Diageo introduces Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind
Diageo has introduced a new flavour of Smirnoff, Spicy Tamarind (30% ABV).
Made from juicy tamarind fruit with notes of zingy lime and spice from a mix of chillies alongside Smirnoff vodka, which was the best-selling vodka in the Drinks List 2024, the new expression lends itself well to cocktails or simply served with lemonade.
Presented in a Mexican-inspired bottle that has been designed to stand out on a back bar, the launch of Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind will also be supported by a £3.5m marketing campaign across social, digital and OOH.
Diageo GB Smirnoff brand manager Tyler Monk said: “Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind certainly puts the Smirnoff brand at the forefront of innovation and great flavour.
“We know people are becoming more explorative when it comes to food, drink and flavours so we couldn’t think of a more perfect time to launch Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind in GB.
“The latest innovation provides people with a unique twist on well-loved cocktails and is the perfect ingredient for those looking for something unique and exciting to enjoy when socialising with friends.”
Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind is available to the on-trade now in 70cl bottle format at RRP £18.
Smirnoff Spicy Margarita
(1.5 units per serve):
Ingredients:
- • 50ml Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind
- • 25ml Lime juice
- • 25ml Sugar syrup
- • Top with soda water
Garnish:
- • Lime wheel
- • Chilli sea salt rim
- • Jalapeño
Method:
- · Pre-prepare a tumbler glass with a rim of chilli sea salt
- · Add the Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind, lime juice and sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice
- · Shake to mix and fine strain into the pre-prepared tumbler over fresh ice
- · Top with soda water, garnish and serve
Pernod Ricard expands Absolut Vodka flavoured range
Pernod Ricard owned Absolut Vodka has expanded its flavoured range with the launch of Absolut Hunni.
The 38% ABV golden honey flavoured serve has been designed to complement lemonade, a mixer chosen by 60% of UK vodka drinkers according to the Mintel Flavour Tracker 2023, while the distinctive striped packaging ensures the bottle stands out.
Following an off-trade launch at Tesco last month, Absolut Hunni will be available to the on-trade from April, availble in 70cl bottle format at RRP £22, supported by a marketing campaign including in-venue PoS materials.
Pernod Ricard UK commercial director Ian Peart said: “Absolut Hunni is our queen bee for 2024, providing flavoured vodka fans with a new and exciting flavour profile to sip and enjoy.”
Titanic and Thornbridge breweries release two collaborative beers
Tonbridge and Titanic breweries have joined forces to release two collaborative brews to kick off their 2024 seasonal beer calendars.
The first beer, Carpathia, is a 5.3% Extra Special Bitter that has been brewed at Stoke-based Titanic Brewery using the sweet and flavoursome Chevallier Heritage malt.
It will be available in cask at Titanic and Thornbridge pubs from mid-January, before being made available to other on-trade venues at the end of the month.
Titanic director Keith Bott said: “Collaboration beers are a great example of the love and mutual respect that exists between breweries, and it’s been a pleasure to work alongside Thornbridge to create two contrasting beers that celebrate just how diverse and varied the world of beer can be.”
The second beer, Britannic, is a 5.3% IPA that has been brewed at Thornbridge Brewery in Bakewell, Derbyshire, using a blend of Galaxy and Simcoe hops.
The full-bodied IPA will be available in cask from early February with a limited run also available in bottles directly from both breweries.
Thornbridge CEO and co-founder Simon Webster added: “We have a lot of respect for the team at Titanic Brewery and the high quality of beer they produce.
“We have been very excited to create two brand new beers with them and look forward to seeing them being enjoyed in pubs around the country.”
Whitley Neill unveils limited edition savoury serve
Whitley Neill has announced the launch of a new limited edition flavoured serve, Smoky Bacon and Horseradish Gin (45% ABV).
The unique new release pairs mouth-watering smoky bacon flavours with a hot horseradish kick, perfect for elevating classic brunch cocktails such as the Red Snapper, mixed with tomato juice for a simple serve, or even adding a bold savoury twist to a martini.
Halewood Artisanal Spirits, which owns Whitley Neill, group marketing director Poppy Williams said: “We’ve seen a big increase in the popularity of savoury flavours in the UK on trade over the past couple of years, from martinis made with Parmesan, aged in balsamic barrels or even infused with umami flavours of porcini mushrooms.
“As consumers continue to seek out these unique flavours, we’ve created this full flavoured Smoky Bacon & Horseradish Gin to tap into this growing trend”.
Whitley Neill Smoky Bacon and Horseradish Gin is available now from The Drop Store in 70cl bottle format at RRP £21.
Smoky Snapper:
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Whitley Neill Smoky Bacon & Horseradish Gin
- 100 ml Tomato Juice
- 15 ml Fresh Lemon Juice
- 3 Dashes of Worcester Sauce
- 3 Dashes of Hot Sauce
- Sprinkle of salt and black pepper
Garnish:
- Rasher smoky bacon (optional)
- Cucumber
- Celery stick
Method:
- Add all the ingredients into a shaker with ice
- Shake well
- Strain into highball or tumbler
- Garnish and enjoy
Camden Eazy Hazy IPA to launch on draught
Camden Town Brewery is set to launch its Eazy Hazy IPA on draught in pubs after signing an exclusive distribution partnership with LWC Drinks.
Under the new agreement LWC Drinks will have exclusivity over the distribution of Camden’s Eazy Hazy IPA in draught format in the Independent Free Trade in a bid to “drive volume and reach” for the brewer, which is owned by Ab InBev.
Taking inspiration from New England style session IPAs, Eazy Hazy IPA (5% ABV), which launched in the off-trade in March last year, combines Citra and El Dorado hops with Camden’s brewing techniques, resulting in a juicy beer boasting citrus and peach flavours.
The brew will be available for outlets direct from LWC as part of its signature range in 30L keg format from Monday 5 February. Read more here.
Greene King reveals 2024 seasonal calendar
Suffolk-based operator and brewer Greene King has launched its 2024 seasonal cask beer calendar, offering a variety of styles and flavours.
The release includes 13 limited-edition beers available at key times of the year and kicks off with Fireside, its 4.5% ABV ruby winter ale, described by Greene King as having a "mellow fruity finish and grapefruit and lemon citrus characters".
Making a return for February is the sport-inspired Scrumdown. The 4.1% ABV golden ale is said to be a fragrant and easy drinking ale and a “game-changer” for guests enjoying the live rugby in the pub. Pubs will be able to stock the beer throughout February and into March for the period of the Six Nations competition.
Each of the seasonal cask beers in the calendar will also be available in pins (36-pint units) following the launch of this format by Greene King last summer.
The Fresh Cask Releases calendar also includes returning seasonal favourites, such as Spring Break and Hopping Special, as well as new collaborations and new creations. Read more here.
Kingstone Press returns to the bar on draught
Kingstone Press cider is returning to draught dispense at pubs across the UK.
Cider business Aston Manor Cider made the announcement Kingstone Press will be available on draught to the on-trade in both its traditional apple and wild berry flavours from Friday 1 March.
The business explained Kingstone Press is made by cider makers at the Aston Manor Cider Mill on the banks of the River Severn at Stourport-on-Severn, who use a blend of bitter-sweet Michelin and Dabinett apples that are grown in its orchards across Herefordshire and Worcestershire and are balanced with the juice from eating apples.
The Birmingham-based company said the result of their labour is: “A refreshingly good cider, crafted with care, in a modern way to ensure you get a quality cider every time with Kingstone Press.” Read more here.
- If you have any new products being released to the on-trade, email the details with high resolution images for potential inclusion to Rebecca.weller@wrbm.com . The Next round-up will be published on Thursday 7 March. Check out the previous round-up here.
