ATLANTA — The Coca-Cola Co. is releasing an alcohol beverage again, this time inspired by its Simply lemonade brand.
The Atlanta-based beverage company partnered with Chicago-based brewer Molson Coors Beverage Co. to develop and commercialize Simply Spiked Lemonade. This follows the companies’ launch of Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, which hit shelves in 2021.
The Simply Spiked Lemonade variety pack will launch in the summer with four flavors: Strawberry Lemonade, Watermelon Lemonade, Blueberry Lemonade and Signature Lemonade. It will be sold in slim-can 12 packs as a variety pack and 24-ounce standalone cans in select flavors. Each has 5% alcohol by volume (ABV).
“The Coca-Cola Co. and Molson Coors have a thriving relationship in North America. The proof is in the success of Topo Chico Hard Seltzer’s national expansion and the introduction of Topo Chico Ranch Water Hard Seltzer,” said Dan White, chief of new revenue streams for the Coca-Cola North America Operating Unit. “With this momentum, we are excited to expand our relationship with products inspired by another one of our most valuable brands: Simply. We believe people will be excited to try this delicious beverage when it arrives on shelves later this year.”
Simply is Coca-Cola’s second-largest U.S. brand in terms of net revenue, following Coca-Cola, the company said.
Simply Spiked Lemonade and the national expansion of Topo Chico Hard Seltzer mark the latest initiatives to grow Molson Coors’ above premium portfolio as part of the company’s revitalization plan, Molson Coors said.
“Over the past two years, we’ve seen success by shaking up existing categories with new brands that have clear, compelling points of difference, like Coca-Cola's Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, Vizzy Hard Seltzer and ZOA Energy Drink,” said Michelle St. Jacques, Molson Coors’ chief marketing officer. “Now, we have a huge opportunity to leverage the power of Simply.”
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