Coca-Cola and Pernod Ricard Are Making an Absolut Vodka & Sprite RTD

The Coca-Cola Company is going full steam ahead into the alcoholic beverage industry, leveraging some of their top-selling non-alcoholic brands. In the past couple of years, we’ve seen Fresca, Coca-Cola, Simply, Topo Chico, and Peace Tea all turn boozy. Some might say that it was only a matter of time before Coca-Cola gave an alcoholic twist to Sprite, its second most popular soda (after Coca-Cola in all its forms). The Coca-Cola Company just announced that it’s partnering up with Pernod Richard to produce Absolut Vodka & Sprite, a ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail launching in Europe in early 2024.

“We keep consumers at the center of everything we do as we continue to develop our portfolio as a total beverage company.” This comes from James Quincey, Chairman and CEO of The Coca‑Cola Company, in an October 2023 press release. “We are expanding in the alcohol ready-to-drink space, including products that use select brands from our core portfolio. We are excited about our new relationship with Pernod Ricard and look forward to the introduction of Absolut & Sprite.”

Everything We Know

Absolut Vodka & Sprite is launching in a Sprite and Zero Sugar version. The initial launch will be in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany. The companies have not disclosed when we’ll see this product stateside. AS to alcohol content, Coca-Cola states “The global benchmark for alcohol beverage volume (ABV) is 5% but will vary depending on the market.” We take this to mean that they’re probably going with 5%, but they’re keeping their options open. Likely due to the rising concerns about popular non-alcoholic beverages entering the alcoholic beverage market, Coca-Cola has stated “Cans will include clear responsibility symbols stating that the drink is to be enjoyed only by consumers of legal drinking age. Absolut & Sprite ready-to-drink will adhere to responsible marketing practices.”

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