The Weekly Sip: Suntory takes Jim Beam to the tropics | Molson Coors shakes up fizz-free refreshers

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Jim Beam brings Kentucky bourbon into tropical flavor

With temperatures heating up, Jim Beam is aiming to bring a little more sizzle to its product with a sweeter bourbon variety.

The Suntory-owned Kentucky bourbon maker is introducing a new flavor of its signature product, Jim Beam Pineapple.

The whiskey infuses the tropical flavors of pineapple with the brand’s Southern oak and caramel taste. The product was designed as an “inviting introduction for those who find whiskey intimidating,” Jim Beam said in a press release.

According to the brand, people can use the bourbon in cocktails by mixing it with ingredients like sparkling water and lime juice.

Jim Beam Pineapple is available at selected retailers. It joins other varieties in the brand’s lineup, including Honey, Peach and Apple. The bourbon brand also has expanded its reach with RTD canned cocktails following the debut of malt-based Kentucky Coolers last year through a partnership with Boston Beer.

Molson Coors rolls out Raspberry Dragonfruit refresher

A beer giant is adding some more flavor to its line of cocktails targeting Gen Z.

Happy Thursday, the line of spiked refreshers launched by Molson Coors last year, debuted its latest variety, Raspberry Dragonfruit. The drink joins other flavors, including Mango Passionfruit and Pineapple Starfruit. Each can contains 4.4% alcohol by volume.

Executives decided on dragonfruit after the flavor experienced a 111% increase in appearances on menus during the past four years, according to Datassential data provided by Molson Coors.

“As we expand our non-carbonated flavor lineup, we’re always dialed into the evolving tastes of our 21+ Gen Z drinkers — especially the bold, new flavors they’re craving in the non-carbonated spiked refresher space,” Zach Paciorek, senior marketing manager at Molson Coors, said in a statement.

The Happy Thursday brand was created by the Coors Light brewer using data from a panel of Gen Z consumers about what flavors and formats they prefer in their alcoholic beverages.

Fizz-free RTD cocktails continue to gain steam as more consumers look for alternatives to carbonated seltzers such as White Claw. This month, Coca-Cola debuted Minute Maid spiked lemonade and fruit punch canned cocktails through its Red Tree Beverages distributor.

Hint brings hydration to sparkling water

A beverage startup has a suggestion on how to quench your thirst.

Hint is debuting Sparkling Water With Electrolytes, available in four flavors: Peach Raspberry, Pink Grapefruit, Lime and Tangerine. The drinks are made with natural fruit flavors, electrolyte minerals and contain zero sweeteners.

“Sparkling water is a fast-growing category, and with our unique still water formulations — fruit essences without calories, sugar or diet sweeteners — we knew we could do something special in this space,” said Michael Pengue, Hint Water’s CEO, in a statement. “We’re proud to have Hint Sparkling Water With Electrolytes join our ranks to help staying hydrated feel less like a chore.”

Hint is best known for its flavored still water. It is the best-selling unsweetened still water brand according to SPINS and Circana data cited by the brand.

The hydration beverage category is growing as consumers seek benefits previously found in sports drinks. The electrolyte drinks market is projected to be worth $74 billion by 2034, increasing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.7%, according to Precedence Research.