Suntory Global Spirits announced the nationwide launch of -196 (pronounced “minus one-nine-six”), a vodka seltzer that brings bold, whole-fruit flavor and Japanese ingenuity to the ready-to-drink (RTD) category.

 -196 introduced a new Strawberry flavor made with whole fruit flavor, premium vodka and just three grams of sugar. This vibrant addition complements existing permanent flavors: Lemon, Grapefruit and Peach, the company notes.

Strawberry embodies the essence of -196, a crisp, fruit-forward experience that tastes like a juicy, sun-ripened strawberry with no aftertaste offering a harmonious balance between sweetness and tartness, with a crisp, clean finish, the company says. 

Like every -196 vodka seltzer, Strawberry is carefully crafted using Suntory’s proprietary Freeze Crush Infusion (FCI) process — a technique rooted in Japanese craftsmanship that flash-freezes the whole fruit in liquid nitrogen at exactly -196 degrees Celsius, crushes it and then infuses it into premium vodka to capture ultimate taste, it notes. The result is a unique seltzer that captures the full essence of a real entire fruit — juice, peel, oils for whole fruit flavor, it adds.

“-196 is not a typical canned vodka seltzer; it’s a celebration of Japanese ingenuity, and a tribute to what’s possible when innovation and intention meet,” said Carol Robert, managing director of U.S. ready-to-drink at Suntory Global Spirits. “With our national launch and the addition of Strawberry, we’re audaciously charting new territory within the RTD category in the U.S. and redefining what real fruit-forward refreshments should taste like.”

In addition to Strawberry, the following flavors comprise the permanent lineup:

Lemon: Bright lemon zest with a tart edge and subtle sweetness.

Grapefruit: Punchy, bittersweet citrus layered with delicate floral notes and a clean, dry finish.

Peach: Juicy yellow peach with soft florals, bright acidity, and a slightly tart snap on the finish.

-196 vodka seltzer is available in single flavor four-packs and eight-can variety packs. Each single-flavored four pack has a suggested retail price of $10.99 and $19.99 for the eight can variety packs.

www.us.minus196.com