Bartenders cocktails are 'hot stuff'

Drinks distributor Malcolm Cowen has launched its latest product into the on-trade - a range of cream-based ready to drink cocktails.

Original Bartenders Cocktails have had some success in the US market and are being rolled out across the UK market.

They are designed specifically for pubs which are looking to serve easy to drink cocktails but don't have the time and money to train staff in the finer arts of mixology.

The 12.5 per cent ABV cocktails are poured straight from their 700ml bottles into a cocktail glass and should be served over ice; once opened the bottles should be refrigerated.

The three flavours now available are Raspberry Mudslide (a mixture of raspberry and chocolate), Hot Stuff (made with ginger liqueur, vodka, chocolate and ginseng) and I'm Bananas Over You a mix of rum and, unsurprisingly, bananas.

Rupert Wilkins, chairman of Malcom Cowen, said: "All three varieties are likely to appeal to the British palate. Ginger has always been popular here, while chocolate and raspberry are long time favourites. Those flavours are a winner for Christmas."

Several drinks brands have tried and failed to crack the ready to drink or "easy mixing" cocktail market in pubs. For example, in 2004 Reef launched a Reef Cocktails initiative, looking to use the RTD brand as a mixer. However, the initiative met with limited success.