What's hitting the shelves? New beverage launches - from vodka soda to sports drinks

Kylie Jenner's Sprinter

Kylie Jenner has launched Sprinter, a vodka soda made with premium vodka, sparkling water and real fruit juice.

Jenner tapped Chandra Richter, a female beverage development expert with over 20 years of experience and a PhD in molecular biology, to serve as Head of Product Development and Supply Chain.

After over a year of taste testing, the duo achieved the 'perfect balance of flavors' and Sprinter was born

The drink is a 100 calorie, 4.5% ABV canned vodka soda made with real fruit juice and no added sugar.

Sprinter (pictured above) comes in four flavors: black cherry, peach, grapefruit and lime.

Launching across the US on March 21, Sprinter will be available in an 8-can variety pack for an SRP of $19.99.

Gatorade Water

Gatorade has launched its first unflavored water – Gatorade Water – in the US.

Gatorade Water is alkaline with a pH of 7.5 or higher, electrolyte infused for a refreshing, crisp taste, and the bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic.

The premium water was developed for active people looking for an all-day hydration option, said Anuj Bhasin, chief brand officer at Gatorade.

“Today’s athletes are more wellness-minded than ever, and they expect Gatorade to meet all of their hydration needs, 24/7. Gatorade Water is an all-day hydration option for all active people, no matter who they are or how they move, from the leader in sports fuel that they know and trust.”

Gatorade Water is now available in stores nationwide. The product is available in 1L bottles for all-day hydration (suggested retail price $2.39-$2.99) and 700ml bottles that feature a sport cap (suggested retail price $1.99-$2.69). 

Howler Head & Cola

Florida’s Catalyst Spirits is entering the growing RTD market with its premium banana-flavored bourbon whiskey, Howler Head, mixed with cola.

Howler Head & Cola launches in Australia with other markets set to follow.

Howler Head & Cola is described as ‘a delicious, effervescent drink with toasted caramel and coffee notes, complemented with aromatic, creamy, ripe natural banana flavor; with a finish that is rounded and smooth with a pleasing aroma of oak and banana’.

Howler Head & Cola can be found at retailers across Australia in 4-packs of 330ml cans for a suggested price of AU$29. A 10-pack will follow later this year. Each can is 6% ABV.

Howler Head & Cola is the official flavoured whiskey RTD of UFC Australia. In conjunction with the launch, former Australian UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker will serve as the brand’s newest ambassador.

RumChata Pineapple Cream

Following the launch of RumChata Coconut Cream in spring 2023, the brand is launching RumChata Pineapple Cream.

The 13.75% ABV drink can be drunk on its own or in a Piña Colada inspired cocktail: the RumChata Colada.

This is made with equal parts of RumChata Pineapple Cream and Coconut Rum.

Yerba Mate Berry Lemonade

California’s Guayaki Yerba Mate has introduced its latest flavor innovation – Berry Lemonade – which will join the lineup of the brand’s High Energy Cans on shelves across the US this month.

Guayakí Yerba Mate is brewed with naturally caffeinated leaves from a native species of holly tree, known as Ilex paraguariensis, found deep in the Atlantic Forest of South America.

Each can of Berry Lemonade contains 150mg of caffeine. The summer beverage is a balanced blend of tart lemon and sweet strawberry flavors, derived from real fruit juice, creating a low calorie drink with 20 calories and 2g of sugar.

Janal Cruz, Guayakí's VP of Operations at Guayakí, said, "Berry Lemonade reflects Guayakí's commitment to positive energy and exceptional flavors, using certified organic and fair-trade ingredients. This new offering represents our dedication to taste, health, and responsible sourcing."

Topo Chico mixers

Topo Chico has launched a new collection of elevated non-alcoholic mixers in the US: with Ginger Beer, Tonic Water and Club Soda.

The drinks are described as ‘an elevated non-alcoholic mixer with premium ingredients, a light essence of flavors, crisp bubbles, filtered water and added minerals for taste’.

Topo Chico Mixers roll out nationally in large retailers, liquor stores, and drug stores. The 7.1oz glass bottles are offered in single flavor 4-packs for an SRP of $6.79 and can be found in the mixer aisle.

Non-alcoholic spirits

London-based non-alcoholic spirits brand KAHOL is launching its full collection of 0% spirits, after spending a year trialing select expressions of the range with key audiences.

The collection includes both clear and dark spirits as well as a limited edition aperitivo, and is designed to directly replace alcoholic counterparts in all but ABV.

KAHOL’s production process combines elements of traditional alcohol production with proprietary technology: beginning with full strength spirits, the alcohol is enzymatically denatured, before an extended period of barrel aging and botanical infusion structures flavors and mouthfeel.

The resulting spirits work in mixers, cocktails and can also be enjoyed neat.

The inaugural line up is headlined by Malt Abbey, a whisky alternative modelled on Speyside scotch, and is complemented by Maggie Bailey, a 0% bourbon based on the Kentucky straight variety. The range also includes a 0% Plata tequila, dark spiced rum and London dry gin.

Organic Oat Barista

London’s Rude Health has released its latest dairy-free drink: Organic Oat Barista.

Four years in the making, the Organic Oat Barista is pitched as the perfect partner for the coffee connoisseur, whether it’s pods, espresso or filter. It is made with four ingredients - Spring Water, Organic Oats

Organic Cold Pressed Sunflower Oil and Sea Salt – and the high oat content (14%) helps create a perfect creamy foam and a natural sweetness that balances with the coffee flavor.

Camilla Barnard, Rude Health Co-Founder, said: “​With the foundations of the Barista category having been laid, there is still significant opportunity for growth. Barista, Oat and Organic are all growth drivers.

"The shelf is currently dominated by long ingredient lists with emulsifiers, stabilisers and acidity regulators, and we know consumers are not only looking for great functionality and brilliant taste, but clean deck, organic ingredients. We’ve used our years of dairy-free drink experience to craft what we believe is the ultimate trade up."

Organic Oat Barista is available to independents via wholesalers including Suma, Essential, Infinity, CLF, Greencity, Queenswood and Auguste Noel as well as on Ocado and Amazon (RRP: £2.40 / 1Ltr).