SpikedAde Leads the Next Wave of RTDs as the First Vodka-Based Sports Drink–Inspired Beverage

JERSEY CITY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SpikedAde, the first vodka-based enhanced beverage inspired by iconic sports drink flavors, is redefining what ready-to-drink can be—and accelerating quickly. Purpose-built for modern social occasions, SpikedAde combines bold, familiar sports drink flavors with a zero-sugar, 100-calorie, non-carbonated vodka formula, delivering flavor, fun, and function in one sleek can.

"As the original innovator in this emerging subcategory, SpikedAde is shaping a new era of RTDs—designed for modern social occasions where flavor, familiarity, and all-day enjoyment come together," said Jason Cohen, Founder and CEO of SpikedAde.

From First-to-Market Innovation to Proven Performance

Launched in New Jersey—widely regarded as one of the most competitive proving grounds for RTD innovation—SpikedAde entered the market with a clear point of view and immediate traction. Backed by a leadership team of industry veterans and proven entrepreneurs who have helped build some of the largest brands in beverage and consumer packaged goods, SpikedAde has translated vision into results.

In just its first two months on shelf, the brand has delivered standout performance through MolsonCoors/Constellation distributors – Peerless, Shore Point, and Kramer, exceeding expectations across key velocity and repeat metrics:

• Over 1,500 accounts activated within the first two months
• High repeat purchase rates, signaling strong consumer loyalty
• 100% reorder rate across all New Jersey Total Wine locations

This early momentum has unlocked expansion with a key strategic distribution partner, alongside Manhattan Beer Distributors, positioning the brand for rapid multi-market expansion to 15–30 U.S. markets by March.

Defining a New Kind of Refreshment

"Consumers don't want to choose between fun and function anymore," said Jason Cohen, Founder and CEO of SpikedAde. "Sports drink flavors are universally loved, but no one had successfully brought them into spirits—until now. We were first to market because we saw a cultural shift coming: consumers want drinks that can keep up with modern social lives. SpikedAde is built for that moment."

SpikedAde is engineered for today's active, social lifestyle, delivering exactly what modern RTD consumers are seeking:

• Vodka-based
• 100 calories
• Zero sugar
• Non-carbonated

The result is a product that bridges the gap between better-for-you and better-for-fun—without compromise.

Accelerating Growth by Investing in the Right People

SpikedAde's leadership team is composed of seasoned operators and brand builders who have scaled some of the most recognizable names in beverage and consumer packaged goods—bringing institutional rigor to a first-of-its-kind category.

The team was deliberately assembled by Co-Founder and CEO Jason Cohen, a proven consumer entrepreneur with deep operating experience across food and beverage. Over the past two decades, Cohen has helped pioneer and scale iconic snack and beverage brands, with a track record of 10 successful exits, bringing rare pattern recognition around brand building, commercialization, and disciplined growth. Under his leadership, SpikedAde has moved from concept to rapid multi-market expansion, earning early distributor conviction through strong execution and on-shelf performance.

SpikedAde's bench includes former Diageo leaders with deep expertise in building and reinventing iconic global spirits brands, contributing best-in-class brand strategy, innovation discipline, and go-to-market rigor from day one. That foundation is complemented by senior operators from OWYN, whose leadership helped guide a functional beverage brand through rapid national scale and successful acquisition—adding firsthand experience navigating high-growth environments and operational complexity.

Distributor-side expertise is embedded directly into the leadership team, ensuring SpikedAde is built with a clear understanding of wholesaler priorities, market dynamics, and in-market execution—strengthening alignment with distributor partners as the brand scales.

Executive Leadership:

• Jason Cohen, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
• Brad Moose, President & Chief Operating Officer
• Kevin Burns, Chief Sales Officer
• Lisa Lee, Chief Marketing Officer
• Nicky Runnels, VP, New Business Development
• Anthony Giardina, VP, Sales – Northeast Region

Built to Scale as the Category Evolves

To fuel rapid expansion and support national scale-up, SpikedAde closed a $10 million financing round in just 10 days from launch of the offering, underscoring strong investor conviction in the brand, the team, and the emerging vodka-based sports drink–inspired category.

With first-mover advantage, strong early performance, a deeply experienced leadership team, and best-in-class distribution partners, SpikedAde is uniquely positioned to lead growth in the vodka-based sports drink–inspired category in 2026 and beyond.

About SpikedAde

Founded in New Jersey in 2025, SpikedAde is the first vodka-based enhanced beverage inspired by sports drink flavors. Designed to fuel social occasions, SpikedAde delivers a zero-sugar, non-carbonated, 100-calorie vodka experience that brings flavor, fun, and function together in one iconic can. Proudly, SpikedAde is the official vodka drink of your social life, made with sports drink flavors.

Analysis per 12 fl oz: Calories 100, Carbohydrates 3g, Protein 0g, Fat 0g. Spiked Vodka Specialties. 4.5% Alc. by Vol.

Contacts

For media inquiries, please contact: Lisa Lee, [email protected], (215)-888-8950