In our latest look at new RTD cocktail releases, Owl’s Brew invites comedian Chelsea Handler to spike its lemonade, Surfside goes green (with tea, that is) and Cutwater goes sweet on us with its Strawberry White Russian.
Kickstand Cocktails
BevNET Best of Award winner Kickstand Cocktails is revamping inside the can and out, as it rolls out a reformulated product with zero carbs, no added sugars and 110 calories per 12 oz can. The 4-SKU line — available in Roasted Jalapeño Cucumber, Smashed Raspberry Habanero, Charred Pineapple Poblano and Torched Peach Chipotle — has also been reimagined in brighter, bolder packaging. For more information, visit kickstandcocktails.com
On the Rocks
RTD specialist On the Rocks is teaming with EFFEN Vodka for its latest release: Lemon Drop Martini (ABV 20%) in 750ml and 375ml bottles. To learn more, go to otrcocktails.com.
Sprinter
Kylie Jenner’s Sprinter vodka soda is unveiling its first-ever single-flavor 4 pack (Peach) now available nationwide, and is marking the occasion with a week of activities across Atlanta and Athens, Georgia. For more information, visit drinksprinter.com.
Owl’s Brew
As comedian Chelsea Handler recalled in her upcoming memoir, as a young entrepreneur, “I realized I could make a lot more money if I spiked my lemonade.” Turns out, that trick still works, as Handler is teaming with Owl’s Brew to launch Chelsea Handler’s Vodka Lemonade (ABV 5%) in 12 oz cans in three flavors: Classic, Pink and Mint. The line launched at retail yesterday in variety 8-packs priced at $21.99. For more information, visit theowlsbrew.com.
Surfside
When you are the fastest-growing alcohol brand of 2024, it makes sense to hit the ground running in 2025. That’s the case for Surfside, which is rolling out a series of Green Tea line extensions including a variety 8-pack ($19.99), single-flavor 4-packs ($9.99) and a new 700ml single can “The Longboard” aimed at stadium venues and c-stores. All varieties clock in at 4.5% ABV and 100 calories per 12 oz. can. To learn more, visit drinksurfside.com.
Craftwell Cocktails
Golf courses have been fertile ground for next-gen RTD cocktail brands, and Craftwell is the latest to take a swing at it: meet the Transfusion, Craftwell’s take on the country club classic made with a refreshing blend of Pacific Northwest Concord grapes, Mexican key lime juice and a kick of ginger. The Transfusion (ABV 8.5%) is available in 4-packs of 12 oz. cans for a limited time at retailers in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Colorado and California, as well as online. For more information, go to craftwellcocktails.com.
Cutwater
A strawberry White Russian in a can? If anyone can make it work, it’s the RTD cocktail specialists at Cutwater. The brand’s newest release pairs its award-winning vodka with coffee cream liqueur and the natural sweetness of strawberries for a creamy and decadent experience right out of the can. For more information, visit cutwaterspirits.com.
Lightstrike
In terms of innovation, this one certainly stands out. First teased in November, beer maker New Belgium has now officially released Lightstrike, a ABV 5% non-carbonated beverage in 16.9 oz resealable PET bottles made with coconut water and sea salt. Positioned as a “hard refresher built to outpace the party,” the two-SKU line (Lemon Lime, Orange Mango) is sold in single-flavor 4-packs for around $9.99 each. To learn more, go to drinklightstrike.com.
Mezcalum x Bartesian
Bartesian’s Keurig-for-cocktails concept received a complement of validation this week with the announcement of a new limited edition cocktail capsule — the Mezcalita, made with fresh orange and lime juices — created in partnership with mezcal brand Mezcalum. Mezcalita are now available in 8-packs for $24.96. For more information, visit bartesian.com.