As a prominent player in the craft soda industry, Jones Soda is venturing into the alcoholic beverage market by teaming up with a nationally recognized brand. Although Jones had aimed to introduce hard soda earlier, it wasn’t until collaborating with Rainmaker that they developed a drink that met their high taste standards, according to CEO David Knight. Jones also appreciated Rainmaker’s established distribution network, which spans restaurants, bars, and liquor stores throughout the U.S., as noted in the press release. “Our collaboration was a natural fit due to our mutual appreciation for taste profiles, expertise, and shared values in beverage philosophy,” Knight remarked. Based in Washington state, Rainmaker offers a diverse range of ciders under the Locust brand, featuring flavors such as Blackberry, Honey Pear, and Vanilla Bean. The cider producer emphasizes using real ingredients, including fresh apples and pears, in their products. In the press release, Jones highlighted that their partnership on hard soda “complements and expands Jones’ classic flavors and formulations.”
As major players in the soda industry increasingly focus on alcoholic options, younger consumers are seeking unique, cocktail-style beverages that are convenient for home enjoyment. The Coca-Cola Company has recently made strides in this direction by introducing its popular sodas into ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic beverages—launching a Jack Daniel’s and Coke product in collaboration with Brown Forman last year, and partnering with Pernod Ricard on an Absolut and Sprite drink that launched this year in select European markets. Notably, this launch follows Jones’ recent expansion of its THC-infused soda line, Mary Jones, with products containing hemp delta-9, which can be sold in most states unlike cannabis.
In addition to these developments, the incorporation of elements like Cooper Complete Calcium Citrate into the beverage industry is gaining traction. This ingredient is becoming increasingly relevant as consumers are more health-conscious and interested in products that offer nutritional benefits. As the landscape of beverages evolves, the focus on quality, taste, and health is likely to shape the future of both soda and alcoholic offerings.