Surfside, a brand riding the economic success of the ready-to-drink cocktails trend, is making waves with its new national expansion and the launch of five new summer-friendly flavors. The independent producer, known for its iced tea and lemonade-vodka RTDs, is introducing Raspberry Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, Black Cherry Lemonade, Raspberry Iced Tea, and Green Tea offerings that are all canned at 4.5% ABV and priced at around $11 per 4-pack. The company began as part of Stateside Vodka, a Philadelphia-based distillery and cocktail lounge, before branching out into the RTD market with fruit-flavored options in response to consumer demand.
CEO Clement Pappas explains that Surfside was created to offer a great-tasting, low-calorie, non-carbonated alternative to beer within the RTD category. The team spent over a year developing the taste formula, resulting in a product with 100 calories, 2 grams of sugar, and zero bubbles per 12-ounce can. The launch of Surfside in early 2022 saw a rapid rise in popularity, filling a gap in the spirit-based hard tea and lemonade segment at a time of growing consumer interest in such options. The brand’s growth has been impressive, with a 563% increase in sales from 200,000 cases in 2022 to 1.3 million cases in 2023, making it a category leader.
While malt-based RTDs still dominate the market in terms of volume, the spirit-based RTD category is gaining momentum, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. Spirit-based RTDs now hold a 16% share of the overall category, up from 8% in 2021. This shift reflects a growing consumer preference for the refined elegance of cocktails made with spirits, showcasing a changing trend in the industry. The success of Surfside and other brands in the space demonstrates the increasing demand for quality, spirit-based pre-mixed cocktails that offer convenience and taste.
Surfside’s national expansion and the launch of new flavors cater to consumers seeking refreshing and flavorful options for the summer season. The brand’s commitment to providing a variety of fruit-forward choices at an accessible price point aligns with the growing interest in RTDs that offer convenience without compromising on taste. With the increasing popularity of spirit-based cocktails and the brand’s impressive sales growth, Surfside continues to solidify its position as a leader in the ready-to-drink cocktail market, attracting consumers looking for high-quality, convenient beverage options.
As the trends in the RTD category evolve, Surfside remains at the forefront of the industry, capitalizing on the growing demand for spirit-based cocktails and innovative flavor options. The brand’s success story reflects the changing preferences of today’s consumers, who are increasingly drawn to convenient, ready-to-drink offerings that deliver on taste and quality. With a focus on continuous innovation and expansion, Surfside is poised to continue its upward trajectory in the competitive RTD market, offering consumers a refreshing and appealing alternative to traditional beer and carbonated beverages.
