This year’s State of the Industry report on the U.S. beer market highlights the road to recovery the beverage alcohol category is navigating as consumers turn to novel innovations.

COOP Ale Works, Oklahoma City, Okla., announced its SONIC Hard Southern Sweet Tea and SONIC Hard Slush is set to launch in retail stores this September. Following the success of the fan favorite SONIC Hard Seltzer lineup, SONIC Hard Southern Sweet Tea and SONIC Hard Slush will be available for consumers at select retail stores in at least 38 states, it says.

There are not too many announcements that garner the same attention as when Information Resources Inc. (IRI) announces its list of New Product Pacesetters. In its 27th year, the 2021 list of these top new food, beverage and nonfood product launches have served as a benchmark of where consumers are spending their dollars.

Spindrift Spiked, a brand of Spindrift Beverage Co., Newton, Mass., added four new varieties to its real fruit lineup including long-time Spindrift favorites and one entirely new flavor. In addition to sparkling fan favorites Grapefruit, Lemon and Blood Orange Tangerine, Spindrift is debuting a new, Spiked-exclusive flavor: Passion Orange Guava.

Braxton Brewing Co. announced the newest addition to its beyond beer product line: Birdie.

Chicago-based Molson Coors Beverage Co. announced its Simply Spiked Lemonade, the new lineup of full-flavor alcohol beverages inspired by the Simply juice brand, will arrive on shelves this June. Simply Spiked Lemonade marks the latest product line in the agreement between Molson Coors and Atlanta-based The Coca Cola Co., and will bring real fruit juice credentials to the ready-to-drink (RTD) alcohol beverage space, it says.

Monaco Cocktails, a line of premium ready-to-drink, spirit-based canned cocktails from Atomic Brands, announced the launch of its latest addition: Watermelon Crush. 

Truly Hard Seltzer, a brand of The Boston Beer Co., Boston, announced the launch of its new, limited-edition Truly Poolside Variety Pack inspired by Grammy award-winning pop star Dua Lipa. The limited-edition pack from Truly features four new summer cocktail-inspired flavors including Strawberry Melon Fizz, Orange Peach Fizz, Piña Colada Style and Kiwi Mojito Style.

Lone River Beverage Co. announced the launch of its new Margarita style beverage, Lone River Ranch Rita. Ranch Rita, made with agave nectar and a taste of lime, is a premium take on the canned Margarita style beverage, with quality ingredients, full flavor and a 6% ABV. 

Bud Light Seltzer is raising a can to warmer weather this season as it introduces the newest limited-edition variety pack to its portfolio of “Loudest Flavors Ever,” the Bud Light Seltzer Cocktail Hour variety pack.