What's hitting the shelves? New beverage launches

Baileys Vanilla Mint Shake Irish Cream Liqueur

Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur has launched its first-ever minty green limited-time-offering – Baileys Vanilla Mint Shake Irish Cream Liqueur – ahead of St Patrick’s Day.

“Made with the delectable flavors of mint, vanilla, and a hint of chocolate, Baileys Vanilla Mint Shake can be enjoyed in a number of ways including blended in an indulgent adult milkshake, in a chilled shot, or even over your favorite ice cream,” says the brand.

“The exceptionally colorful treat is the perfect indulgence and green-themed addition to all St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, from daytime get-togethers to an afternoon sláinte with your crew.”

Baileys Vanilla Mint Shake is available across the US for a limited time for a suggested retail price of $24.99 for a 750ml bottle.

Baobab shot

Baobab-boosted shot brand Unrooted has launched a Punchy Turmeric & Ginger shot in the UK.

In line with Unrooted’s other flavors, the turmeric shot is crafted using natural ingredients and boosted with baobab. Recognised as one of the world’s most powerful superfruits, baobab contains 5x more Vitamin C than oranges; 5x more fibre than oats, and twice as many antioxidants as acai.

The new shot contains curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric, which over the last few years has grown in popularity as a powerful anti-inflammatory, a very strong antioxidant and has even shown some evidence of being an effective antidepressant. Curcumin can also boost levels of the brain hormone BDNF, a protein that supports learning and memory, which increases the growth of new neurons and may help fight various degenerative processes in the brain.

Nathan Clemes, Unrooted founder says “We’ve seen the rise in popularity of turmeric products in recent years, along with the compelling evidence of its health benefits, which we think make it the perfect addition for Unrooted.”​

Energy One

Energy drink brand Energy One is launching a lite version in the UK.

Driven by Marion Barnaby and Peter Knoflach – ‘two leading lights within European motorsport’ – Energy One ‘seeks to meet all the essential needs of a great tasting, well-engineered energy drink (tackling fatigue, improved focus & enhanced alertness)​ courtesy of being packed with 4 beneficial B vitamins (B3, B5,B6 & B12) and a superior blend of spring water and syrup to ensure a clean, sharp taste and none of the unappetising metallic aftertaste.’

Energy One Lite has a RRP of £1.35 per 250ml can.

Press hard seltzer variety pack

Press premium alcohol seltzer has launched a Synergy Pack with four new ‘fruit-floral-spice’ flavors: watermelon sea salt, peach rosemary, dragonfruit lotus and guava rhubarb.

The new pack will launch in March and is the third variety 12-pack from the brand.  

Press was launched in 2015 introduced with its Signature flavors: Blackberry Hibiscus, Grapefruit Cardamom, Lime Lemongrass and Pomegranate Ginger. The Seasonal collection expanded Press flavor portfolio features Pear Chamomile, Apple Cinnamon, Pineapple Basil, and Lingonberry Elderflower. The new Synergy flavors are designed to bring ‘exotic global culinary notes’ to Press's collection of sophisticated flavor pairings.

Canned coffee cocktail

Indiana craft distillery Cardinal Spirits is releasing Songbird Spiked Cold Brew: a canned cocktail starring the distillery’s flagship Songbird Coffee Liqueur.

The drink launches in Indiana this month before rolling out to 13 states and Washington D.C.

“Songbird Spiked Cold Brew (8.5% ABV; $12.99 SRP for a 4-pack) joins two wildly growing beverage trends — cold brew and canned cocktails – and is made one-of-a-kind with Cardinal Spirits’ own celebrated Songbird Coffee Liqueur, a best-selling spirit since it debuted in 2015,” says the brand.

“A lightly fizzy and easy-drinking cocktail, Songbird Spiked Cold Brew has complementary flavors found in fancy coffee drinks, including vanilla, caramel, and chocolate. It is made with a smooth and flavorful blend of premium dark roast coffee plus Songbird Coffee Liqueur.”

Flower spirit

Mahua – a spirit and liqueur distilled from a flower and described by the brand as ‘the new gin’ - is launching in the UK.

Parent company Alkohl was founded by Harry Hewett, an Australian who spent five years in India where he stumbled across Mahua, a central Indian tribal tipple.

Mahua Spirit is “silky, smooth and delightfully warming, taking you by surprise a couple of seconds after a sip. Its indescribable taste can’t quite be pinned down or likened to anything else,” says the company.

“It’s fantastic ‘on the rocks’, but just as amazing in a mixed drink and it’s also certified by the Vegan Society.”

“Mahua spirit offers a soft floral aroma, dominated by white flowers, over-ripe pears and grape. The creaminess of the initial taste is followed by a floral jasmine bouquet and a combination of peach and Pear Drops-style sweetness. The journey concludes with a marriage of tea tannic and black pepper, underpinned by the flavors of stone fruits and leading to an almost savory, nutty finish.”

Meanwhile, Mahua liqueur “carries the scent of the strong wild Mahua flowers, bee pollen and bright zesty notes of raw honey and sweet citrus. The taste is initially described as a rich toffy sweetness, before jasmine appears from the Mahua and a white tea bitterness pervades. The finish is a herbaceous one, with this mingling with black pepper spice and carried by a rich caramel body.”

Blue magic

The UK’s Polar Krush has announced a flavor extension for its Calippo carbonated frozen iced drink brand, with its Blue Magic limited edition flavor.

“Fuelled by the demand for zero-sugar flavoured variants, this new flavour will offer end users more opportunities to taste a slice of nostalgia. In addition, the esteemed Calippo brand will enable retailers and indoor leisure sites to capitalise on Magic Blue's eye-catching colour, delicious flavour and opportunity to promote further sales and create high-profit margins. 

“Calippo Magic Blue blends soft berry flavours and is made with 100% natural colours and flavours. The tropical zesty, refreshing flavour promises to offer a delightfully cool sensation guaranteed to quench thirst.”