With summer in full swing, consumers are turning to liquid refreshment beverages to beat the heat. This season remains a popular time for beverage companies to release limited-edition options that offer a seasonal flair.

The readers of Beverage Industry also have noticed the value of these new releases. In the Readers’ Choice New Product of the Month poll for May, Dry Soda Co.’s Dry Sparkling Serrano Pepper and Malali Watermelon were the clear winners with 86 percent of the vote. Both flavors were created to be refreshing options during the summer months and will be available through August, the company says. Serrano Pepper DRY Sparkling captures the bright, spicy flavor of the peppers, while Malali Watermelon is sweet, yet refreshing, like the summer fruit, it adds. 

Readers also found favor with Sparkling Ice’s Essence of Water line, which obtained 4 percent of the vote. The new line is free of sweeteners, contains zero calories, no artificial colors or preservatives, and is available in a non-flavored variety as well as three lightly-flavored versions: Essence of Peach, Essence of Lime and Essence of Tangerine.

Rounding out the Top 3 was Agness Wine Cellars, which announced the release of its first vintage: 2015 Finger Lakes Semi-Dry Riesling.

The editors at Beverage Industry continue to receive releases about the latest and greatest beverages in the U.S. market. Be sure to check out our New Products section to see the newest arrivals. And don’t forget to vote in the June poll, which will take place July 5-15.