The Coca-Cola Company and Pernod Ricard has on Monday announced a global relationship to debut Absolut Vodka & Sprite as a ready-to-drink pre-mixed cocktail in 2024.
The pre-mixed cocktail will be available in versions with Sprite and Sprite Zero Sugar, with the initial launch planned for select European countries in early 2024, including the UK, the Netherlands, Spain and Germany.
“We keep consumers at the center of everything we do as we continue to develop our portfolio as a total beverage company,” said James Quincey, chairman and chief executive of The Coca-Cola Company.
“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.”
Alexandre Ricard, Pernod Ricard chief executive, added: “This very promising and pioneering project brings together two leading companies who are committed to offering their consumers new experiences around premium products.”
Vodka is one of the most popular bases for alcohol ready-to-drink products, and lemon-lime soft drinks are one of the most popular mixers in pre-mixed cocktails.
“Sprite is a wonderful pairing for Absolut, and I’m convinced that our joining forces will bring the whole alcohol RTD category to the next level,” Ricard said.
Cans will include clear responsibility symbols stating that the drink is to be enjoyed only by consumers of legal drinking age. The global benchmark for ABV is 5% but will vary depending on the market.
Earlier this year, Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola have launched of Jack Daniel’s and Coca-Cola RTD in Britain.
