Health‑focused launches continue to build momentum, with microbiome‑supporting blends, naturally sourced hydration options and functional mushroom formulations gaining attention among wellness‑driven shoppers.
But long-serving trends, such as premiumisation remain a defining theme, especially with spirits brands leaning into limited editions, cask‑forward releases and tropical flavour extensions designed to engage both established enthusiasts and curious newcomers.
Within the alcohol‑free space, brands are investing in design, ritual and elevated in‑home experiences as Dry January moves into its last week or so.
At the same time, the soft drinks category is bubbling with some adult-focused innovations, including sparkling teas, botanical blends and clean‑label formats that align with sugar reduction trends. Mineral integrity, provenance and natural processing are also proving increasingly important differentiators, particularly within water and functional refreshment.
Read on to spot the latest trends in the global beverage industry…
Getting dirty with Dash
Sparkling drinks brand Dash has launched a limited-edition Clean, Dirty Martini Kit in partnership with olive specialist Perelló, aiming to bring a more premium, design-led experience to Dry January.
The kit pairs Dash’s Lemon sparkling water with Perelló’s manzanilla picante olives and bespoke martini glasses created by designer Issy Granger, offering retailers a seasonal alcohol-free option positioned around ritual and elevated at-home serves.
The collaboration lands as Dash becomes the official soft drink of the Dry January challenge in partnership with Alcohol Change UK. The brand says the kit is designed to make going alcohol-free feel indulgent, tying into a broader 2026 strategy focused on flavour-forward, low- and no-alcohol experiences. The release is timed to Quitter’s Day and targets consumers looking for motivation-boosting upgrades during the month.
The kit includes sculptural glassware, embroidered cocktail napkins and matching olive picks, alongside Perelló’s medium-green olives known for their mild bitterness and subtle chilli heat. The pairing is presented as a playful twist on a classic dirty martini, offering operators and e-commerce retailers an opportunity to tap into elevated soft drink occasions.
Twinings sparkles with tea
Twinings has expanded its ready-to-drink Sparkling Tea range with Revive, a new peach flavour that joins the brand’s growing functional sparkling tea portfolio.
The launch brings together green tea, peach, apple juice and an elderflower infusion, aimed at consumers seeking lower sugar, lower calorie soft drink options.
Each 250 ml can contains fewer than 50 calories and forms part of Twinings’ strategy to broaden its presence in the wellness‑led beverage segment.
Peach is already a popular flavour across both iced tea and soft drinks. The brand now offers four Sparkling Tea options: Revive, Defence, Refresh and Boost, each featuring tea infusions with added vitamins and minerals.
Mountain Dew Baja returns
Mountain Dew’s Baja Cabo Citrus has returned to US shelves in a year‑round national launch, supported by an interactive digital promotion designed to mobilise its core fanbase.
The brand’s Baja Cabo Citrus Calculator went live after fans uncovered the site ahead of schedule, claiming the entire first wave of free product within hours. The tool has now formally launched to support the flavour’s return and to drive renewed engagement around the Baja platform.
Consumers can visit the calculator website, input how long it has been since their last Baja Cabo Citrus, and receive coupons offering a free bottle for each week logged. New consumers can claim a single free bottle by entering zero. Every participant is also entered into a draw for one of seven cash prizes of $10,000, a mechanic positioned to reinforce the flavour’s Cabo inspiration theme.
The brand says Baja Cabo Citrus will be permanently available nationwide.
Malibu flushes pink
Malibu has expanded its US portfolio with two new tropical‑focused innovations: Malibu Pink and the Malibu and Dole Ready to Drink cocktails.
The launches are aimed at extending the brand’s summer‑led positioning into year‑round consumption and strengthening Malibu’s presence across both spirits and convenience formats.
Malibu Pink is a guava‑forward expression supported by pineapple and the brand’s signature coconut, designed to tap into growing consumer interest in exotic fruit profiles as guava becomes more mainstream. The flavour is intended for simple mixed drinks or chilled serves and will be backed by a pink‑themed campaign and retail activations later in the spring.
Alongside Malibu Pink, the brand has rolled out a Malibu and Dole ready-to-drink (RTD) variety pack, created with Dole’s pineapple juice. The eight‑pack includes Pineapple, Pineapple Mango, Pineapple Strawberry and Pineapple Dragon Fruit, combining rum, pineapple juice, sparkling water and natural flavours.
Chocoholic’s dream martini
Cutwater has expanded its ready-to-drink line-up with a limited-edition Chocolate Espresso Martini.
The 13% ABV cocktail joins the brand’s 20‑plus canned spirits range and is positioned for seasonal occasions, especially Valentine’s and “Galentine’s” Day hosting.
The new variant is made with Cutwater’s award-winning vodka and coffee cream liqueur, delivering flavours of cocoa, roasted espresso and cream. It builds on the success of Cutwater’s fastest-growing Espresso Martini, offering retailers and operators a premium, indulgent twist on a proven performer in the RTD category.
The cocktail is designed to be served straight from the can, though traditional service in a chilled martini glass is also encouraged. Suggested garnishes include chocolate shavings, chocolate syrup, cocoa powder or cookie crumbs. Consumers can also tailor the drink with additions such as marshmallows, brownie bites or chocolate-covered espresso beans.
Blynk once for mushrooms
Irish functional beverage brand Blynk Drinks is expanding rapidly as consumer interest in mushroom‑based drinks continues to build.
The company’s range includes three variants designed around specific need states: Blynk+ Focus with Lionsmane, Blynk+ Calm with Reishi and Blynk+ Healthy Energy with Cordyceps.
Each combines mushroom extracts with fruit and botanical flavours and is positioned to offer clean, functional refreshment without compromising taste.
Having established its domestic presence, Blynk is now preparing for international expansion. The brand plans to launch in the UK in 2026 and will exhibit at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai as part of its strategy to enter the Middle East market. The company’s founders say demand is being driven by shoppers who want functional benefits and strong flavour in equal measure.
EauYes to sparkling mineral water
eauYES flavoured sparkling mineral water has rolled out nationwide with six variants: Pineapple Coconut, Raspberry Lime, Lemon, Sour Apple, Pink Grapefruit and Orange Blossom.
The brand is prioritising independent retail and has secured more than 500 stocking points along with wholesale listings through DDC, Delicious Ideas, Mr Lemonade, CLF, CN and Epicurium.
The products are made using unprocessed mineral water sourced directly from a protected spring on Mount Sannine in Lebanon. The water is naturally filtered through mountain rock and enriched with minerals and electrolytes before being carbonated and flavoured. Each SKU contains no calories, sugar or sweeteners and uses only water and natural flavour, supporting clear label and hydration‑led positioning.
eauYES was created by third‑generation water specialist Mazen Baaklini and launched in the UK in 2025. The company emphasises the mineral integrity of its spring that the family has managed for more than 30 years.
High West Cask
High West Distillery has released Cask Strength, a limited‑edition blend of straight bourbon whiskeys designed to appeal to both established whiskey drinkers and new entrants to the category.
The release is available nationwide in the US in limited quantities and can also be purchased directly from High West. It arrives shortly after Distilling Director Isaac Winter earned Master Distiller Certification, which the company says reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to American whiskey traditions.
The bottling follows High West’s high‑rye blending approach and uses the distillery’s Bourye methodology to balance rye spice with malted barley characteristics.
The small‑batch blend incorporates straight bourbons aged between six and 20 years from Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee, all finished in new charred American white oak. The expression is non‑chill filtered, bottled at 58.5% ABV, 117 proof, with an SRP of $69.99.
Molkosan Sparkling
A.Vogel has introduced Molkosan Gut Health Sparkling Drink, a new functional soft drink positioned to support digestive health through postbiotics.
The beverage is made from organic whey fermented with bacteria to produce L plus lactic acid, which the brand highlights as a postbiotic associated with pH balancing and gut environment support.
The launch targets consumers seeking accessible daily gut health formats beyond traditional supplements, aligning with continued demand for functional soft drinks in convenience channels.
The drink is formulated to be lactose free, gluten free and low in calories. It combines aronia and pomegranate juices with stevia for sweetness and is suitable for vegetarians.
A.Vogel positions the product as offering digestive support tied to efficient enzyme activity, balanced gut pH and a healthy microbiome environment.
Molkosan Sparkling is sold in four packs of 250 ml cans with an RRP of £8.99.
