Coca-Cola, the world’s most popular soft drink, and Bacardí, the world’s most awarded rum brand, have teamed up to bring one of the most iconic bar calls – Bacardí & Coca-Cola – into the ready-to-drink category for the first time in the UK.
While this is the first time Bacardí and Coca-Cola have launched in a ready-to-drink format, their story started more than a century ago.
Back in 1900, the iconic Cuba Libre cocktail – mixing Bacardí rum, Coca-Cola and lime – was first created at the American Bar in Havana. Since then, it’s become one of the world’s most recognisable drinks.
Launching in sleek 250ml cans nationwide at a recommended retail price of £2.30, Bacardí & Coca-Cola ready-to-drink combines the light, smooth flavour of Bacardí rum with Coca-Cola’s signature taste – creating a classic and refreshing mix with a hint of sweetness and a clean finish.
Perfect for casual get-togethers, pre-drinks or nights in with friends, the new serve offers a premium alternative to beer and hard seltzers, designed to appeal to Gen Z and millennial consumers looking for simplicity, flavour and heritage in one easy-to-grab can.
The launch builds on growing demand in the alcoholic ready-to-drink space, which is now worth £631m in GB, and is the fastest-growing alcohol category globally over the past five years.
CCEP has already taken its iconic Coca-Cola (with and without sugar) and Sprite brands into the ready-to-drink category by partnering with premium spirits.
Absolut Vodka & SPRITE was the number one new ready-to-drink product in 2024 while Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola Original Taste is the number one ready-to-drink SKU in GB.
This latest launch will be supported by a bold shopper marketing strategy across multiple channels, with a range of eye-catching point-of-sale materials including chiller dump bins, gondola ends and digital shelf strips, available to convenience retailers via My.CCEP.com.
There will also be a dynamic summer marketing campaign across social media, checkout promotions, out-of-home advertising and sampling at music festivals and sporting events.
Elaine Maher, Associate Director, Alcohol Ready-to-Drink at CCEP GB, said, “Bacardí & Coca-Cola builds on the natural synergy between two globally iconic brands – Cola-Cola is the world’s most popular Cola, while Bacardí holds a quarter share of the growing global rum market.
“With over a century of heritage, this serve is already one of the world’s most recognisable bar calls. Bringing it into the ready-to-drink space meets strong consumer demand for trusted, convenient choices without compromising on quality.
“The drink’s light, smooth profile and iconic flavour make it the perfect start to any evening or get-together. Convenience and simplicity are key – and with this new format, it’s never been easier to enjoy a perfectly mixed version of this legendary serve.
“It also marks the next step in our strategy to premiumise the category by bringing world-class brands together, building on the success of Coca-Cola with Jack Daniel’s and Sprite with Absolut Vodka.”
