Ready-to-Drink (RTD) cocktails are all the rage in the distilled spirits world these days. And rightly so, it’s a great idea, it’s an easy, tasty, on-the-go summer beverage. No mess, no fuss, just grab it, pop it in the cooler, drop in some ice and your good to go. And it’s a hot category. In fact, according to DISCUS the RTD category is so hot sales are up 56% in the last year.
What’s Old is New Again – Jack Daniels Has Been in the RTD Business for 30 Years
It’s hard to believe but Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee has been in the RTD cocktail business since May 1992. Yes, for 30 years now Jack Daniel’s has been available in a ready to drink format and we have this nearly three decade old advertisement to prove it.
As you can see here from this July 1, 1993, Andover Townsman newspaper ad ‘Jack Daniels Country Cocktails’ have been around a long, long time.
2 World Famous Brands Join Forces for 1 of the Most Popular Cocktails
It is hard to believe it took 30 years of RTDs for these two major brands to come together but the day has finally arrived as Brown-Forman’s Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and Coca-Cola have finally made it official with what you can no doubt call the biggest brand marriage in the Ready-to-Drink (RTD) cocktail space to date.
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“This relationship brings together two classic American icons to deliver consumers a taste experience they love in a way that is consistent, convenient, and portable,” said Lawson Whiting, CEO and President of Brown-Forman Corporation, the largest American-owned spirit and wine company.
“Brown-Forman has been a leader in the ready-to-drink category since we launched our first Jack Daniel’s RTD more than 30 years ago. Coca-Cola perfectly complements Jack Daniel’s and our existing RTD offerings, enabling us to accelerate expansion and continue to grow our business around the world.”
“We keep consumers at the center of everything we do as we continue to develop our portfolio as a total beverage company, and that includes new products with our iconic Coca-Cola brand,” said James Quincey, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company.
“We are excited about our new relationship with Brown-Forman and look forward to the introduction of Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola.“
The can and packaging, which will feature two of the world’s most recognizable and valuable trademarks, will include clear responsibility symbols stating that it is to be enjoyed only by consumers of legal drinking age. Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola RTDs will adhere to responsible marketing practices held by Brown-Forman and The Coca-Cola Company.
Jack Daniel’s says the global benchmark for alcohol beverage volume (ABV) is 5% but will vary depending on the market. A zero-sugar version of the beverage will also be available. The beverage will be available in markets around the world, with initial launch planned for Mexico in late 2022. No specific word on when this will hit the U.S. market.
Jack Daniel’s Introduced Jack Daniel’s Whiskey & Cola in 2020
Jack Daniel’s first announced its RTD Whiskey & Cola in June 2020. At the time, Jack introduced a trio of RTDs with Jack, Honey & Lemonade, Jack & Cola and Jack & Seltzer. You can see from this image the original product was 7.0% alcohol. We’ll have to wait and see what the final ABV is when it hits local markets.
Two Ways to Make Your Own Classic ‘Jack & Coke’?
Let’s face it, it’s really not that hard to make this two-ingredient cocktail but putting it into a can is a great idea. Here are some recipes and tips on how to make this simple All-American cocktail.
Ingredients
2 oz Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7®
Coke®
Ice
Instructions
3/4 fill a highball glass with cubed ice
Pour Old No. 7 over ice
Top with Coke®
Ja Nee Teaches Us the Proper Way (or Not) How to Make a Jack & Coke
If you are familiar with Ja Nee she really knows how to make a cocktail (or not). Here is the simplest of ways to make a Jack and Coke. Enjoy!
Remember, always drink responsibly. Cheers!
Learn more about Jack Daniel Distillery.
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