The Coca-Cola Co. and Pernod Ricard have partnered to launch a new ready-to-drink cocktail: Absolut Vodka & Sprite. The RTD beverage, only available in Europe, brings together two iconic brands that have grown to have a global footprint, the companies said.
And while not available in the United States, those stateside are seeing a growing number of RTD cocktail options that stem from traditionally non-alcohol brands.
The Absolut Vodka & Sprite cocktails bring together premium spirits brand Absolut Vodka and lemon-lime carbonated soft drink Sprite in a 250 milliliter can. Absolut Vodka & Sprite has 5% alcohol by volume.
“While Absolut Vodka and Sprite have long been enjoyed together around the world, we now unite two powerhouse brands in a unique ready-to-drink product,” Francesco Ottaviano, global RTD portfolio director at Paris-based Pernod Ricard, said. “We are thrilled to present this exclusive premium proposition in a convenient and portable format to our European consumers.”
Cans include clear responsibility symbols to indicate the drink is to be enjoyed only by customers of legal drinking age, the companies said. The beverage first launched in Great Britain, and will soon be available in Germany, Spain and the Netherlands.
For those in the United States, there are several other RTD options to choose from:
- Minute Maid Spiked Flavored Wine Cocktails: Red Tree Beverages is releasing three Minute Maid Spiked Flavored Wine Cocktails in the spring. The ready-to-serve wine cocktails further “The Coca-Cola Co.’s deliberate and disciplined experimentation in alcohol in the United States,” said Red Tree Beverages, a firewalled subsidiary of Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Co.
- Sunny D Vodka Seltzer: An alcohol version of the SunnyD juice brand is now available. SunnyD Vodka Seltzer, with 4.5% alcohol, 95 calories and zero grams of sugar, is being sold in a four-pack of 12-ounce slim cans with a suggested retail price of $9.99. Single cans are also available.
- The Beast Unleashed: The flavored malt beverage from Monster Energy contains 6% alcohol and is available in 16-ounce single-serve cans and 12-packs of 12-ounce slim cans. There are four flavors: Mean Green, White Haze, Peach Perfect and Scary Berries. Each 12-ounce serving contains 130 calories, zero sugar and 3 to 4 grams of carbohydrates. Monster is also coming out with a Nasty Beast Hard Tea.
- Simply Spiked Lemonade: Coca-Cola Co. and Molson Coors Beverage Co. partnered to release Simple Spiked Lemonade canned cocktails. The Simply Spiked Lemonade variety pack included four flavors: Strawberry Lemonade, Watermelon Lemonade, Blueberry Lemonade and Signature Lemonade.
- Topo Chico Hard Seltzer: Coca-Cola and Molson Coors also partnered to launch Topo Chico Hard Seltzer. Topo Chico Hard Seltzer was inspired by Topo Chico sparkling mineral water, a 125-year-old Mexican brand popular among consumers across the country. The hard seltzer was initially available in 12 packs of slim cans in four flavors: Tangy Lemon Lime, Exotic Pineapple, Strawberry Guava and Tropical Mango.
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