As the stress from social distancing, homeschooling, and attempts of normalcy take their toll, adults are looking for ways to take the edge off and relax at the end of the day. The pandemic is changing the way we shop, socialize, entertain, and even the types of food and beverages that we consume. At the beginning of lockdown in 2020, alcohol sales skyrocketed and seeing these first few months of 2021, there’s no sign of slowing down for the industry. Consumers have turned into DIY bartenders, creating their own cocktails at home (which isn't always easy). While there may be challenges in creating indulgent beverages on our own, there are several clean mixers on the market that will have you wanting to make cocktails every night - without the guilt.
Splash Premium Mixers:
Named one of the Trending Products in Food and Beverage Magazine in 2020, Splash Premium Cocktail Mixers are a line of low-calorie, gluten-free flavors that simplify the work of creating homemade cocktails. Made with all-natural ingredients and less than five grams of sugar per serving, you can enjoy these products and still watch your waistline. The healthy mixers come in five different flavors: Mojito, Cosmopolitan, Margarita, Bloody Mary, and Moscow Mule.
https://www.splashmixers.com/
Agua Bonita:
Turning unwanted fruit into a healthy product for not just consumers but the planet too, Agua Bonita was born. While not technically a mixer, you would never guess with the fresh ingredients and taste of 100% real fruit. They have two flavors currently: ‘Sweet & Spicy,' which contains watermelon, lemon, and chili. ’Tart and Minty’ contains cucumber, coconut, lime, and mint. Sweet and spicy is said to be a “little sweet, a dash of tart, and the perfect hint of spice.” Tart and Minty, though, is said to be like a spa day in a can. Each of these recipes also contains several ingredients that benefit from aiding in digestion, anti-inflammatory, and electrolytes.
https://www.drinkaguabonita.com/
Swoon:
Swoon doesn’t play around when it comes to their 100% natural, no sugar, zero-calorie mixers. Keto, Vegan, and Paleo lifestyles fit right in, thanks to the natural sweetness of monk fruit and other plant-based ingredients; even diabetics can enjoy their cocktails in a whole new way. The company has three original lines: mixers, simple syrups, and the ever-so-popular lemonade. The lemonades come in classic, pink lemonade, and half tea/half lemonade. As for the mixers, they have ginger lime, margarita, and cucumber mint. This company lets nothing impede cocktail time.
https://www.tasteswoon.com/
Square One Organic Spirits:
Using the highest content of real organic fruit juice with low sugar, vegan, gluten-free, and no artificial ingredients, Square One Organic Spirits has been a popular choice for the last 16 years. Founder and CEO Allison Evanow is one of the first females in the industry to found, fund, and manage her spirit brand. In late 2019, the company launched a line of mixers: Spicy Ginger, Bloody Mary Mix, Pink Daisy Cocktail, Luscious Lime and Lively Lemon. Evanow states "As the market for craft cocktails and convenience grows, along with consumer desire for higher quality and more complex cocktail options, a line of cocktail mixers handcrafted with Square One's respect for the ingredients was a natural extension for us.” Square one continues to evolve with consumer demand, having launched a line of RTD cocktails in mid-2020.
https://squareoneorganicspirits.com/
Crafted Cocktails:
Creating low-calorie products using only natural ingredients including 100% agave nectar and no preservatives, Crafted Cocktails is a quality brand that provides a delicious experience, while staying health conscious. The company, which has been around since 2013, has crafted all of our mixing needs into one brand, including mixers, shrubs, vinegar, and even recreating their brand of club soda, free from preservatives. Crafted Cocktails has a long line of mixers, including the basic Margarita, Bloody Mary, and Mule. If we’re going to play bartender at home for the next several months, try switching it up to one of their more unique flavors: Jalapeño Pineapple, Mai Tai, Spicy Watermelon. Get the full list of mixers here.
We all miss the luxury of going out and having our fancy cocktails or mixed drinks made by a professional. Creating a cocktail beverage is a unique experience at home. Buying that long list of artificial ingredients that are packed with sugar and preservatives, only to make a big mess, and let’s be honest: it never tastes the same when we make them ourselves. Let’s all save ourselves time, calories, and frustration by investing in a clean mixer for your cocktails that will taste amazing on the first try.
Author: Jennifer Dutton, Blog Writer, DrinkLyte Co. "Helping Grow CPG Brands Beyond Their Potential"