Retail News CRM

Tag: cocktails

  • Australian Brand Naked Life Shakes Up the US Market with Non-Alcoholic Cocktails at Target Stores Nationwide

    Australian Brand Naked Life Shakes Up the US Market with Non-Alcoholic Cocktails at Target Stores Nationwide

    The Australian non-alcoholic cocktail maker, Naked Life, has broadened its footprint in the US by launching its products in 800 Target stores nationwide.

    Naked Life’s Unique Offering

    Naked Life is renowned for their non-sugar, non-alcoholic beverages crafted from natural botanicals. This strategic move into the vast US market signifies the brand’s commitment to offering premium non-alcoholic and ready-to-drink cocktails. This expansion comes at a time when a growing number of consumers are leaning towards non-alcoholic alternatives in the market.

    The company’s top-selling flavours, Cosmopolitan and Margarita, each contain a mere five calories, appealing to health-conscious consumers. These popular flavours are available in four-packs at Target for a retail price of $8.49.

    Meeting Consumer Demand

    Tracey Bien Schenck, a spokesperson for Naked Life, reflected on the changing market trends and consumer preferences. “Gen Z and Millennials of legal drinking age are incorporating non-alcoholic cocktails into their evolving drinking habits. They are on the lookout for drinks that offer an elevated experience and stay true to classic recipes,” she said.

    The partnership with Target allows Naked Life to engage with consumers directly in their shopping environment. “This launch enables us to introduce Naked Life to more households across the US. It gives everyone the opportunity to join in the cheers,” added Schenck.

    Recognition for Quality

    Naked Life’s range of products has been recognised and awarded by major US spirit competitions including the USA Spirits Awards, SIP Awards, and Miami Global Spirits Awards. These accolades underscore the brand’s commitment to producing non-alcoholic cocktails that match the taste, complexity, and craftsmanship of their alcoholic counterparts.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Naked Life known for?
    Naked Life is known for its non-sugar, non-alcoholic cocktails made with natural botanicals.

    How is Naked Life addressing the changing consumer preferences?
    By introducing its non-alcoholic, low-calorie drinks to the US market, Naked Life is addressing the increasing demand for non-alcoholic options.

    Which Naked Life products are being launched in the US?
    Naked Life is launching its best-selling flavours, Cosmopolitan and Margarita, in the US.

  • New Zealand’s Non-Alcoholic Sensation Free AF Shakes Up UK Market with Delectable RTD Cocktails

    New Zealand’s Non-Alcoholic Sensation Free AF Shakes Up UK Market with Delectable RTD Cocktails

    Free AF, a New Zealand-based company specializing in non-alcoholic beverages, has made its debut in the UK market. Their range of ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails is now available to consumers across the country in Morrisons retail locations and online.

    Product Availability

    The product lineup available in Morrisons stores includes two flavours: Apero Spritz and Spiced Rum & Ginger. The Margarita flavour, on the other hand, can be purchased online through both Amazon and Free AF’s own website.

    Each 250ml can is reasonably priced at £2.50 (equivalent to A$5). The beverages feature Afterglow, a unique blend of New Zealand botanicals that give the drinks a warming sensation similar to that of alcohol, without any actual alcohol content.

    Company Expansion

    Free AF, founded by Lisa King, has already established a significant market presence in New Zealand and the United States. Their products are available in over 4,000 stores across the US, including popular retail chains Target, Walmart, and Sprouts.

    King expressed her excitement about the company’s expansion into the UK market, despite the challenging economic climate. “Entering the UK market is a huge milestone for us,” she said. “Every stage of growth has been shaped by our customers here at home. Their feedback influenced everything – from flavour to purpose – and that’s what’s enabled us to scale globally.”

    Brand Presence

    The brand has made appearances at high-profile events such as Coachella, New York Fashion Week, and NZ Fashion Week. Recently, Free AF announced a three-year partnership with The Nelson Mandela Foundation. As part of their commitment, a portion of Free AF’s global sales will go towards supporting the non-profit organization.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Free AF?
    Free AF is a New Zealand-based company that specializes in non-alcoholic beverages.

    What flavours are available from Free AF in the UK?
    The flavours available in the UK include Apero Spritz and Spiced Rum & Ginger in Morrisons stores, and Margarita online.

    Where else is Free AF available?
    Apart from the UK, Free AF products are also available in New Zealand and the United States, with their products being stocked in over 4,000 stores across the US.

  • El Toro Unveils Pocket Cocktails: Portable, Premium, And Playfully Packaged

    El Toro Unveils Pocket Cocktails: Portable, Premium, And Playfully Packaged

    El Toro Tequila, a revered liquor brand, has recently unveiled a new line of compact, ready-to-drink cocktails, ingeniously designed to fit conveniently into a pocket. This innovative creation, aptly named ‘Pocket Cocktails’, offers a simple, portable, and engaging option for alcohol consumers on the move.

    The Pocket Cocktails line currently encompasses two distinct flavors. The first being ‘Emergency Margarita’, which is a classic margarita mix, while the second, ‘Pocket Paloma’, marries the flavors of blanco tequila and Bickford’s grapefruit cordial into a delightful blend.

    Michael Newbold, the Senior Brand Manager at Vok Beverages, emphasized their intent to simplify the cocktail-making process for the public. He suggested unconventional yet feasible alternatives for cocktail shakers, such as ice combined with a used mason jar or protein shaker, specifically for the Emergency Margarita.

    Even though the Pocket Cocktails’ packaging may denote a fun and light-hearted approach, Newbold reiterated their commitment to quality, stressing that these beverages are created with premium ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship. He underscored the seriousness with which they approach their drinks, despite their playful appearance.

    The innovative El Toro Pocket Cocktails are retailing for an RRP of $15 each and can be found at Dan Murphy’s stores across the country and selected BWS outlets.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the concept behind El Toro’s Pocket Cocktails?
    The Pocket Cocktails are designed as a fun, easy, and portable alternative for drinkers on the go.

    What flavors are currently available in the Pocket Cocktails range?
    The range currently offers two flavors, namely ‘Emergency Margarita’, a classic margarita mix, and ‘Pocket Paloma’, a blend of blanco tequila and Bickford’s grapefruit cordial.

    How can the Emergency Margarita be prepared without a cocktail shaker?
    If a cocktail shaker is not available, alternatives such as a mason jar or protein shaker filled with ice can be used instead.

  • New Zealand’s Finery zero per cent cocktails launch in Australia

    New Zealand’s Finery zero per cent cocktails launch in Australia

    Aussie consumers are to get more non-alcoholic choices as New Zealand’s cocktails brand Finery launches alcohol-free cocktails in Australia.

    Created by The Fine People, The Finery zero percent cocktails range consists of four flavors, using a blend of distilled extracts, tinctures, and natural flavors to deliver a collection of premium blend beverages, free from alcohol.

    The range is also free from sugar, carbohydrates, gluten, and preservatives, with vegan-friendly options.

    “With more people looking for non-alcoholic drink options than ever before, we wanted to offer a delicious drink without the sugary calories often associated with non-alcoholic drinks,” said Jane Allan, co-founder of The Fine People.

    “By removing the alcohol content we’ve made it even healthier than before, ensuring non-drinkers get to enjoy the taste of the original Finery, without the calories associated with alcohol.”

    Finery zero percent cocktails will be available across Dan Murphy’s stores across the country. The products are sold in packs of four with an RRP of AU$15.95.

  • Fever-Tree launches two new cocktail mixer flavours

    Fever-Tree launches two new cocktail mixer flavours

    Premium cocktail mixer brand Fever-Tree has unveiled two new flavours – Classic Margarita Mixer and Sparkling Mojito Mixer.

    The company says its latest release is designed to be mixed with premium spirits and both deliver bar-quality cocktails without any artificial flavourings, sweeteners or preservatives.

    The Classic Margarita Mixer is crafted with Mexican limes and blended with Italian blood oranges along with a pinch of Scottish sea salt while the Sparkling Mojito Mixer is made from Mexican limes and contains Moroccan spearmint.

    Andy Gaunt, MD of Fever-Tree, said this is just the beginning of growth and innovation in the cocktail mixer category for the brand.

    “As was the case with carbonated mixers, the non-carbonated category is ripe with opportunity, and bound for tremendous growth.”

    The range retails for $19 and is available across Dan Murphy’s stores nationally.

  • Moët Hennessy opens a five-story luxury cocktail bar in Paris

    Moët Hennessy opens a five-story luxury cocktail bar in Paris

    Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits arm of LVMH, has openedCravan, a new luxury cocktail bar in Paris.

    The five-floor bar is located at 165 Saint-Germain Boulevard in the sixth district of Paris.

    The bar is housed in a 17th-century Parisian building, which has been reimagined by Belgian designer Ramy Fischler.

    The structure will also have a Rizzoli bookstore curated by Cravan.

    For this venture, Moët Hennessy partnered with Franck Audoux, the founder and artistic director of Cravan.

    Audoux is a historian turned restaurateur and cocktail expert. He founded the original Cravan site on Rue Jean de la Fontaine.

    Moët Hennessy will provide the drinks to the bar, which will be mixed under the supervision of Audoux.

    The top floors of the venue have a by-invitation-only private atelier and mini Parisian kiosk perched on the building’s rooftop, where movies will be screened on warm summer nights.

    Moët Hennessy chairman and CEO Philippe Schaus said: “It is with great pride that we open today the doors of Cravan, bringing to life Moët Hennessy’s mission: crafting experiences.

    “I am delighted to start welcoming our guests at the heart of a historical literary neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, inviting them to step into the unique and singular universe of Cravan.

    “Celebrating epicureanism through a sustainable, lasting, and inspired approach of hospitality, Cravan is a strategic milestone in Moët Hennessy’s ambition to lead the future of luxury wines and spirits.”

    The bar will be open from Tuesday to Saturday between 5PM and 2AM.

  • Moon Dog Brewing launches Cocktail Spritz

    Moon Dog Brewing launches Cocktail Spritz

    From the team that continues to surprise and delight Australians with their famously flavourful beers, Moon Dog Brewing is entering the ready-to-drink cocktail market and launching Moon Dog Cooler in early 2022. Since launching Moon Dog back in 2010, the company has been known for pushing the boundaries when it comes to flavor and in releasing Moon Dog Cooler, they’re taking this to a whole new level.

    Moon Dog Cooler is a new range of juicy cocktail spritzes that will be hitting shelves in January 2022 with all the health benefits of lighter beverages, like seltzer, whilst still offering a complex finish.

    Inspired by retro cocktails and mixed by 3x Australian bartender of the year, Chris Hysted-Adams (former Black Pearl) these cocktails are destined to be a hit at the next get together, at the park or at home after a long day.

    “It was really fun jumping back into the world of cocktail making and experimenting with different natural flavors and emulsions to create something that stands out against hand-rruxed spritzes. It’s been something that I’ve been drinking a lot of in recent months and I’m chuffed to now share it with consumers on a national scale”, says Hysted-Adams.

    It’ll be $25 for a 4-pack of Moon Dog Cooler, they’ll be wrapped up into a 16-can carton, meaning that a slab will be $100 bucks.

    Moon Dog Cooler will also be widely available in pubs, clubs, and bars through the world’s first Moon Dog Fizzer Alcoholic Seltzer Post Mix Machine and will be available to take home from the Moon Dog online store and all good bottle shops.

    The range will kick off with two delicious cocktail spritzes that are bound to be fan favorites; Blood Orange, Finger Lime & Agave and Passion Fruit, Yellow Peach & Yuzu.

    Blood Orange, Finger Lime & Agave is a spritzy twist on a margarita that’s bursting with zesty blood orange, fresh finger lime and a hint of agave. Passion Fruit, Yellow Peach & Yuzu is a spritzy twist on a tropical punch that is bursting with juicy passion fruit, fresh peach and zesty yuzu.

    “The Blood Orange, Finger Lime & Agave Cocktail Spritz is the perfect spritz Margarita for summer; it’s super light and refreshing but with bold, punchy flavors. The Passion Fruit, Yellow Peach & Yuzu Cocktail Spritz is a perfectly balanced uber tropical punch that offers a natural juicy finish without being too sweet”, says Hysted-Adams.

    Moon Dog Cooler offers a delicious flavourful cocktail spritz that’s low carbs, low calories, low sugar, all natural, preservative free and vegan friendly. Like all Moon Dog products, Moon Dog Cooler is Australian made and owned.

    “What we’ve been able to achieve with Moon Dog Cooler is great; they’re super flavourful, complex and delicious cocktail spritzes and with low carbs, natural flavours and no added sugar. We’re offering consumers something that’s never really been done before – Wallah!” says Hysted-Adams.

    Moon Dog Cooler can be enjoyed straight out of the can or over some ice. If you’re feeling a little bit fancy we’d recommend dipping your wine glass in some salt for the Blood Orange, Finger Lime & Agave Cocktail Spritz, or garnish the Passion Fruit, Yellow Peach & Yuzu cocktail spritz with a passion fruit half.

  • Hendrick’s super-premium premixed cocktail helps Covid-19 hit bar trade

    Hendrick’s super-premium premixed cocktail helps Covid-19 hit bar trade

    For the first year on the market, William Grant & Sons will donate $1 from each bottle sold to the company’s StandFast fund that supports the hospitality industry struggling through Covid-19 trading restrictions.

    The range comprises Monkey Shoulder Lazy Old Fashioned, Reyka Rhubarb Cosmopolitan, Glenfiddich Scotch Manhattan and the Gin Martini.

    Teams from each of the five participating bars developed three variations of Hendrick’s Martini using ingredients often unique to their location. Gracie, Hendrick’s master distiller together with global ambassador Ally Martin, drew from the best of the different flavour elements that were presented and developed the Batch & Bottle Hendrick’s Gin Martini, seeking feedback from the bars at every step.

    “I worked closely with some of the very best martini-making bars in the world, taking inspiration from what they do and translating it into something you can easily pour at home that’s fresh, floral, round and smooth like Hendrick’s,” said Gracie. “Each bar had a wildly different take on what made the perfect martini. It sent me down a rabbit hole of flavour discovery, experimenting endlessly with different ingredients and flavour combinations.”

    To create the final martini, each bar worked alongside Gracie and Martin to hone and develop the recipe with ingredients that inspired them.

  • Sydney startup wins seed funding to expand ‘bagged’ cocktail range

    Sydney startup wins seed funding to expand ‘bagged’ cocktail range

    Ready-to-drink cocktail startup Sophisticated Cocktail Co has successfully completed another seed funding round.

    According to the company, the funds will be used to drive a greater retail presence nationwide and in three international markets by the end of this year.

    The startup has also recorded strong growth in its first six months via its online e-commerce platform as well as a number of independent liquor stores across NSW, the company reports.

    Launched late last year, the cocktails are packaged in sustainable stand-up pouches with a range of premium Cosmopolitans, Margaritas, Espresso Martinis, and Pina Coladas.

    Online alcohol sales spiked last year, and with an increase in people who prefer to drink their cocktails at home, founder and CEO of Sophisticated Cocktail Co, Vicky Lyon, said she identified a gap in the market for large-scale premium batched cocktails that could be served anytime and anywhere.

    “Everyone loves a cocktail, but not everyone has the know-how or means to make one,” said Lyon.

    “We have noticed that our customers tend to serve our cocktails at events such as dinner parties, picnics, boats, camping, or on weekend trips away. At $7.50