SUPPLIER ARTICLE COCA-COLA ENTERS THE PREMIUM SPIRITS ARENA


Coca-Cola has created a new range of four specially crafted mixers in collaboration with world-leading bartenders, designed to complement premium spirits


C


oca-Cola European Partners has announced a new milestone in its 134- year history by officially launching Coca-


Cola Trademark into the mixers category, with the creation of Coca-Cola Signature Mixers – a range of four specially crafted drinks, designed to be mixed primarily with premium dark spirits. Coca-Cola Signature Mixers builds on


the brand’s long-standing reputation as the original, authentic mixer enjoyed across the world. The range is available to pubs, bars and restaurants in Great Britain from June. Coca-Cola Signature Mixers draws on the


craftsmanship, skill and passion that sits at the heart of the brand’s heritage – start- ing with founder and inventor, Dr Pember- ton in 1886. A global first, the iconic brand challenged a handful of the world’s lead- ing bartenders to create a range of new taste experiences, with access to more than 200 contemporary and traditional ingredients. The range includes:


● Coca-Cola Signature Mixers Smoky Notes by Max Venning contains Ylang Ylang, dried fruit and warm brown spices, with subtle hints of oak;


● Coca-Cola Signature Mixers Spicy Notes by Adriana Chia and Pippa Guy is mixed with lime, ginger and jalapeños to provide a fiery finish;


● Coca-Cola Signature Mixers Herbal Notes by Antonio Naranjo is blended with dill leaves, citrus and lemongrass for a refreshing taste;


● Coca-Cola Signature Mixers Woody Notes by Alex Lawrence has a tart citrus flavour provided by patchouli, yuzu and basil.


We’ve also found that some of the range mix particularly well with some clear spirits, eg Coca-Cola Signature Mixers Herbal Notes goes well with premium vodka and is one of our recommended serves. Research shows that after a decade long “ginaissance”, discern- ing drinkers are now exploring the mysterious world of dark spirits and are looking to mixologists to help them experiment with more complex flavour profiles1


.


The collaborative project started back in March 2018, when a num- ber of renowned mixologists were invited to attend a Coca-Cola- curated workshop held at a secret location in London. The group set to work experimenting with


14 | Drinks Guide 2019


numerous ingredients to create the most complex flavour compositions to enhance the original taste of Coca-Cola. Inspired by the brand’s heritage, Coca-Cola


Signature Mixers are served in a contem- porary Hutchinson glass bottle – a silhou- ette that pre-dates the iconic Contour – first used by Coca-Cola in 1894 when prod- uct was bottled rather than served at a soda fountain. The 200ml glass bottles are ideal for instant mixing and each batch is stamped with the signature of its co-creator. Cola is currently the number one mixer category in Great Brit- ain2


and this growth is driven by the premium segment, high- lighting the opportunity for retailers to boost their sales with Coca-Cola Signature Mixers. Training will be available to


the licensed trade as well as back bar displays that hero the range and Hutchinson bottle, bespoke glassware and menus. Simon Harrison, vice-presi- dent of commercial development at Coca-Cola European Partners GB, said: “Coca-Cola has always been part of cocktail culture and history, from the Cuba Libre of the 1900s to some of the world’s best cocktails today. Coca-Cola Sig- nature Mixers marks an exciting


new frontier for the Coca-Cola Trademark and a reflection of our ongoing commitment as a total beverage company. By collaborating with experts, we believe that we have developed a totally innovative and unique product range for mixology that only Coca-Cola can do. “There is no other brand or recipe that is


more mysterious and iconic than Coca-Cola and we’re excited to be able to introduce this new and innovative product to the on-trade. We have started to see strong growth in dark spirits like whisky and rum3


, and a brand like


Coca-Cola innovating in this segment with complex flavours and distinct pack design – in keeping with our heritage – will bring more interest and curiosity to an exciting sector.”


1 THE FUTURE LABORATORY RESEARCH COMMISSIONED BY COCA-COLA 2 IWSR SPIRIT MIX DERIVATIVE VOL ASSESSMENT 2018 – TOTAL CHANNEL GB 3 IWSR SPIRIT MIX DERIVATIVE VOL ASSESSMENT 2018 – FORECAST VOL DATA CAGR 2013-17 – TOTAL CHANNELS GB


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