What's hitting the shelves? New beverage launches in December, from cocktail mixers to coffee

Ocean Spray is launching a new line of cocktail mixers

Ocean Spray Cocktail Mixers launches with 'in-demand, trending flavors': including Cosmo, Strawberry Margarita, and ​Rum Punch.

It marks the first time the brand has intentionally created and sold mixers for consumers to use at home.

Some 40% of Ocean Spray consumers already mix cranberry juice with other drinks; while the pandemic sparked a return of at-home cocktail-making.

The assortment is designed to be versatile – giving consumers the freedom to dress each mixer up or down. Whether simply adding ice and a preferred spirit or using as one ingredient in a larger recipe, the brand wants to make it simple for even the most novice at-home bartender to mix up their perfect drink.

Ocean Spray’s Cocktail Mixers include less sugar than the leading cocktail mixer and are made with real fruit juice, according to the cranberry co-operative.

Kava 2.0​

Florida functional beverage brand, Mitra9, has launched its latest creation: Kava 2.0.

Kava 2.0 boasts an infusion of premium kava (a herbal remedy made from the roots of the plant Piper methysticum​), sourced from the nutrient-rich volcanic soils of the Pacific Islands.

"Traditional kava is often characterized by an earthy taste, limiting its widespread appeal. At Mitra9, we've reimagined kava by eliminating the bitterness while enhancing portability, all without compromising its myriad benefits,” said Dallas Vasquez, Co-Founder of Mitra9.

“Renowned for its tranquilizing properties, kava has long been celebrated for its ability to unwind the mind and body. What sets Mitra9's Kava 2.0 apart is its groundbreaking formula, crafted with reduced sugar, lower calories, and natural flavors.”

Mitra9 Kava 2.0 is available in two convenient formats, Seltzers and RelaxPaks, and are offered in sparkling flavors Orange Dreamsicle, Coconut Lychee, Lemonade, and Strawberry Watermelon. 

Probiotic soda

Culture Pop Soda - a US probiotic soda made with organic fruit juice, herbs and live probiotics – has revealed its latest flavor.

Black Cherry becomes the eighth flavor in the portfolio: and is ‘refreshingly tart, delicious and full of flavor’. It features a dash of organic cacao that complements and balances the tartness of the cherry juice.

Black Cherry joins the lineup of Strawberry & Rhubarb, Watermelon & Lime, Orange Mango & Lime, Ginger Lemon & Turmeric, Pink Grapefruit & Ginger, Wild Berries & Lime, and Lemon Lime.

Each 12 oz can contains 45 calories and billions of live probiotics at the time of canning.

iPRO launches hydration pouches for children in UAE

iPRO has launched its new school compliant 250ml iPRO Hydrate Pouch in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Over the last 18 months, iPRO has been working with schools across the UAE to hydrate sports days and inter-school tournaments along with educational hydration talks with senior year groups as part of the physical education courses. It has also been working with the Government of Dubai, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Health Authority, Contact Caterers, UAE Schools and students.

This new lunchbox friendly product adheres to the highest standards of nutrition for students, the new delicious products are packaged in fully recyclable packaging and contain no added sugar or preservatives, natural ingredients and are low in calories and sugar.

The low sugar content means the product is free from sugar tax in the UAE. It comes in three flavors: orange and mango twist; berry mix; and tropical burst.

Four Roses bourbon arrives on Australian shores

American bourbon brand, Four Roses, has launched in Australia: available exclusively through premium spirit importer and distributor Vanguard Luxury Brands.

Established in 1888 in Lawrenceburg, Four Roses is described as ‘one of the US’s most beloved whiskeys and a cult favorite in the industry for its smooth consistency and exceptional value’.

During the Prohibition era, Four Roses was one of just six distilleries in the USA that was allowed to keep operating through prohibition for ‘medicinal’ purposes. With any luck, patients could be prescribed a bottle of bourbon by doctor or pharmacist.

Today, the signature Four Roses Bourbon, becomes the first expression to arrive in Australia. It is a mellow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and a versatile option for crafting cocktails.

Four Roses Bourbon’s Australian launch represents a ‘significant milestone’ in the brand’s ongoing global expansion, with Vanguard looking to bring other expressions and new innovations in the coming years to Australia.

Fuji Whisky

Fuji Whisky is introducing Fuji Single Blended Japanese Whisky in Australia.

This expression represents a blend of malt and grain whiskies, all crafted at the Fuji Gotemba distillery, pioneering the art of Single Blended Whisky.

Jota Tanaka, Master Distiller and Blender at Fuji Whisky says, “Fuji Single Blended is a true testament to the unique terroir of the Fuji Distillery. Our whisky embodies the essences of Japanese craftsmanship and the rich heritage of our location, from the pristine snow-melt water to our time-honored techniques.

“It’s an elegant fusion of Scotch-style malt and three different grain types, aged for up to 16 years, resulting in a delightfully sweet, fruity and rich flavor profile with a silky, enduring finish.”

The Fuji Gotemba Distillery is one of few worldwide that can produce both malt and grain whiskies, having incorporated the world’s leading Scotch, American and Canadian Whisky production technologies. Fuji launched into Australia in 2022 with its Single Grain Japanese Whiskey.

In addition to the Fuji Single Blended release, Fuji will launch extremely limited bottles of the Single Malt Japanese Whisky 50th Anniversary Edition to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Fuji Gotemba Distillery which was established in 1973.

Virtue Drinks rebrand

Virtue, a UK clean energy drink brand founded in 2016, has upgraded its recipe to see the full range include yerba mate and enhance its flavor profile.

The drink has also rebranded its packaging.

The natural, zero sugar and zero calories energy drink has turned to yerba mate to create an alternative to coffee drinks: with 80mg of organic caffeine in each can (comparable to a cup of coffee). Yerba also provides antioxidants, 24 vitamins and minerals and 15 amino acids.

Virtue comes in three varieties: Tropical, Peach and Raspberry, and Strawberry and Lime (£1.75 RRP per 250ml can).

Virtue drinks has seen 462% growth in international revenue over the last 12 months, and is now sold in 35 countries. The brand recently raised £1.2m in a funding round to accelerate business growth.

Tate & Lyle launches low-sugar sweetener

Tate & Lyle has released a new low-calorie sucralose sweetener, which will replace its existing food service sweetener, Zucro, which is currently available in UK outlets such as Costa Coffee and Greggs.

The sweetener dissolves in hot drinks, avoids frothing, is able to be sprinkled over food, and has a texture similar to real sugar.

“We’ve seen a growing trend towards consumers regularly opting for sweetener: the market is now worth over £55m a year and accounts for almost a fifth of the total sugar market value.

“Sales of our existing food service-led sweetener brand have grown by 300% in volume compared to pre-COVID-19 levels, with this sales trend expected to continue as consumer remain focused on exercising greater control of their diets.”

A 75g pouch is available from UK supermarkets Asda and Sainsbury’s with a RSP of £1.80, and a 300 count tablet dispenser with an RSP of £2. Both will be rolled out in Co-Op from January 2024.

Brainjuice

Brainjuice – an all-natural dietary supplement scientifically formulated for brain support – is launching fortified coffees and teas.

Brainjava is a collection of fair trade sourced premium, fortified, RTD coffees and teas ‘that will turn your brain on naturally’: thanks to the inclusion of necessary daily vitamins and minerals to support brain function and overall health.

Brainjava comes in five varieties: Brainjava house brew, three plant-based natural oat milk latte products (brainjava mocha latte, brainjava vanilla latte, brainjava chai tea) and decaffeinated brainjava lavender tea.

Furthermore, an annual holiday product offering of peppermint mocha latte (plant-based with oat milk) will be available annually from September to December.

Brainjava contains 90 mg of natural caffeine, a proprietary natural Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline complex (Alpha GPC), Vitamin C, Vitamins B5, B6, & B12, Acetyl L-Tyrosine, and L-theanine, ‘to help unlock your brain’s fullest potential every day’. It contains less than four grams of natural sugars derived from organic monk fruit and organic coconut sugar.