expansion,” says Pernod Ricard USA.
“The new Jameson Ginger & Lime ready-to-drink cocktail in a can is made with natural ginger and lime flavors and our smooth Irish Whiskey to create a tasty, convenient offering that can be enjoyed by a wide range of whiskey fans, including whiskey-curious consumers.”
The drink launched in the US in time for St Patrick’s Day this month, and is now available at retailers nationwide and via Drizly.
New look for Estrella Galicia
Beer brand Estrella Galicia has revamped its image, as well as changing its packaging in a move to reduce its carbon footprint.
The brewery now uses labels made of FSC-certified paper and will be using 100% recyclable cardboard for all its packs, as well as reducing the waste generated during its bottle production process by 10,000 tons. In all, the company estimates that these measures will cut its carbon footprint by 9,000 tons of CO2.
“Estrella Galicia is renowned for being a beer that pairs effortlessly with great food due to its light body and fine texture,” says the brand. “The aromas provided by the hops and light flavor of malt make it easy to drink and the perfect refreshing beer to enjoy. With regular, non-alcoholic and gluten-free versions available, Estrella Galicia is able to meet all occasions.”
Sunshine Light Lager
Leinenkugel’s latest lager – Sunshine Light Lager – is now available in the US.
“Sunshine Light Lager is a bright, light-bodied beer brewed with Tradition hops and select Munich malt,” says the brand. “With just the right amount of bitterness for the style and a crisp finish, it’s perfect for casual drinking as we head into Spring.”
The 3.4% ABV beer will be available through September and takes the place of Leinenkugel’s Session Helles in its seasonal lineup.
