Fall’s ready-to-drink (RTD) releases push ABV higher and lean into the season. Cocktails from Absolut and Carbliss amp up the buzz, while pumpkin spiced drinks, chocolate martinis and Cosmo riffs land ahead of the holidays. Here’s what’s new on shelf:
Absolut & Ocean Spray
Pernod Ricard is turning up the vodka. Joining the wave of brands offering more buzz for the buck, Absolut & Ocean Spray Double packs two shots of Absolut Vodka and Ocean Spray cranberry juice into a non-carbonated 9% ABV can. Double Cranberry Crush and Double Cran-Grape Smash are on shelves nationwide now. More at absolut.com.
Jack Daniel’s
Brown-Forman is canning the SKU that’s pulling in new drinkers to its flagship brand. Tennessee Blackberry mixed with lemonade is the whiskey brand’s first RTD featuring a flavored variety. The 4.8% ABV, 100-calorie cocktail rolled out nationwide in September in 4-packs of 355 ml cans at $11.99 SRP. More at jackdaniels.com.
Carbliss
Carbliss, the canned cocktail that has become one of the fastest-growing independent brands in its category, is launching a 12% ABV Cocktail Collection in November. The new lineup contains four flavors: Tequila-based Margarita and Mango Margarita, a vodka-based Blackberry Moscow Mule, and a rum-based Mai Tai. Despite the higher proof, the brand has kept its same zero carbs and sugar, with 250 calories. More at drinkcarbliss.com.
Via Carota Craft Cocktails
The RTD line inspired by the restaurant in NYC’s West Village has added a Sparkling Cosmo: triple-distilled vodka, cranberry, lime and orange zest topped with sparkling wine. The 11% ABV cocktail comes in single-serve 200 ml bottles, sold in 4-packs for $23.99 at retailers including Total Wine and select Trader Joe’s locations, and in 10-packs online. More at drinkviacarota.com.
On The Rocks
Suntory Global Spirits’ On The Rocks has released a limited-edition Chocolate Martini made with chocolate liqueur and EFFEN Vodka, developed by global brand ambassador Joaquín Simó. The dairy-free cocktail is built to be shaken cold or gently warmed as a hot serve. More at otrcocktails.com.
Rancho La Gloria
‘Tis the season for pumpkin spiced-everything, including espresso martinis. Rancho La Gloria’s limited-edition Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini is a 14.9% ABV, agave wine-based cocktail with espresso, coffee and pumpkin spice notes, sold in the brand’s 1.5L bottle for $15.99 SRP. An Apple Cinnamon Martini follows. More at rancholagloria.com.
Big Sipz
Blast Off Blue, a blue raspberry cocktail, is launching into the stratosphere. At 16% ABV, Big Sipz claims it flies the highest of wine-based cocktails. Now rolling out to convenience stores nationwide. More at bigsipz.com.
Hardhide
New Orleans-based Sidewalk Side Spirits is canning two serves fans already pour with its Hardhide flavored whiskeys. Hardhide Southern Whiskey Cocktails launch with Ponchatoula Sparkling Strawberry Whiskey Lemonade and Chilton County Peach Whiskey Iced Tea. Both are 5.9% ABV in 12 oz. cans, rolling out in late September in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas and Kentucky. More at hardhidewhiskeys.com.
Noctría
New nightlife-driven brand Noctría launched in August with Smoky Ranch Water and Spicy Mezcalíta, made with only five ingredients including espadín mezcal from Oaxaca and Icelandic glacial water. Each 12 oz. can is 5% ABV and 130 calories at a $5.99 SRP. More at drinknoctria.com.
NYLA
NYLA is a new vodka seltzer built around a New York and Los Angeles identity. Made with Neft Vodka, the lineup includes Rose Elderflower Cucumber, Yuzu Apple, Blackberry Sage and Lime Grapefruit, each at 90 calories with zero sugar and zero carbs. The brand launched in August and sells for $20.99 per 8-pack. More at nyladrinks.com.
Pepe’s Margarita
There are many styles of margarita, but Pepe’s Margarita, produced by Casa Orta, comes in the form of a 15% ABV agave wine-based cocktail. The four SKUs – Original, Citrus Cantarito, Spicy and Passion Fruit – arrive in 12 oz cans and 1L bottles distributed exclusively in Colorado by SOS Distributors.