Say ‘Ahhh!’ A Variety of Summer Thirst Quenchers

CHICAGO — Summer in the city—or in the country—brings with it a particular vibe that calls for lighter beverages and sweeter flavors.

A notable number of retailers are rolling out such drinks for limited and not-so-limited times. Seeking a spiked seltzer? Looking for a lemonade? Eyeing an iced tea?

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A new spiked seltzer party pack from San Luis Obispo, Calif.-based Cali Squeeze comes in three new flavors:

• Pink Lemonade: Hints at a refreshing glass of strawberry lemonade.
• Ruby Grapefruit: An added touch of mango brings and balance of sweet and tart.
• Wild Berry: Packed with a medley of berries for a full-bodied flavor.

The seltzers are made with all-natural ingredients, real juice and no artificial sweeteners, and are 5% alcohol by volume. The fruits used are grown on the central coast of California.

A classic citrus blended with watermelon, Watermelon Lemonade is the newest permanent flavor to Preston, Wash.-based Talking Rain Beverage Co.’s Sparkling Ice +Caffeine lineup.

The flavor is inspired by the uptick in consumer flavor trends, the company said. That uptick includes watermelon-flavored beverages driving more than $1.5 billion in sales and growing by 58% year over year in 2021, according to Chicago-based IRI. Meanwhile, lemonade-flavored beverages accounted for more than $1.6 billion in sales in the same year.

Now available nationwide in 16-ounce cans, consumers can enjoy Watermelon Lemonade on its own, or it can be enjoyed as a fun mixer in one of Sparkling Ice’s recipes such as the Kickin’ Watermelon Lemonade.

This zero-sugar beverage contains 70 mg of caffeine with 5 calories per serving, along with antioxidants and vitamin A.

This is the seventh flavor added to the roster of +Caffeine beverages. The others are Cherry Vanilla, Black Raspberry, Blue Raspberry, Citrus Twist, Orange Passion Fruit and Strawberry Citrus.

Flow Beverage Corp. has vitamin-infused water available in 16.9-ounce containers in three new organic flavors: Cherry, Citrus and Elderberry.

Flow, Toronto, says its vitamin-infused water products are a healthier alternative to similar products in the functional water category. The beverages contain 120% of the daily recommended value of vitamin C and are an excellent source of zinc. They contain no sugar, calories nor preservatives and are made with organic certified ingredients.

The beverages are sold in a sustainable, 100% recyclable and up to 75% renewable plant-based pack.

Rochester, N.Y.-based Karma Water’s containers feature a patented, protective push cap that infuses the undiluted probiotics, adaptogens and nutrients just before drinking, ensuring that all vitamins are delivered at peak potency.

The line includes: 

• Karma Probiotic Water, which has 20 calories per bottle and 2 billion cultures. Flavors include Berry Cherry, Blueberry Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade and Tropical Coconut.
• Karma Wellness Water, which has 20 calories per bottle and 110% of seven essential vitamins. Flavors include Orange Mango, Elderberry Starfruit and Passionfruit Green Tea.
• Karma CBD Water, which contains 25 milligrams of cannabidiol, four adaptogens and 25 calories per bottle. Flavors include Watermelon Dragonfruit, Cranberry Lime, Lavender Orange and Blueberry Yuzu.

All three beverages are non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan and lactose free.

Shore Tea is a limited-edition peach-flavored hard beverage from a partnership between Wawa, Pa.-based Wawa and Cape May Brewing Co.

The convenience-store retailer in July released the canned drink at the grand opening of its newest beer store in Bucks County, Pa., and Cape May Brewing Co. released it at its tasting room in Rio Grande, N.J., and select other retailers.

The hard tea, available in limited quantities of six-pack 12-ounce cans, is made with Wawa’s Peach Iced Tea and Cape May’s adult libations. It has 4.5% alcohol, and all ingredients are gluten-free. The beverage does not contain peach juice.

Tropicana, Bradenton, Fla., has two new island-inspired beverages:

• Peachy Pineapple Paradise blends the flavors of sun-ripened peach and juicy pineapple. It comes in a 52-ounce bottle.
• Piña Colada is a refreshing drink that combines the flavors of juicy pineapple and creamy coconut. It’s available in a 12-ounce single-serve bottle. 

The flavors can be enjoyed on their own, over ice or in a seasonal cocktail or mocktail, the company said.

Naked Juice’s Naked Antioxidants Mighty Berry is an excellent source of antioxidants to support immune function, the Monrovia, Calif.-based company said​.

The beverage is gluten-free, kosher, non-GMO and an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E and antioxidants. There is no added sugar or preservatives. It comes in a 15.2-ounce bottle.