Mar 17, 2025

17-Mar-2025 Captain Morgan Sweet Chili Lime (Diageo) From modern soda to the latest flavor innovations, we take a look at some of the new launches around the globe Our weekly round-up of NPD is here to help inspire and enthuse, with launches covering the alcoholic and non-alcoholic categories. This week, Baileys makes big moves into non-dairy; Hendrick’s gets creative with citrus; and Ghost Labs sets out to redefine RTDs... Baileys non-dairy oat milk liqueur Baileys non-dairy oat milk liqueurs (Diageo) Baileys is expanding its portfolio with the permanent addition of Baileys Non-Dairy Liqueur made with Oat Milk. Available in two flavors – coffee toffee, and cookies & cream – the blends combine smooth Irish whiskey and velvety oat milk. “This innovation marks an exciting new chapter for us,” said Milly Shome, Director of Baileys & Liqueurs, Diageo North America. “Whether you go dairy-free or just enjoy how it tastes, oat milk elevates those treating moments we all love. We saw it as the perfect match for the lively, social spirit of Baileys, creating a whole new way to enjoy your coffee.” Baileys Non-Dairy Liqueur Made with Oat Milk has a suggested retail price of $24.99 for a 750ml bottle. Both flavors are also offered in 100ml 3-packs for $11.99 or 50ml bottles for $2.99. Ghost Labs Rum, tequila, vodka, whisky RTDs (Ghost Labs) Ghost Labs is launching in the UK with a line of five design-led, remixed canned cocktails that are crystal clear, colorless and low calorie. Ghost Labs is the brainchild of a collective of creative minds from across architecture, art, design, fashion and music: ‘united by a shared mission to tear up the rulebook and carve out a bold new space in the RTD category’. There are five flavors: tequila (grapefruit, maple and green chili), Gin (grapefruit, lychee and cucumber), whisky (honey, pear and gingerbread), rum (coconut, passionfruit and vanilla), and vodka (espresso, cascara cherry and guarana). The drinks have been developed by ex-Diageo drinks scientist Anthony Wilson alongside an award-winning chef, combining beverage science with culinary expertise to ‘defy the usual RTD category expectations’. The creative board behind the brand includes founder Steve Smith (entrepreneur and designer, Ghost House) and Si Philby (Background co-founder and MD), alongside fellow industry leaders Ed Williams (Founder and CEO, Candy Kittens), Dan Flower (Former Global Managing Director, The Face Magazine), and Stu Holt (Founder and CEO, Javelin Block). Ed Williams (CEO and co-founder of Candy Kittens) said: “Ghost Labs is shaking up the drinks world in the same way Candy Kittens disrupted confectionery—bold design, rule-breaking creativity, and a fresh perspective that challenges the norm. It’s a brand that doesn’t just fit in; it deliberately stands out.” Each 300ml can is vegan, gluten-free, 5% ABV and 110 calories, designed to be drunk ice-cold, straight from the can. The drinks have made their debut online via Ghost Labs, from ZAPP and Selfridges. Spindrift Soda Spindrift has launched Spindrift Soda : a ‘simple, modern, better-for-you soda’. The new drink comes in five flavors: Concord Freeze, Ginger Ale, Orange Cream Float, Shirley Temple, and Strawberry Shortcake. Each contains 20% not-from-concentrate juice, with each drink containing less than than 8g of naturally occurring sugar from fruit (compared to around 35g of added sugar in traditional soda). “We knew that Spindrift making a soda would mean challenging the very foundation of the category,” said Jon Silverman, SVP of Innovation. “While other sodas rely on added sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavoring systems, or claims around gut health, we chose the simpler, more authentic path. Our soda gets its delicious taste the way nature intended: from real squeezed fruit. No tricks, no shortcuts, just all the goodness.” Spindrift Soda is available online from the company and from Amazon, launching in select retailers later this year. Hendrick’s Gin: Limited-edition Oasium Oasium (Hendrick's Gin) Inspired by a ‘lush paradise of cooling herbs and bright fruits’, Hendrick’s launches its latest gin in the Cabinet of Curiosities line. The latest innovation from Master Distiller Lesley Gracie, the limited edition contains a ‘blend of green botanicals, delicate herbs and a kiss of citrus that captures a sensory oasis in every sip’. “Hendrick’s Oasium transports you to a refreshing sanctuary and each sip reveals layers of botanical intrigue,” said Vance Henderson, Hendrick’s Gin National Ambassador. “Its versatility shines brilliantly in cocktails – whether elevating a classic Gin & Tonic with our signature cucumber garnish or delivering a tangy thrill in the Oasium Fizz. Fresh grapefruit juice complements the gin’s vibrant notes, resulting in a divine twist reminiscent of a Paloma, perfect for all manners of gathering together under sun or stars.” Oasium resides in a Hendrick’s signature apothecary-style bottle but distinguished by a bright orange label. It is bottled at 43.4% ABV with a $39.99 MSRP. Captain Morgan Sweet Chili Lime Captain Morgan Sweet Chili Lime (Diageo) New Captain Morgan Sweet Chili Lime delivers ‘one-of-a-kind taste, merging sweetness, zesty citrus flavors and notes of subtle chili heat’. The new innovation is best served as a chilled shot or mixed into a cocktail with a kick. “With flavor trends heating up, we wanted to create something that defies the rules of traditional rum,” said Anne Nosko, VP, Captain Morgan. “Captain Morgan Sweet Chili Lime gives fans exactly what they’re craving – the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and a bold flavor experience with every sip.” Captain Morgan Sweet Chili Lime is now available across the US in 50ml, 375ml, 750 mL, 1L and 1.75L bottles with 35% ABV. Real Fruit Soda Real Fruit Soda (Evolution) Evolution Fresh – a producer of organic, cold-pressed, premium juice products – has announced the launch of two new Real Fruit Soda flavors: Black Cherry Cola and Pineapple Dragon Fruit. Revealed at Natural Products Expo West, the new drinks will hit retail locations in the coming months. Evolution Fresh’s Pineapple Dragon Fruit and Black Cherry Cola Real Fruit Sodas are made with USDA Organic Certified, real squeezed fruit juice, never from concentrate. The better-for-you sodas provide the same level of sweetness and bold taste as traditional soda, while bursting with benefits in every bubble sip. Each product contains no added sugar and 5g of prebiotic fiber to support gut health. With only 5 grams of sugar and no more than 45 calories per can, each flavor is also Non-GMO Project Verified, USDA Organic Certified, Gluten-Free, vegan, and kosher.