US craft brewery collaboration
Right Coast Spirits, a new partnership between three US craft breweries - Flying Dog, Harpoon and Saranac - announces the release of their first product, Right Coast Spirits Vodka Whips.
With a 7.5% ABV, Vodka Whips is a ‘handcrafted ready-to-drink canned cocktail made with real vodka, real fruit, and a fresh whipped finish’. The beverages launch with four flavors: Orange, Wild Berry, Watermelon and Pineapple
The name Right Coast Spirits is a playful nod to the East Coast, where all three partners are located.
“The cool thing I’ve always loved about the craft brewing industry is that we have this hallmark ‘all-for-one’ mentality,” said Fred Matt, President of Saranac. “The three of us had a great working relationship already, so we realized if we worked together, we could get a superior product to consumers faster and more efficiently.”
Initially, Right Coast Vodka Whips will be released in 15 states on the East Coast, from Maine to Georgia.
“Not only has our partnership been beneficial for product development, but also for distribution,” said Dan Kenary, CEO & Co-Founder of Harpoon. “We have the ability to spread the availability of the product into each of our markets. With the ready-to-drink category exploding, we are excited to launch our canned cocktail as quickly as possible.”
Broken Bean Coffee Liqueur
Broken Bean Coffee Liqueur – a spirit crafted using cold brew coffee, Australian wheat vodka and sugar – has launched in Australia.
The family business from the Central Coast of New South Wales is an evolution of Onyx Coffee Spirits, which worked behind the scenes as a premium, on-premise producer of choice. The breakaway in the form of Broken Bean, which launched in 2022, makes Australian-made coffee liqueur and cocktail creations ‘accessible to Aussies everywhere’.
The inaugural Broken Bean Coffee liquor contains a coffee blend which is a classic selection of beans from Brazil, Ethiopia and India that are roasted separately before blending, allowing for a darker and more robust flavor profile destined to shine in any cocktail. The coffee blend is then brewed into a high-strength cold brew liquid that notably builds the richness and mouthfeel, further enhanced by fortification with the vodka to lock in flavor. It is then left to rest and rack for 30 days, allowing the liquid to develop to full maturity before packaging.
Broken Bean Coffee Liqueur has a RRP of $60.00 and is available nationally at Dan Murphy’s online, select bottle shops and local venues. It is also distributed by Vanguard Luxury Brands.
Skrewball Whiskey
Peanut butter whiskey brand Skrewball Whiskey is adding a 100ml can to its product lineup: joining 750ml, 375ml, 200ml, 50ml and 1L glass bottles in its portfolio.
Debuting in time for summer, Skrewball Whiskey's 100ml size “boasts the same smooth and nutty flavor consumers love from the brand in a refreshing and convenient format that can be sipped by the pool, at a backyard barbecue, on the beach or anywhere in between”. It is best served chilled.
“Unlike RTD canned cocktails, this convenient and fun option offers two servings of the sweet and savory flavored whiskey with no mixers, perfect for sipping straight,” says the brand.
"Industry trends continue to indicate that consumers are gravitating towards portable canned options, and we want to offer Skrewball Whiskey's premium taste and versatility to our community in an offering that meets their needs and consumption occasions."
Skrewball Whiskey's 100ml can is 70 proof (35% ABV). The canned spirit will be available in select markets across California, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Wisconsin and Tennessee, with additional nationwide availability rolling out throughout the coming summer months.
Dragon Fruit Margarita
Alternative US craft beverage brand Kové has released a limited collaboration flavor created in partnership with Pitaya Foods: Dragon Fruit Margarita.
Kové’s Dragon Fruit Margarita offers a “better-for-you" buzz as a beverage that is vegan, gluten-free and made with organic ingredients. The new flavor will be available for purchase in four packs of 12-ounce cans and on tap at Kové tasting rooms in San Diego.
“With coinciding missions emphasizing the importance of ethical sourcing and sustainability, the like-minded brands teamed up to create a flavor that truly embodies southern California summer, with fresh tropical dragon fruit, crisp tangy lime and a hint of pineapple,” say the companies.
Following the success of its flagship Barrio Logan tasting room, Kové has also opened a new tasting room in Miramar.
Liberation Cocktails
Liberation Cocktails, a UK RTD cocktail brand, is expanding its portfolio with three new products in a variety of formats including keg, bottle and can: suitable for the on- and off-trade.
The new additions are the Spiced Margarita (made with El Sueno Tequila Blanco, agave nectar, Brazilian lime juice and a chilli twist); the Mojito (using oak-aged white rum, Brazilian lime juice, natural mint and soda); and the 0.0% Chilli Rhubarb Spritz (with English pressed rhubarb, Brazilian lime juice, chilli and Indian tonic).
Available on-tap for high volume venues via 20L kegs a well as in 75cl and 200ml cans for both on and off-trade, mini-bars, events and festivals, each variety has been ‘crafted by top mixologists using only the best craft distillery spirits and quality ingredients.’
George Workman, Managing Director, Liberation Cocktails, said: “With the current staffing crisis and venues back to pre-pandemic trading levels, our bar-strength cocktails provide a less labour-intensive way for the on-trade to provide a premium cocktail service quickly whilst our bottles and cans meet the growing consumer demand for ready to drink cocktails.”
Naked Juice
Naked Juice is releasing a new line in the US: Naked Antioxidants Mighty Berry.
"As products rich in antioxidants and fortified vitamins and minerals continue to be top of mind, Naked is bringing smoothie lovers a blend of some of the most delicious and nutritious fruits," says the brand. "With no added sugar or preservatives, Naked Antioxidants Mighty Berry comes in a 15.2oz bottle and is an excellent source of vitamin A, C, and E to support immune function."
The new product is available in stores including Walmart, Target, Kroger, Ahold, ABS and Publix.
Tattersall Distilling
Tattersall Distilling has launched its first canned cocktail line, which is rolling out in the US across Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Since 2019, Tattersall has been crafting ready-to-drink cocktails in 750ml bottles with its house-made spirits including Bootlegger, Salty Dog, Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Cosmo Bianco, Corpse Reviver #2. Growing demand for single-serve cocktails led to a line of Cocktail Shorties or 100ml ready-to-drink cocktails. Canned cocktails are the next evolution for Tattersall, providing even more accessibility to consumers, said Jon Kreidler, founder of Tattersall Distilling.
“Our lineup of canned cocktails has been over two years in the making, as we’ve worked to bring something to life that truly highlights our craft spirits.
“Spirit-based canned cocktails are surprisingly rare in the ready-to-drink space, and we’re proud to have ours stand out from the crowd. We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate summer than sharing this release.”
The 12 ounce sleek can cocktails have an ABV of 7% and come in four flavors:
- Key Lime Gin + Tonic: gin, key lime, house-made tonic
- Blueberry Basil Collins: vodka, blueberries, basil, lemon
- Easy Street: whiskey, peach tea, mint, lemon
- Watermelon Bootlegger: vodka, citrus, watermelon, mint