Spring is almost here and the latest ready-to-drink cocktail launches are preparing for the warm weather occasions, including new lemonade flavored vodka seltzers, shareable ready-to-serve margaritas, authentic Mexican tequila drinks and a canned Cosmopolitan.
Country Luau
Country Luau, a new spirits-based RTD cocktail venture by former Waterloo Sparkling Water marketing VP Adam Kost, launched this month with four varieties: Strawberry Daq Shack (white rum), Yuzu Ranch Water (blanco tequila), Mango Mosa (vodka) and Pineapple Jalapen-Y’all (vodka). Each 12 oz. can contains 2 grams of sugar and 100 calories. Single flavor 4-packs retail for $12.99 and variety 6-packs are priced at $16.99.
Crook & Marker
Organic cocktail maker Crook & Marker has introduced a 15% ABV Ready-to-Serve Margarita Series, a new line of 750 mL bottled cocktails available in Lime and Strawberry Hibiscus flavors. Each serving contains zero sugar, 110 calories and 1 gram of carbohydrates. The drinks are available now in retail stores nationwide and are also sold to bar and restaurant accounts.
Denali Spirits
Denali Spirits is partnering with the NHL’s new franchise team, the Seattle Kraken, and Climate Pledge Arena to debut two new vodka-based RTD cocktails: Seattle Kraken Lemon Drop and Seattle Kraken Raspberry Lemon Drop. Using the distillery’s signature vodka, the drinks are sold at grab-and-go stands, bars and suites at the Climate Pledge Arena – also home to WNBA team the Seattle Storm and Seattle University’s Redhawks men’s basketball team – including. Denali also plans to expand availability in the coming months to retail across the Pacific Northwest.
Kinky Beverages
Kinky Beverages is expanding its presence in the RTD cocktail category with a new ready-to-serve line of 1.75 liter Kinky Pre-Mixed Cocktails. The shareable bottles come in Aloha Breeze, Patio Punch and Margarita varieties with an ABV of 9.95%. Each bottle retails for $19.99.
Loverboy
Loverboy, the ready-to-drink alcohol brand founded by Bravo TV star Kyle Cooke, is introducing a modern cocktail classic to its lineup with the Cosmopolitan. Rather than the traditional vodka, Loverboy’s take on the New York staple is made with orange wine, lime juice, blue agave and “an ever-so-slight splash” of cranberry juice. Each 250 mL can contains two servings (95 calories and 3.5 grams of sugar each) with an ABV of 12%. The Cosmopolitan is available in 44 states for direct-to-consumer sales for $49 per 8-pack.
NUTRL
With winter coming to a close, ready-to-drink vodka seltzer brand NUTRL has introduced a lemonade variety pack made with real juice. Each 12 oz. can has a 4.5% ABV and the drinks come in Classic Lemonade, Blackberry, Peach and Strawberry flavors.
SouthNorte
San Diego brewery SouthNorte, known for its line of Mexican-style craft beers, is expanding its mission of delivering authentic Mexican flavors to the U.S. market by making the leap into the RTD cocktail space. The new canned line includes three tequila and lime-based libations: Mexican Mule (ginger beer), Paloma (grapefruit) and The Matador (pineapple). The cocktails will be sold at select retailers and can also be purchased on the brand’s website.
Viva Beverages
Massachusetts-based Viva Beverages is debuting a new line of blanco tequila seltzers in retail accounts and bars across the state this month. The seltzers are available in four flavors; Huckleberry, Elderberry, Watermelon and Grapefruit and each 12 oz. can contains 88 calories, zero grams of sugar and zero carbs with 4.5% ABV. Each flavor is available in single-flavor 4-packs in retail and variety 8-packs can be found online on the company’s website.