“The dark art of mixology”: Coca-Cola launches mixers formulated for dark spirits

03 May 2019 --- Coca-Cola has launched a new line of flavored cola mixers, Coca-Cola Signature Mixers, developed with the help of leading mixologists and designed to be mixed with dark spirits. The mixers are the classic Coca-Cola soft drink infused with hints of flavor, such as smoky, spicy, herbal and woody. The beverages hit the Western European market on May 1 and will be rolled out in the UK in June.

“Coca-Cola has always had a synergy with dark spirits and classic cocktails, from the inception of the iconic Cuba Libre in the late 1900s to the popular Whiskey & Coke in the early 20th century,” says Ana Amura, Senior Brand Manager at Coca-Cola Great Britain. 

“With the rise of mixed drinks, we’re pleased to announce the launch of Coca-Cola Signature Mixers, a specific range uniquely created to mix with dark spirits.” 

The mixers are available in four flavors, so far, including:

• Coca-Cola Signature Mixers Smoky Notes, by Max Venning, Bar Three and Three Sheets, London, UK.
• Coca-Cola Signature Mixers Spicy Notes, by Adriana Chía and Pippa Guy, The American Bar at the Savoy, London, UK.
• Coca-Cola Signature Mixers Herbal Notes, by Antonio Naranjo, Dr. Stravinsky, Barcelone, Spain.
• Coca-Cola Signature Mixers Woody Notes by Alex Lawrence, Dandelyan, The Mondrian, London, UK.

Competing in flavor
Coca-Cola’s flavor has long been a flavorful addition to some of the world’s most popular mixers. The company, therefore, decided to release the new range of mixers specifically formulated to be combined with dark spirits that bring out its unique taste. 

The project began in March 2018, when Coca-Cola invited several notable mixologists to attend a Coca-Cola workshop held at a secret location and experiment with over 200 contemporary and traditional ingredients to create the new mixers. The mixologists created different drink variations and then invited consumers to taste their recipes. The most popular four flavors were chosen as the first batch of Coca-Cola Signature Mixers.

“Working with an inspirational group of global mixologists to create amazing flavor combinations, we hope Coca-Cola Signature Mixers open up the world of mixology to an even wider audience,” notes Amura.

Consumers increasingly seek out titillating flavors that will surprise and excite their palates. Innova Market Insights has just released its annual flavor trends report, which highlights consumers’ sense of culinary adventure and curiosity for novel combinations. The report also highlights that brands are leaning towards remarkable flavor hybrids and those with emphasis on taste experiences. Consumers are looking to food and beverages that offer an interesting experience, in line with the idea of discovery – one of the top trends for 2019.

Bottling it up
As a nod to the silhouette of the first ever Coca-Cola bottle, the new launches come in a sleek Hutchinson-style bottle. It is a unique type of antique bottle that had a wire stopper inside the neck and blob. The silhouette pre-dates the iconic Contour which was introduced in 1916. The Hutchinson bottle was first used by Coca-Cola in 1894 when the product was bottled rather than served at a soda fountain. Each batch is stamped with the signature of the mixer’s co-creator. 

“The dark art of mixology”
Each of the mixers has specific flavor notes that complement the dark spirit it is aimed to be mixed with. 

Coca-Cola Signature Mixers Smoky Notes
It is an intensely aromatic blend with smoky hints and this mix brings nuanced dimension to deep, spiced rums and bold, premium whiskeys. Ylang, ambrette seed and dried fruit, which inhabit the top layer, are balanced with an elegant base of warm brown spices; Peru Balsam and amber.

Coca-Cola Signature Mixers Spicy Notes
With a warm introduction that gives way to a fiery finish, this Signature Mixer is a sophisticated and complex blend. Citrusy lime, ginger, spicy jalapeño, fragrant rosemary and aromatic jasmine combine to create a mixer with a considered balance of zest and earthy flavors. It pairs beautifully with spiced rums, aged/gold tequilas and spicy or sweet whiskeys.

Coca-Cola Signature Mixers Herbal Notes
A floral, crisp and tart mix, this Signature Mixer was developed to deliver fresh and herbaceous notes for the discerning palate. Balancing refreshing notes of lemongrass with the earthy tones of dill seed and tagetes. It is an inviting mixer with a refreshing, simple profile that pairs beautifully with amber whiskeys and most types of rum.

Coca-Cola Signature Mixers Woody Notes
Crafted from a subtle blend of earthy patchouli, citrusy yuzu and aromatic basil, this Signature Mixers has a tart, light and refreshing profile, with a hint of warmth. These elements, expertly blended, combine to elegantly enhance the mellow wood and sweet tropical flavors of golden rums and smoky to woody whiskeys.

More flavorful Coca-Cola launches
In February, Coca-Cola launched two new trademark flavors, Orange Vanilla Coke and Orange Vanilla Coke Zero Sugar. The new flavors were released in the US on 25 February and are the first trademark flavor innovations the company has released in over ten years. The launch followed the introduction of new Diet Coke Blueberry Acai and Strawberry Guava. The new flavors are available in 12-oz. cans and 20-oz. PET bottles.

Recently, Coca-Cola also unveiled its first-ever energy drink. Coca-Cola Energy debuted last month in Spain and Hungary before a potential roll-out to other markets. The new product contains caffeine from naturally-derived sources, guarana extracts, B vitamins and no taurine. A no-sugar, no-calorie option will also available, with both versions offered in 250ml cans. Launching the energy drink under the Coke brand is part of the company’s pledge to branch out from its traditional and core fizzy drinks category. It is about offering beverages that fit a wide variety of lifestyle and functionality demands, alongside becoming a “total beverage company.”