Diageo tests frozen and layered drinks

Trials of frozen and layered cocktails developed by Diageo are currently underway in a small number of UK bars, the Morning Advertiser has learned.

The trials are running at the same time as the Smirnoff draught cocktail trial in 500 bars, which we revealed in last week's brands news.

The frozen cocktail system is also being run under the Smirnoff brand and comprises a frozen mojito, while the layered cocktail is a Cuba Libre made using the Morgan's Spiced rum brand.

The rum and cola mixture comes out of a new dispense system and is poured over ice, while at the same time the system injects a denser liquid infusion of lime, which creates a layered drink.

"We are currently carrying out a small-scale test of a spirit and mixer dispense system, trialling two types of drink — a frozen cocktail, Smirnoff Mojito, and a layered cocktail, Morgan's Spiced Cuba Libre," said a spokeswoman. "Robust, live testing is an extremely important part of the innovation process at Diageo and helps identify crucial points before we consider taking a concept to market."

The new concepts were in the very early stages in terms of when they might come to the wider market, the company said.