Chicago-based MillerCoors LLC on Monday announced the introduction of Easy Tea Co., a lightly-carbonated hard iced tea with a citrus flavor that will be debuted in select markets this month.
The company said the product would be a “distinct departure from sweet tea flavors” and would be a “refined, brisk and less sweet iced tea.”
“We’re excited to bring people a hard iced tea with just the right amount of sweetness,” said Melissa Wagamon, Easy Tea marketing manager. “The name says it all. The simple, yet crisp and citrusy taste of Easy Tea makes it the perfect drink for kicking back and relaxing with a few close friends.”
It will be sold in 24 oz. cans at select liquor and convenience stores and will have 5 percent alcohol by volume. The company began making it available in Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin on Aug. 1.
The introduction of Easy Tea is the continuation of a trend to offer flavored alcoholic products other than beer. The company has introduced other products like Henry’s Hard Soda and Redd’s Apple Ale.
The Henry’s line was the number one hard soda franchise during the most recent quarter, while the Redd’s line saw sales fall in the mid-single digits, company executives said on the most recent earnings call.
