Spirits & Cocktails

New product round-up

Guinness unveils MicroDraught, charity brews for India’s Covid effort and police officers

11-Jun-2021 By The Morning Advertiser

On top of Guinness launching what it claims to be its biggest brand development since 1988, 16 brewers have joined forces to raise funds for India’s Covid effort.

New product round-up

BBG wins Mahou exclusivity, sustainable spirit launches, professional rugby player unveils beer line-up

04-Jun-2021 By The Morning Advertiser

The latest round of drinks news includes updates from Budweiser Brewing Group and Mangrove UK in addition to more pours from Meantime, the UK’s first carbon neutral mezcal and a Newport Gwent Dragons rugby player.

New product round-up

Summer spirits, new look for Innis & Gunn, Sandford Orchards unveils canned format

28-May-2021 By The Morning Advertiser

The latest batch of summer spirits includes launches from Harpalion Spirits, Two Days and Equiano Rum Co, while Innis & Gunn and Sandford Orchards have repackaged stalwart serves.

New product round-up

‘World’s largest’ gin bottle, Pimm’s unveils Sundowner, Arsenal FC landmark lager launch

21-May-2021 By The Morning Advertiser

The latest batch of new drinks releases includes more pours from Pimm’s, Camden Town Brewery and the unveiling of what’s claimed to be the ‘world’s largest’ bottle of gin.

Big Interview

‘Brands are built in bars, not in boardrooms’

17-May-2021 By Stuart Stone

After making a long-awaited return to reopened pubs and bars throughout April, Bacardi’s on-trade director Leila Stansfield’s glass is most certainly half full for the weeks and months of on-trade recovery ahead.

New product round-up

Sharp’s unveils Cold River, Cîroc creates ‘Summer Citrus’, Anspach & Hobday’s ‘local answer’ to Guinness

14-May-2021 By The Morning Advertiser

The latest round of new drinks launches includes a smattering of lower ABV serves and new offers from Sharp’s, Cîroc and Anspach & Hobday.

Spirits Week – in association with Diageo

'Things people couldn't recreate at home key to keeping customers coming back'

13-May-2021 By The Morning Advertiser

To cap off Spirits Week, Diageo’s Rob Poulter explains how operators can stir up success at their pub or bar by diversifying their drinks offer.

Spirits Week – in association with Diageo

Consumers still 'really engaged' in cocktail culture while bars were shut

12-May-2021 By The Morning Advertiser

Diageo’s Hywel Evans pours over ways in which pub and bar operators can increase profitability with cocktails once Covid restrictions ease.

Spirits Week – in association with Diageo

Cocktails 'vital part' of on-trade sales mix

11-May-2021 By The Morning Advertiser

On day two of Spirits Week, brought to you by Diageo, CGA’s Tom Quinn serves up some key stats about the spirit and cocktail categories and runs through the recipe for spirits success.

Spirits Week - In association with Diageo

Cocktail-led outings 'much, much more of a reward'

10-May-2021 By The Morning Advertiser

To introduce Spirits Week, brought to you by Diageo, drinks expert Douglas Blyde distils some of the key trends and new consumer behaviours shaking up the spirit and cocktail categories.

In association with Fentimans

Key drink trends for summer 2021: Premium pours, gin growth and independent brands

10-May-2021 By The Morning Advertiser

With the help of experts from across the on-trade, The Morning Advertiser and premium drinks brand Fentimans have poured over a handful of trends worth watching as the parched public return to pubs and bars.

New product round-up

Kopparberg launches flavoured vodka, Adnams unveils Avocado Leaf Gin

23-Apr-2021 By The Morning Advertiser

The latest batch of summer spirit launches includes more pours from Kopparberg, Adnams, Fabulous Thai Rum Company and Pinkster.

New product round-up

Summer serves: seasonal launches from Bombay Sapphire, Kopparberg and Crystal Head Vodka

16-Apr-2021 By The Morning Advertiser

Bombay Sapphire, Kopparberg, Crystal Head Vodka and a collaboration between HonestBrew and Northern Monk are among the latest crop of seasonal drink launches.

New product round-up

New launches from Haig Club, Martini, BrewDog Distilling Co and Roger Daltrey

09-Apr-2021 By The Morning Advertiser

This fruit flavoured new products round-up sees Haig Club, BrewDog Distilling Co, Hawkes and Martini among drinks makers to unveil new pours in time for summer.

In association with Diageo

How can pubs prepare to reopen in 2021?

29-Mar-2021 By The Morning Advertiser

With less than a fortnight before outside service is permitted and under two months until inside trading is allowed, Diageo has outlined top tips on how operators can reopen.

Sponsored content

The products tasted in The MA's Virtual New Products Showcase

24-Mar-2021 By The Morning Advertiser

More than 30 operators took part in The Morning Advertiser's first Virtual New Products Showcase, in which a series of tastings were undertaken.

Big Interview

Seeing £1m St Patrick’s Day support package claimed within ‘a few hours’ set alarm bells ringing

17-Mar-2021 By Stuart Stone

Diageo GB managing director Dayalan Nayager reflects on a St Patrick's Day like no other for the team behind Guinness, and explains why ‘tomato juice moments’ can help the on-trade bounce back from its Covid symptoms.

Operators warned of fines for unlicenced cocktail deliveries

11-Mar-2021 By Emily Hawkins

Pub operators have been warned that they need special permission from HMRC for the off-sale of pre-mixed cocktails.

International Women's Day 2021

Time to ‘step up’ and showcase female talent in drinks and hospitality

08-Mar-2021 By Stuart Stone

Managing director of the 2020 UK Gin Producer of the Year, Carmen O'Neal distills why she believes International Women's Day has taken on added significance during the Covid-19 pandemic, and why collaboration is key to women continuing to unlock...

Double Dutch launches scholarship for aspiring female bartenders

08-Mar-2021 By Stuart Stone

Premium tonic and mixer brand Double Dutch is celebrating International Women’s Day 2021 by unveiling its Female Bartender Scholarship Programme.

Online event

Free samples: The Virtual New Products Showcase

01-Mar-2021 By The Morning Advertiser

Want to get your hands on the hottest new products soon to hit the on-trade? If you’re a pub or bar operator with responsibility over purchasing decisions, then we’d love to hear from you!

New product round-up

3 Michelin-star chef-inspired gin, Tanqueray creates alcohol-free pour, new spirits' profit pledges

26-Feb-2021 By Stuart Stone

Alongside the launch of a gin inspired by the cuisine of Anne-Sophie Pic and a low and no Tanqueray variant, Equiano Rum Co and Elephant Gin have pledged to donate respective profits their new spirit launches to Anti-Slavery International and African...

New product round-up

Kopparberg Passionfruit & Orange Cider launch, limited editions from Eden Mill and Compass Box

19-Feb-2021 By Stuart Stone

This latest new product round-up includes more pours from Kopparberg, Eden Mill, Compass Box and TW Kempton.

New product round-up

Ryan Reynolds unveils Wrexham AFC gin, Super Bock UK partnership, ‘World’s first’ Indian white spiced rum

12-Feb-2021 By Stuart Stone

This new product round-up includes news of UK rollouts for the ‘world’s first’ Indian white spiced rum and Portuguese pour Super Bock as well as a limited-edition release of Ryan Reynolds’ Aviation Gin.

New product round-up

‘England’s first’ carbon-negative gins, Queer Brewing unveils core range, Tanqueray creates Blackcurrant serve

05-Feb-2021 By Stuart Stone

The latest new product round-up includes 'firsts' from UK-based gin distillers, more pours from premium gin brand Tanqueray and new brews from Queer Brewing.

New product round-up

Absolut Vodka unveils paper bottle, New York Distilling Company and Trois Rivières distribution deals

29-Jan-2021 By Stuart Stone

This not so dry January product round-up includes news from Eden Mill, Campari UK, Mangrove UK and Absolut Vodka.

New product round-up

Sir Geoff Hurst launch to support Alzheimer and dementia charities, Boss Brewing ‘protest beer’

18-Dec-2020 By Stuart Stone

The final new product round-up before Christmas 2020 includes a protest pour from Boss Brewing, a gin launch from TV presenter Julia Bradbury, and World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst unveiling a limited-edition gin and whisky collection.

Sponsored by Diageo

How to install draught cocktails

11-Dec-2020 By The Morning Advertiser

The growth of draught cocktail technology means pubs with little time or bar space to make cocktails can now easily tap into this profitable category.

New product round-up

Beavertown revives Tempus Project, Kingstone Press low alcohol cider, Fever-Tree creates new mixer

11-Dec-2020 By Stuart Stone

A wave of product launches includes new creations from Beavertown, Aluna Coconut, Signature Brew and Fever-Tree.

New product round-up

Coca-Cola launches into Europe alcohol market, new spirits celebrate Birmingham, Salty Tiers released

04-Dec-2020 By Stuart Stone

Amid a wave of new spirit launches, the Coca-Cola Company has announced that Topo Chico Hard Seltzer has reached the UK.

Has Covid-19 shaken up low and no alcohol pub drinks?

03-Dec-2020 By Stuart Stone

The coronavirus pandemic not only failed to burst the low and no bubble but helped reinforce the category’s importance in the embattled on-trade.

New product round-up

Captain Sir Tom Moore charity gin, new Gemma Collins liqueur ‘worthy of any diva’, World Cup winner unveils ale

27-Nov-2020 By Stuart Stone

In addition to more festive and low-alcohol pours, Captain Sir Tom Moore, Gemma Collins and Rugby World Cup winner Steve Thompson MBE have announced new drinks launches.

The Drinks List

The Drinks List – Top Brands to Stock in 2021

27-Nov-2020 By Nicholas Robinson

Despite being closed for four months, facing strict curfews, tier systems and enduring a second national lockdown, drinks sales in the on-trade were strong when the sector was open.

New product round-up

Christmas spirits: 'world first' vodka, non-alcoholic rum alternative and 'Sea & T' RTDs unveiled

20-Nov-2020 By Stuart Stone

A wave of new spirit news including updates from botanical rum distillery the Spirited Union, the Cotswolds Distillery, Nordic beverage brand Altia and alcohol-free spirit maker Caleño has landed in the past week.

Countdown to Brexit

Post-Brexit supply chains: ‘We don’t know what we’re preparing for’

16-Nov-2020 By Stuart Stone

As Britain edges towards the end of an 11-month Brexit transition period, drinks makers and pub sector stakeholders remain hopeful the lack of clarity over supply chains will be addressed in the coming weeks.

New product round-up

Royal British Legion gin, Apprentice mainstay rebuke and Christmas spirits pour in

13-Nov-2020 By Stuart Stone

The latest new product round-up is awash with a flood of festive launches and new spirit launches including a Royal British Legion tribute and a bitter lemon dig at an Apprentice stalwart.

Christmas stocking: which drinks should make pub and bar operator lists this year?

10-Nov-2020 By Stuart Stone

Though drink sales in pubs traditionally snowball over Christmas, the ongoing pandemic means that, more than ever, strong seasonal returns will be far from gift wrapped when venues reopen.

Post-lockdown profits hidden in cocktails

09-Nov-2020 By Nicholas Robinson

It was the rising star of the on-trade outside of specialist bars, yet cocktails in pubs understandably took a bashing during and after the first coronavirus lockdown. But forget the category at your peril, because the money generated by cocktails prior...

New product round-up

‘World’s strongest gin’, Jurassic Park actor’s whiskey collaboration, brewer creates Burnham beer

06-Nov-2020 By Stuart Stone

A pair of scientists launch what they claim is the world's strongest gin, Salford-based Seven Bro7hers brews Andy Burnham tribute and Samuel Gelston’s launches its latest Irish whiskey matured in Jurassic Park actor Sam Neill’s Pinot Noir casks.

New product round-up

Gin-spiration: Charity 10pm curfew spirit launch, ‘bottle for life’ roll-out, new pour to fund arctic row

30-Oct-2020 By Stuart Stone

A raft recent spirit launches includes new pours from Salcombe Distilling Company and Laphroaig, as well as charity focused Sis4ers Distillery and Northwest Passage Expedition gins.

Rum crowned ‘the drink of lockdown’

27-Oct-2020 By Stuart Stone

New figures from the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) have revealed rum enjoyed the biggest growth across all spirits categories during lockdown.

Diageo buys Chase distillery

26-Oct-2020 By Nicholas Robinson

Spirits giant Diageo has acquired family-owned Chase Distillery and its portfolio of brands for an undisclosed sum.

New product round-up

Wave of new spirit expressions launch, Barbados Sea Turtle Project partner rum to hit UK

09-Oct-2020 By Stuart Stone

Intercontinental Brands has added a spiced rum pledging 10% of its profits to the Barbados Sea Turtle Project to its brand portfolio, while new spirit releases from the likes of The Moore House Cocktail Company, JJ Whitley Vodka, Jatt Life also landed....

New product round-up

Fruit flavoured serves the pick of latest product launches

20-Aug-2020 By Stuart Stone

From a pair of passion fruit pours and a tayberry tipple to the launch of a trio of schnapps serves, there are berry rich pickings for operators among the glut of new fruit flavoured products in this week's round-up.

Video

Fear table service will stunt small drinks brands

19-Aug-2020 By Nicholas Robinson

Smaller drinks producers fear table service will stifle sales as consumers won’t be able to see a pub’s full range, a craft gin maker has said.

New product round-up

Wave of spirits, low-calorie seltzers and spritzes floods post-lockdown market

14-Aug-2020 By Stuart Stone

The past week has seen Signature Brew join forces with Mercury Prize shortlisted Sports Team, Bowmore announce a £50,000 limited-edition whisky in tandem with Aston Martin and a host of low-calorie pours hit the market.

NEW PRODUCT ROUND-UP

Bacardi and Dead Man’s Fingers grow rum range

06-Aug-2020 By Stuart Stone

Both Bacardi and Dead Man’s Fingers have added new variants ahead of National Rum Day on 16 August, while Everards and Robinsons have launched limited edition beers.

Diageo records 4% GB sales slump as global profit halves

04-Aug-2020 By Stuart Stone

Beverage behemoth Diageo recorded a 4% drop in net sales in Great Britain as the company saw its global operating profit cut by 47.1% by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The MA new product review

6 O'Clock Gin launches two new flavours

14-Jul-2020 By Nicholas Robinson

Craft gin producer 6 O'Clock Gin has launched a new series of ready-to-drink products to its range. Find out more by watching the latest MA New Products Review video

Covid-19 crisis can ‘sharpen focus’ on hospitality as a highly skilled sector

10-Jul-2020 By Stuart Stone

The founder of East London Liquor Company has stressed that the trials and tribulations of the Covid-19 lockdown can help the hospitality sector shake off its reputation for being low skilled.