What's hitting the shelves? New beverage launches - from lavender lattes to vodka & soda
SKYY Vodka & Soda
SKYY Vodka is debuting canned cocktail SKYY Vodka & Soda in the US (pictured above).
The effervescent premium canned cocktail is available in two citrus-led flavors: lemon & elderflower, and lime & mint.
The convenient RTD cocktails feature key ingredients such as SKYY Vodka, soda and natural citrus and botanical flavors; and are gluten-free, vegan and with 90 calories per cocktail.
Campari’s SKYY Vodka is quadruple-distilled and triple-filtered for purity, made using water enhanced by Pacific Minerals.
SKYY Vodka & Soda (4% ABV) is available at select off-premise retailers in California, Florida and Texas, and can be found in 355ml, 4-pack cans with an SRP of $10.99.
Absolut Nights: Orange Peel shots
Orange Peel is the third flavor to join Absolut Vodka’s shot range, Nights, with a launch in China this month.
Absolut Nights is described as a vibrant and bold range of shots influenced by local cultures and flavors to create ‘sensorial drink experiences for partygoers coming together on nights out the world over’.
Absolut Nights Orange Peel is crafted with a blend of oriental orange peels and coffee. The traditional flavor, inspired by Chenpi, of local dried orange rind with a complex balance of sweet and sour notes and a spiced tangerine kick delivers a bold and fresh experience. A hint of coffee contributes to the Absolut Vodka-based drink’s distinguished aromatic flavour, delivering a distinctive aftertaste.
The 700ml orange glass bottle symbolises the neon lights that define Asia’s night-time cityscapes, while the urban-influenced X-signifier evokes high-energy nights and experiences.
Made using Absolut Vodka and natural ingredients, the drink has a 35% ABV and is best served neat and chilled. Alternatively, as part of a ritual, combine it with an orange soda chaser or serve it in a shot glass rimmed with finely ground coffee, sugar and cocoa powder to complement its zesty flavours and coffee notes.
Orange Peel completes a trio of Absolut Nights offerings, following the launch of Mexican-inspired Smoky Piña and Scandinavian-influenced Nordic Spice last year.
Spiked Jones Hard Craft Soda
Seattle craft soda brand, Jones Soda Co., has expanded into alcoholic beverages with the launch of Spiked Jones Hard Craft Soda.
Spiked Jones will launch with 19.2oz single cans and a mixed pack of 12oz sleek cans. The 12oz cans feature 8.4% alcohol by volume and the 19.2oz 6.9% alcohol by volume, compared to a typical 5% ABV or less in many other products.
Launch flavors include M.F. Grape, Orange & Cream, Strawberry Lime, Berry Lemonade, Cola & Lime, and Green Apple.
Spiked Jones was created in partnership with Rainmarker, LLC, producer of Locust Cider with national distribution, and the first collaboration between the two northwest companies focused on operational efficiencies, incremental sales and profits for key retailers.
Starbucks lavender
Starbucks is welcoming in spring in the northern hemisphere with two new beverages that feature lavender for the first time.
The Iced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha features smooth and creamy matcha served with oatmilk over ice, topped with sweet and subtle floral notes of lavender cream cold foam.
Meanwhile, Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte combines smooth Starbucks Blonde Espresso, creamy oatmilk, ice, and the sweet and subtle floral notes of lavender.
“Lavender is the perfect flavor to transition us from the winter season into spring,” said Patrick Penny, Starbucks beverage developer. “Its soft sweetness, light floral notes and beautiful color ignite feelings of rejuvenation and awakening associated with the change of seasons.”
The drinks are available in US Starbucks stores for a limited period.
Costa Coffee: RTD lattes
Costa Coffee is rolling out its line of RTD lattes in select retailers across the US.
Developed under the Costa brand by The Coca-Cola Company and piloted last fall in 2023 as Costa Coffee Flat White RTD, Costa Iced Coffee Lattes are a ‘delicious combination of caffeine from coffee and sweetness for those who enjoy a balanced blend and taste’.
The drinks are not designed as an ‘over-indulgent coffee beverage or energy drink; instead made to fuel your favorite daily rituals – like a morning surf, yoga session or afternoon run – with real cane sugar, dairy milk and energy from approximately 85mg of caffeine from coffee’.
The drinks are available in three flavors: Mocha, Caramel and Signature Blend. Each 11-ounce can features 150 calories (or less), and can be found nationally via Amazon Fresh and Walgreens, as well as with select availability.
Flavored tequila liqueurs
UK drinks company, Global Brands, is expanding its portfolio with new tequila brand TAKE.
Launching next month, the product portfolio will include a 100% Blue Weber agave blanco tequila and a range of tequila liqueurs to cater for every palate.
Created specifically with the growing UK tequila market in mind, TAKE features ‘the highest quality ingredients, a refined smoothness, and a vibrant brand identity, particularly targeting those who typically lean towards shots other than tequila’.
The range comprises of three fresh flavoured liqueurs; pineapple, jalapeño and pink grapefruit, with ABV of 34% and a 38% ABV 100% Blue Weber Agave blanco, all available in a 70cl format at £29.99 RRP.
Matt Bulcroft, Marketing Director at Global Brands, said: “We’ve developed a brand that challenges perceptions of tequila, with a fresh take on the category. Our new liqueurs offer a fantastic base for margaritas, as well as great tasting shots, without the need for salt and lime.”
Global Brands’ portfolio of brands includes VK, Frankin & Sons, be., Hooch, All Shook Up, Shake Baby Shake, Kick Energy, Lustre and Amigos Tequila Beer.
Cinnamon Roll syrup
Syrup brand MONIN is expanding its dessert-inspired range in the UK this spring with MONIN Cinnamon Roll syrup.
Full of the rich, natural aroma of just-baked cinnamon rolls, the syrup is crafted to enable baristas and bartenders to create deliciously indulgent hot or iced coffee drinks (including hot chocolates, cappuccinos, frappes, milkshakes and lattes) as well as cocktail recipes like a Hot Cross Bun Espresso Martini and Cinnamon Roll Sour.
Lee Hyde, Senior Beverage Expert at MONIN, says: “We’re very excited about the launch of on-trend MONIN Cinnamon Roll syrup, which is the latest chapter in our syrup success story. With its comforting, buttery notes, it enables baristas and bartenders to bring the rich pleasures of buttery buns and cinnamon to bear in creating indulgent and authentic applications, as well as an original twist to beverages and dessert menus.
“Launching in time for Easter, it’s the perfect menu addition to elevate coffees and cocktails beyond the ordinary, and satisfy the discerning palates of consumers seeking something a little more indulgent . In research, MONIN Cinnamon Roll syrup had the highest purchase intention for latte and hot chocolate drinks, so we’re very confident that it will do well with our trade customers and consumers alike.”
MONIN Cinnamon Roll syrup is vegan-friendly, allergen-free, as well as using only natural flavourings, natural colourings, with no added preservatives. MONIN Cinnamon Roll Syrup is supplied in 700ml glass and 1l RPET bottles, with a best before date of 24 months, and keeps for three months at room temperature once opened.
Volvic Touch of Fruit Sparkling Sugar Free
Volvic Touch of Fruit has expanded its range with new Touch of Fruit Sparkling Sugar Free in the UK.
The drinks, which are made with British spring water, come in Strawberry, Mango Passion and Lemon & Lime flavors.
Within flavored sparkling waters, 76% of value sales come from private label – representing space for a mainstream player to provide more choice in the segment, notes the brand.
The new product launch comes as Volvic Touch of Fruit also announces a relaunch of its core range with a new bottle and rebrand, as well as a reformulated recipe for its most popular flavor, strawberry.
Gemma Morgan, Category Marketing Director Beverages at Danone, said: “As consumers continue to choose health-conscious products, Touch of Fruit Sparkling embraces this trend, offering a delicious and refreshing beverage that is sugar free without compromising on taste.
“With our captivating flavours, we believe that making water tasty helps to drive healthier habits. The revamp of the Volvic Touch of Fruit bottle design and a new hero Strawberry flavour recipe aims to encourage new shoppers to reappraise the flavoured water category as a tasty way. We’re excited to see the strong standout of our harmonised brand identity on shelf.”
