What's hitting the shelves? New beverage launches
Non-alcoholic cocktails
Alcohol-free pioneer Lyre’s is bringing RTD cocktails based on the classics to Australia and New Zealand.
The new range, Sophisticated, launches with Negroni, Old Fashioned and Margarita.
“Consumer research illustrates that 83% of Australian shoppers look for convenience when making purchasing decisions, and 82% are after healthier, more responsible choices – Lyre’s new Sophisticated ready-to-drink classic cocktail range delivers on both,” says the brand.
“Made using the highly awarded and much-loved spirits that Lyre’s produces, the range was meticulously crafted to bottle that true made-in-a-bar quality, so consumers can enjoy a premium classic cocktail anywhere, anytime. Simply chill, garnish as desired, and sip”.
The range will also allow new consumers to explore the potential of the alcohol-free cocktail category without having to commit to buying multiple bottles of 700ml spirits for their creations, which may have proved a barrier to purchase in the past.
Lyre’s range of Sophisticated ready-to-drink cocktails will be available in 200ml glass bottles for RRP $20 each (containing just over two serves), or alternatively as a mixed-set in a limited-edition gift box for RRP $49.99.
Fall flavors: Starbucks' coffees and creamers
Starbucks’ fall line of flavored coffees and creamers have returned to US grocery stores.
Joining the fall grocery lineup this year are new Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Nitro Cold Brew and Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha Flavored Coffee.
Returning Pumpkin Spice seasonal favorites include Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Flavored Coffee, Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Concentrate, Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Flavored Creamer, Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Flavored Non-Dairy Creamer, and Starbucks Iced Espresso Pumpkin Spice Latte.
These products are available online and where groceries are sold for a limited time, while supplies last.
Tea time
Alaya Tea has launched two new varieties in the US: Hibiscus Flowers and a Sweet Fennel + Mint blend.
Founders Esha Chhabra and Smita Satiani are two Indian-American who work directly with farmers in India to source tea from farms using organic, biodynamic and regenerative farming practices.
They also have a focus on affordability (less than 50c a cup) and plastic-free and biodegradable packaging.
Everleaf rolls out to the US
Non-alcoholic aperitif Everleaf - first introduced by bartender and conservation biologist Paul Mathew in January 2019 - is crossing the pond to launch in the US this fall.
Paul Mathew’s background as a conservation biologist - as well as a bartender and bar owner, having opened The Hide, The Arbitrager, and Demon, Wise & Partners in London - provided much inspiration and knowledge into the creation of Everleaf.
“While looking to craft a wonderfully intricate and layered flavor to recreate alcohol’s unique silky texture, Paul turned to nature. After over a year of experimentation and development, Everleaf was born,” says the brand.
“Everleaf’s products are anchored to different parts of the natural world, which act as both inspiration for flavor profiles and sources for key botanicals.
“Paul researched plants, sustainable sourcing, dehydrating samples, macerating, and extracting to get the perfect blend of complementary yet surprising flavors. But then there was the texture. Alcohol’s unique viscosity is usually missing from non-alcoholic drinks. What solutions could the natural world offer to create something similar? Again, he found answers on both land and sea from plants such as acacia trees and seaweeds.”
Everleaf can be paired with a light tonic water to create a light and refreshing spritz.
Everleaf will launch in the US with all three expressions: Everlead Forest, Everleaf Marine and Everleaf Mountain US (RRP: $33 -$35; 500ml). It is available to purchase online via Everlead as well as on Boisson and Drink No Low.
Outside of the US, the drink is available in bars, restaurants, hotels and independent retailers in the UK, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, France, USA, Iceland, Switzerland and the UAE.
Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry
Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry is returning to the US this winter in 20-oz. and 2-liter bottles, six-packs of 7.5-oz. mini-cans and 12-packs of 12-oz. cans; alongside Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry Zero Sugar in 2-liter bottles and 12-packs of 12-oz. cans.
“Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry and Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry Zero Sugar bring a zesty twist to Sprite Cranberry, a seasonal staple since 2013," says brand owner Coca-Cola.
"Intended to be sipped as a standalone beverage or cocktail mixer, the limited-edition offerings complement the crisp lemon-lime taste of Sprite with a warm spice blend and touch of tart cranberry.”
Sprite Winter Spice Cranberry initially launched as a limited flavor in 2019 followed by the launch of zero sugar last year. This year sees the addition of can multi-packs.
Alcohol-removed wine
New Zealand’s Giesen 0% has launched Giesen 0% New Zealand Riesling: offering mindful wine drinkers a lower-calorie, non-alcoholic option with less than 0.5% alcohol per volume, no added sugars, and 33 calories per 5 oz standard serving (as compared to Giesen 10.5% Riesling).
Giesen Group’s extension to their premium non-alcoholic range follows the successful launch of the world’s first alcohol-removed New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc in 2020, and the introduction of Giesen 0% Pinot Grigio, Premium Red and Rosé in spring 2022.
“Giesen 0% Riesling is a response to overwhelming customer feedback to add this popular, food-friendly varietal to our core range”, says Duncan Shouler, Giesen Group Chief Winemaker. “Our new Riesling is my personal favorite from the Giesen non-alcoholic range. The fruit is sourced from Marlborough and Waipara, with Marlborough’s signature bright, citrus flavor and Waipara florals at the forefront. Riesling is such an expressive variety, and we’re able to preserve its vibrant aromatic character through our gentle alcohol removal process.”
The new Giesen 0% New Zealand Riesling features ‘notes of lime, citrus blossom, and elderflower on the nose. The palate offers lively and refreshing Riesling character with zingy lime, ripe mandarin, and delicious sweetness, all balanced by crisp acidity to appeal to wine lovers and sommeliers seeking food-friendly pairings’.
Shouler believes Giesen 0% Riesling is the closest version to its full-strength counterpart, Giesen New Zealand Riesling. The process for making Giesen 0% alcohol-removed wines begins with a full-strength Giesen wine as a base. This ensures that the final wine has the aroma and flavors expected of the full-strength equivalent. Then, through advanced spinning cone technology – which allows for gentle alcohol extraction through low-temperature, vacuum steam distillation – the aroma is first removed from the wine, followed by the alcohol. The Giesen team then blends the alcohol-removed wine, aroma essence, and a touch of grape juice to round it out.
Espresso Liqueur
Italian artisanal liqueur Luxardo is introducing Luxardo Espresso Liqueur in the US.
The traditional Italian liqueur is obtained from a selected variety of fine coffee sourced from around the world. Imported by Hotaling & Co., Luxardo Espresso Liqueur contains 137 mg of caffeine per ounce of liqueur and has a ‘unique deep rich brown hue complimented by the taste of dark chocolate and bold espresso notes.’
“Italy takes its reputation as the world capital of coffee rather seriously,” says the brand. “As the inventors of espresso, they understand that an espresso-based drink – when made well, can change everything. With the Espresso Martini dominating cocktail menus from coast to coast, the opportunity was ripe to introduce Luxardo Espresso Liqueur to the U.S. – elevating the experience in true Italian fashion.
“Luxardo Espresso Liqueur puts the tradition back into this year's most popular drink in the US, the Espresso Martini. Tasting notes contain dark chocolate and bitter espresso aroma, a bold and rich espresso flavor with hints of sweet vanilla. Luxardo Espresso Liqueur perfectly crafts an elevated espresso cocktail or is fitting for a sweet after-dinner treat neat or on the rocks.”
New mixers in Dubai
Britvic’s London Essence mixer brand has launched in the Middle East: with products now available and restaurants and bars in Dubai.
“Crafted from botanical essences with the purest flavors, London Essence is helping luxury venues deliver an elevated experience for their guests, with mixers that look and taste exceptional from the moment they are opened to the final sip,” says the brand.
“Available in an array of flavors, the five mixers now available in the Middle East are incredibly versatile, and delicious whether used in a cocktail, combined with a spirit, in an alcohol-free drink, or on its own.”
London Essence is now available in over 60 destinations in the world, including in some of the World’s Top 50 Bars and Restaurants, from London to Hong Kong, Barcelona, Sydney, Singapore, New York and now Dubai. In the U.A.E, the exquisite mixers will be distributed by Dubai Refreshment Company.
