6 flavor-forward adult beverage debuts

With flavor-forward attributes often proving to be the top motivator for consumers when selecting adult beverages—from flavored malt to canned cocktails—manufacturers pumped innovation into the retail landscape this summer.

Seagram’s Escapes (Seagram Beverage Co./FIFCO USA) co-created a new Berry Mimosa flavorwith its celebrity ambassador Cynthia Bailey, model and reality television star. The flavored malt beverage, which launched in late August, offers a convenient grab-and-go option designed to attract consumers interested in traditional mimosas, which have seen sales growth of more than 10% over the last four years, according to manufacturer data.

“Berry Mimosa is a modern, cocktail-inspired flavor that offers a refreshingly sweet taste perfect for any occasion,” said Jaime Polisoto, Seagram’s Escapes brand director. “We expect strong ROS [return on sales] and distribution performance as we roll out this flavor with an aggressive promotional campaign featuring Cynthia.”

As part of the launch, Seagram’s Escapes introduced new packaging graphics with a refreshed design to further enhance the beach backdrop familiar to customers. QR codes are included on all packaging to seamlessly move the consumer from in-person to a digital experience inviting them to discover recipes and more online at seagramsescapes.com.

Click forward to review several newer alcoholic beverage arrivals to the grocery channel.

A limited-time offer, Vizzy Orange Cream Pop hard seltzer (Molson Coors) is the result of Molson Coors alliance with alcohol ice-cream maker Hardscoop. Vizzy Orange Cream Pop hard seltzer delivers an orange cream pop flavor in a new way, the supplier says. Six-packs of the creamsicle-inspired drink are available for an SRP of $24.99.

Bold and full-bodied with no corn syrup added, Uptown Cocktails ready-to-drink cocktails contain all-natural ingredients. Uptown Cocktails are gluten-free, Kosher-certified and available in 1.5-liter, 750-milliliter and 355- milliliter packaging. The cocktails contain 13.9% ABV.

The Eggo frozen waffle brand (The Kellogg Co.) and spirit specialists at Sugarlands Distilling Co. collaborated on a “brunch-inspired alcoholic liqueur,” dubbed as Eggo Brunch in a Jar. The creamy liqueur seamlessly blends flavors of toasted Eggo waffles, maple syrup and notes of butter, with a hint of bacon.

Dunkin’ announced the debut of Dunkin’ Spiked Iced Coffees and Spiked Iced Teas, marking further expansion into the ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage market. Dunkin’ Spiked Iced Coffee has a 6% ABV in four flavors: Spiked Original Iced Coffee, Spiked Caramel Iced Coffee, Spiked Mocha Iced Coffee and Spiked Vanilla Iced Coffee. Dunkin’ Spiked Iced Tea, the brand’s first venture into the hard tea category, has 5% ABV in four signature flavors.

Made with organic grapes, Avaline Organic wine works with growers who rely solely on nature to grow healthy fruit that’s free from synthetic pesticides and no unnecessary additives, the supplier says. Wines—Avaline Rose, White and Sparkling—are made with zero concentrates, colors or added sugars. Transparently produced, the brand is inspired by a growing number of consumers shifting to organic wines.

In addition to Berry Mimosa, Seagram’s Escapes also introduced five new tropical flavors within its Spiked portfolio, including Pineapple Cherry Lime, Blood Orange Peach and Passionfruit Margarita, along with two that are part of its rotating Tiki Series. At 8% ABV, Seagram’s Escapes Spiked comes in 23.5- and 16-ounce cans, with Pineapple Cherry Lime available in a trial 7.5-ounce can. Also launching is Tropicana Zero Sugar Passionfruit Lemonade Escape (SRP $3.39 per 52-ounce bottle).