What's hitting the shelves? New beverage launches: June
Strainge Beast
Sierra Nevada’s Strainge Beast hard kombucha brand is expanding with three new flavors across the US.
The new launches are: Watermelon, Sea Salt, Lime & Mint (4.0% ABV, 100 calories); Raspberry, Golden Kiwi & Elderflower (4.0% ABV, 100 calories); and Grapefruit, Pomegranate & Cucumber (7.0% ABV, 180 calories).
“Strainge Beast hard kombucha is rooted in the craft brewer’s love for the art and science of fermentation," says the brand.
"Crafted from a proprietary SCOBY culture discovered with Oregon State University, Strainge Beast combines organic ingredients and traditional brewing processes for the best possible flavor,”
The new flavors join the original three flavors: Ginger, Lemon & Hibiscus; Blueberry, Acai & Sweet Basil; and Passion Fruit, Hops & Blood Orange.
AlquA
AlquA, a new hard seltzer brand, has made its debut in France.
AlquA is made by mineral water producer Ogeu, which is known for brands such as Quézac, Plancoët and Lutécia.
The 4.5% alcoholic sparkling water comes in three flavors: raspberry; lemon and lime; and mango and pineapple.
“Contrary to most hard seltzers, AlquA does not contain any sugar, nor colors nor preservatives and has a calorie content much lower than the majority of existing long drinks,’ says Ogeu.
The hard seltzers come in 33cl cans.
Juicy Peach
UK vodka soda brand Two Days has launched a new flavor: Juicy Peach.
The 3% sessionable vodka soda – also available in crisp raspberry and classic lime – is crafted with British vodka, natural fruit extracts and lightly sparking water.
It is sugar free and contains less than 70 calories a can.
“Called out as the new millennial pink, the color peach will be everywhere this spring and summer - from interiors to fashion, beauty and more," says the brand.
"With its bold pop of colour and creative can, Two Days Juicy Peach will provide an Instagram worthy moment when out and about with friends.”
Brighter Times
Original Sin Cider has launched ‘Brighter Times’: a 6% ABV POG cider made with a base of freshly pressed New York apples blended with POG juice (passion fruit, orange and guava).
“POG juice was first created in Hawaii in the 1970s and has developed a loyal and enthusiastic following,” says the New York cider company.
“Original Sin’s combination of passion fruit, orange juice, and guava juice with a base of freshly pressed New York apples, has resulted in Brighter Times, a refreshing cider that is well-balanced with multiple layers of complexity.
“The brightly colored Brighter Times can, designed by artist R. Black, bursts with vivid yellow and orange hues, conveying the uplifting spirit of the liquid. We wanted to come up with a product that embodies the positive trends of this spring, as life is opening up again.”
The canned cider will be available in 12 oz. six packs in bars and restaurants across the country, Total Wine & More and select Whole Foods as well as Trader Joe’s throughout New York City.
Original Sin will be donating $4K from the launch of Brighter Times to charities supporting the bar and restaurant industry.
Improved Nescafe Original
Nescafé Original is launching an improved recipe in the UK and Ireland this month, using high-quality Arabica beans.
“While staying true to the distinctive full and bold flavour its fans know and love, the Nescafé Original signature recipe is now smoother,” says the Nestlé brand.
“Carefully selected high-quality Arabica and Robusta coffee beans have been roasted separately using a new roasting technology, creating Nescafé Original’s perfect bold flavour, now with a smoother taste.”
O’Cool
O’Cool, a new CBD beverage, has launched in France this month.
The sparkling beverage uses natural mineral water from the French region of Ventadour, along with organic CBD from Oregon in the US.
It comes in two varieties: hibiscus and blueberry.
A 250ml can contains 40mg of CBD, and contains 0 sugar and 0 calories. A can retails for €4.45.
Truly in the UK
Truly Hard Seltzer has launched in the UK with two flavors; wild berry and black cherry.
“Truly is a leader and innovator within the hard seltzer sector which exudes a vibrant, authentic and adventurous essence for drinkers who have a thirst for life,” says the brand, which launched in the US in 2016.
“This all-natural fruit flavoured alcoholic sparkling water, containing no artificial flavours or sweeteners provides a lighter, refreshing alternative to beer, wine and cocktails with only 1g of sugar and 100 calories per 355ml can.”
The drinks are available on Ocado and Amazon.
