Schweppes unveils new Tropical Soda
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) owned Schweppes has unveiled its latest innovation, Tropical Soda.
The vibrant new purpled-hued serve boasts nots of hibiscus, blackcurrant, lychee, dragonfruit and guava
The new soda is said to pair well with ingredients like pineapple, summer berries and mango as well as more savoury bites.
Available now, Schweppes Tropical Soda adds a vibrant twist to classic cocktails and spritzes. See how to make a vodka-based Schweppes Ascot Spritz here.
CCEP GB vice president commercial development Rob Yeomans said: “Schweppes Tropical Soda is an exciting new addition to our portfolio, created to tap into growing demand for vibrant, flavourful drinks that stand out behind the bar.
“Whether it’s used to elevate mixed drinks or offered as a vibrant standalone serve, it’s a versatile option that gives our customers a new way to tap into seasonal demand and premium drinking experiences.”
Heineken expands Old Mout range
Heineken UK has unveiled its latest innovation within the Old Mout cider brand.
The global brewer, which also owns Star Pubs, has introduced Old Mout Mango & Passionfruit, set to roll out across pubs and bars nationwide this month.
Available now in 500ml bottles, the new 4% ABV serve boasts marks the first innovation from Old Mout Cider in the past three years. Read more here.
Alf Turner and Hogs Back release new IPA
Alf Turner Butchers has released its first beer to raise money for Help for Heroes and mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
The Hero IPA, created in collaboration with Surrey-based Hogs Back Brewery, commemorates the 80th anniversary of VE Day later this month.
In addition, for every pint sold, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Help for Heroes charity, supporting veterans and their families.
Alf Turner managing director Paul Turner said: “This beer is not only a tribute to the heroes of the past but also a way to support the heroes of today. We hope everyone enjoys this special brew and joins us in supporting a worthy cause.”
A mellow Indian Pale Ale with citrus and tropical notes, the Hero IPA (4% ABV) has been crafted using Hogs Back’s home-grown Cascade hops and Mosaic hops from the USA. Read more here.
Luscombe introduces Mango & Peach Crush
Soft drinks producer Luscombe has introduced its latest release, Mango & Peach Crush.
Crafted using Alphonso mango, Devon spring water and peach, the tropical crush boats subtle flora and honey notes with a silky texture and fragrant sweetness.
A splash of Sicilian lemon adds a bright, zesty tang, perfectly balancing the drink with a crisp, citrusy finish.
Luscombe founder Gabriel David said: “Our new Mango & Peach Crush has been created with summer menus and occasions in mind, pairing beautifully with light salads, grilled seafood, Indian cuisine and fruity desserts.
“Extremely versatile, it can be enjoyed chilled on its own, poured over ice with a slice of peach, mango or a citrus twist or mixed into a sophisticated summer cocktail. Garnishes such as a sprig of fresh mint, to give a cooling contrast to the fruity sweetness, edible flowers or coconut shavings, to give a hint of tropical flair, can also be added to enhance the summer flavours.”
Like all Luscombe’s drinks, Mango & Peach Crush contains no artificial additives, sweeteners or concentrates and is gluten free and vegan friendly.
The new serve is available to trade customers direct from Luscombe in cases of 12 x 270ml bottles or 12 x 320ml cans.
Hydes launches third ale in 2025 vintage cask range
Hydes Brewery has launched the third in its six-strong 2025 Vintage range of cask beers.
The Salford-based brewer has released Hydes IPA 4.4% ABV across its pub estate throughout May and June and hopes to build on the success of the first two 2025 variants – XPA and Mild – in its bi-monthly rotation of limited-edition ales.
Brewed with Vienna and Cara malts, the new IPA is said to have a “light golden hue and a subtle depth of flavour”. Read more here.
Golden Egg Vodka launches in the UK
Golden Egg Vodka, a new British vodka brand, has recently been launched in the UK.
Aimed at redefining the vodka category, the spirit is triple filtered and crafted from English grain and infused with local honey from Berkshire.
Golden Egg Vodka founder Ben Duffy said, “Vodka is the largest selling drinks category by value but it hasn’t seen very much innovation for a while, and that’s where Golden Egg Vodka comes in.
“Our honey distillation process and unparalleled smooth mouthfeel stand us apart from other brands. There is a rise in demand for high end vodka and Golden Egg Vodka, with its exceptional taste and refined mouthfeel, delivers a premium vodka on all fronts”.
Monin expands syrups range
Syrup brand Monin has introduced its latest innovation, Blackcurrant Fruit Mix.
A hybrid between puree and syrup, MONIN’s ‘Le Fruit’ fruit mixes are a versatile range containing at least 50% fruit content, allowing mixologists to recreate the flavour and texture of the fruit, without need for an additional syrup.
The new product can be used to elevate everything from cocktails and iced teas, to smoothies and even desserts.
Monin senior beverage expert Lee Hyde said: “Consumer demand for British-grown, seasonal flavours is on the rise, and Monin is making it easier for bartenders to incorporate these flavours onto menus with Blackcurrant Fruit Mix.
“We’re expecting to see fruity flavours like blackcurrant filling glasses this summer, and even beyond! Blackcurrant Fruit Mix offers a year-round option for bartenders when fruit isn’t in season, instantly supplying a dash of berry freshness and taste of summer.”
Suggested serves
MONIN’s Blackcurrant Collins (pictured above)
Ingredients:
- 15ml MONIN Blackcurrant fruit mix
- 20ml MONIN Cloudy Lemonade concentrate
- 50ml London Dry Gin
- 100ml soda water
Method:
- Add all ingredients to a highball glass filled
- with ice and stir to combine
- Garnish with a lemon slice or edible flower and serve
Mash Gang reveals permanent core range
Low & no alcohol brewery Mash Gang has launched a new permanent core range of beers.
The trio of tipples offers publicans and bartenders craft beer in cans at a time when low & no alcohol products are becoming hugely popular, as cited by brewers at a recent BrewLDN event.
The beers, which are all less than 0.5% ABV, are Chug, which the brewer said is a “chuggable full-flavoured IPA with a delicious tropical twist, Mash Gang’s #1 selling beer”; Glug “a crisp lager with a touch of citrus being produced in the UK for the first time”; and Journey Juice “a fruited mango IPA with a lime and Tajin twist”. Read more here.
London Essence releases Crisp Apple Soda
Carlsberg-Britvic has expanded its London Essence brand with the launch Crisp Apple Crafted Soda.
The new SKU was released across the off-trade in April before rolling out across hospitality venues in single serve 250ml cans.
As more consumers look to moderate their alcohol intake, the brand said the new product embraces changing attitudes to socialising.
London Essence UK head of marketing Melanie Ginsberg said: “We are thrilled to introduce Crisp Apple to complement our existing line-up of Crafted Sodas with a different flavour profile, offering a refreshing and juicy adult soft drink.
“Embracing modern drinking and the evolution of changing consumer behaviours is a real focus for us. We developed Crisp Apple to provide consumers with a more premium adult soft drink which appeals to those moderating their alcohol consumption without compromising on taste and the desire for an elevated drinking experience.”
SNEAK energy drink now available in RTD format
Powdered energy drink brand SNEAK is now available to the on-trade in 500ml RTD can format.
The serve has zero-sugar and claims to contain vitamins, minerals and prebiotics.
A spokesperson for SNEAK said: “This is SNEAK - awesome-tasting drinks that do stuff.
“After seven years of explosive growth, SNEAK is bringing its Powdered Energy Brand to your bar in a great-tasting ready-to-drink format. This is full-on flavour with no compromise.”
The brand added that the health and wellbeing drink market in the UK has seen continued growth this year compared to 2024, with demand for low and no alcohol options also rising.
SNEAK is available now direct from the brand’s webshop.
