13 New Drinks for the Alcohol Door
By Steve Holtz on Sep. 12, 2019CHICAGO — The variety of flavors available in the alcohol doors of the cold vault continues to expand as brewers and distillers develop new drink styles in convenient cans and single-serve packaging. From spiked teas and waters to hard coffee and cocktails, here are 13 recently launched drinks to consider ...
1. MillerCoors
After a successful debut of Arnold Palmer Spiked Half & Half in 2018, the team at MillerCoors, Chicago, will add Arnie's Spiked Iced Tea and Arnie's Spiked Lemonade to its product lineup in conjunction with partner AriZona Beverages, an official beverage licensee of Arnold Palmer Enterprises. The two new flavors are noncarbonated beverages, with real juice in the lemonade and natural tea in the iced tea option. Both come in at 5% alcohol by volume. The new drinks initially are available in 24-ounce cans in the following markets: Columbus, Ohio; Las Vegas; Pittsburgh; and Albany, N.Y.
2. FIFCO USA
Seven months after launching the first spiked still water, FIFCO USA has rolled out Pura Still in new 23.5-ounce single cans and a 12-can variety package in Blackberry, Mango and Mandarin Orange flavors. At 4.5% alcohol by volume, Pura Still is made with a splash of coconut water and subtle fruit flavors; it has 95 calories, 1 gram of cane sugar and 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving, according to the Rochester, N.Y.-based company.
3. Pabst Brewing Co.
Milwaukee-based Pabst Brewing Co. debuted Pabst Blue Ribbon Hard Coffee in limited test markets in July. PBR Hard Coffee contains 5% alcohol by volume and is made using Arabica and Robusta coffee beans and "a dash" of American milk. Hard Coffee is currently available in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maine, Florida and Georgia.
4. Dry Fly
Spokane, Wash.-based Dry Fly Distilling wants to bring cocktail culture to tailgating. Dry Fly, the maker of Dry Fly Gin and Vodka, is launching On the Fly canned craft cocktails. The new line includes three cocktail styles: Moscow Mule, Gin & Tonic and Spicy Lemonade. The drinks come in 355-mL cans and are available in four-packs with a suggested retail price of $12.99 each. There are also plans to add new cocktails to the lineup over time, according to the company.
5. Rogue Spirits
Rogue Ale & Spirits, a craft distiller and brewer based in Newport, Ore., has launched its first sparkling canned cocktail line. Rogue Spirits are available in three flavors: Cucumber Lime Gin Fizz, Cranberry Elderflower Vodka Soda and Ginger Lime Vodka Mule. The drinks come in four-packs of 12-ounce slim cans. The 7.5% ABV, gluten-free cocktails are made with Rogue Spirits and 100% natural ingredients, according to the company.
6. Two Roots Brewing
Two Roots Brewing, a manufacturer of nonalcohol cannabis-infused craft beer, has released two new seasonal styles: Mango Dango and Grapefruit Fight. For the IPA fan, Mango Dango is hoppy with mango infusion, while Grapefruit Fight is a true radler combining traditional lager and grapefruit, according to the San Diego-based company. The drinks are packaged in 10-ounce cans and contain 5 milligrams of THC.
7. Fundamental Beverages
Charlotte, N.C.-based Fundamental Beverages launched Newground Hard Dutch Lattes in July. The premium, ready-to-drink malt beverages are infused with real coffee or tea, Dutch cream and alcohol. Imported from Holland, the beverages are available in two flavors: Hard Dutch Cafe Latte and Hard Dutch Chai Latte. Newground can be purchased as singles or four-packs of 6.76-ounce cans.
8. Ceria Brewing
After launching a THC-infused craft beer in December, Arvada, Colo.-based Ceria Brewing entered the nonalcohol-beer market with noninfused Grainwave NA Belgian White Ale. The new drink is sold in 12-ounce aluminum cans and will initially be available in Colorado before expanding into California and eventually nationwide.
9. Round Barn
After 22 years of selling exclusively from its family of properties in southwest Michigan’s wine region, Baroda, Mich.-based Round Barn Winery has entered the retail channel with canned Red Sangria, Crantini, Cherry Spritzer and Peach Bellini products. The drinks, packaged in 12-ounce slim cans, are initially being distributed to more than 150 Meijer’s stores and other regional groceries in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin.
10. 'Merican Mule
Norwalk, Conn.-based 'Merican Mule has launched two new flavors of its canned mule cocktails: Tropical Style and Mexican Style. The Tropical Style Mule is made with rum, ginger and pineapple, and the Mexican Style Mule contains tequila, ginger and lime. The drinks, packaged in 12-ounce cans with 7% ABV, initially are available in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York.
11. Boston Beer
The Boston Beer Co. launched its Wild Leaf Craft Hard Tea line in July. The subtly sweet drinks are brewed with tea grown in the Argentinian rainforest and feature less sugar and calories than other flavored malt beverages, according to the company. Wild Leaf is infused with a hint of real fruit for a balanced taste with 11 grams of sugar, 130 calories and 4.5% ABV. The drinks are available in two flavors: Black Tea with Lemon & Honeysuckle and Green Tea with Apple & Honey.
12. Common Cider
Common Cider Co., Auburn, Calif., has added single-serve, 19.2-ounce stovepipe cans to its packaging offerings. The first two ciders available in the tall cans are Blood Orange Tangerine and Blackberry Sangria, with more flavors coming soon, the company said.
13. Koloa Rum Co.
Koloa Rum Co., the first licensed commercial distillery on the island of Kauai, now offers three ready-to-drink cocktail blends: Hawaii Pineapple Passion Rum Cocktail, Hawaiian Mai Tai and Hawaiian Rum Punch. All Koloa Rum RTD cocktails are made using juices and purees, never premixes or canned products, to deliver authentic, quality flavors, according to the company.