Coca-Cola has partnered with Pernod Ricard to debut Absolut Vodka & Sprite as a ready-to-drink pre-mixed cocktail.
The new RTD cocktail will be available in versions with Sprite and Sprite Zero Sugar, with the initial launch planned for select European countries early next year, including the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany.
Absolut Vodka & Sprite’s ready-to-drink packaging will feature both companies’ trademarks.
James Quincey, chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, said the company is expanding in the RTD alcohol space, including products that use select brands from its core range.
“We keep consumers at the centre of everything we do as we continue to develop our portfolio as a total beverage company,” said Quincey.
“We are excited about our new relationship with Pernod Ricard and look forward to the introduction of Absolut & Sprite.”
With vodka as one of the more popular bases for cocktails and lemon-lime soft drinks for mixers, Pernod Ricard CEO Alexandre Ricard said joining forces with Sprite is a “wonderful pairing”.
“This very promising and pioneering project brings together two leading companies committed to offering their consumers new experiences around premium products,” he added.
Cans will include clear responsibility symbols stating that only consumers of legal drinking age can consume the beverage.
The global benchmark for alcohol beverage volume (ABV) is 5 per cent, but the drink’s ABV will vary depending on the market.
Founded in 1879, Absolut is crafted using Swedish winter wheat and has become a world-renowned premium vodka brand.
Sprite was established in 1959 in Germany and has grown to become one of the biggest brands in Coca-Cola’s global portfolio.
Early this year, Coca-Cola partnered with Jack Daniel’s for a Jack and Coke RTD.
