Beloved Cocktail Gets an Upgrade as Absolut and Ocean Spray Unveil RTD Vodka Cranberry Range

Candie GetgenJan 17th, 2024, 8:44 pm

Absolut introduces a new era of the Vodka Cran with the Absolut Vodka and Ocean Spray Cranberry Ready-To-Drink range. (Photo: Absolut)

Absolut and Ocean Spray have joined forces to introduce a ready-to-drink (RTD) version of the globally beloved two-part cocktail — the vodka cranberry. This collaboration signifies Ocean Spray’s inaugural foray into the spirits category, according to a press release sent out Tuesday.

“We’re excited to work with Absolut to bring this iconic cocktail to consumers,” said Monisha Dabek, Chief Commercial Officer and General Manager at Ocean Spray USA, per the report. “Ocean Spray has had a long history with the cocktail and is often credited with introducing the drink in the 1940s as a marketing tactic to showcase the variety of cranberry juice pairings.”

“We love how far it has come in its nearly 80-year history and are excited to see renewed consumer excitement with the new ready-to-drink.”

Inspired by the classic blend of vodka and cranberry juice, the Vodka Cran RTD range integrates Absolut’s vodka with cranberry juice from Ocean Spray, sparkling water and natural flavors. The range boasts four expressions: Vodka Cranberry, Vodka Cran-Grape, Vodka Cran-Pineapple and Vodka Cran-Raspberry. Each flavor is available in an 8-count variety pack, a single-flavor 4-pack or single cans.

“Absolut Vodka and Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice have long been enjoyed together at bars and in homes across the country,” said Natalie Accari, Vice President, RTD & Convenience North America, Pernod Ricard USA. “We’re pleased to bring this beloved classic cocktail from two powerhouse brands to our consumers in a convenient new format.”

Absolut debuts a Galentine’s Day kit featuring its new Vodka Cran drink. (Photo: Absolut)

To commemorate the Vodka Cran RTD launch, Absolut has also unveiled a limited-edition Galentine’s Day kit designed for hosting with friends. As showcased by pop culture personalities and hosts of the “Scrubbing In” podcast, Becca Tilley and Tanya Rad, the kit comes complete with everything needed for a girl’s night, including Absolut Vodka Cran, can accessories and a gift card intended for indulging in takeout or snacks.

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Candie Getgen

Candie Getgen is an editor and the database manager for The Daily Pour. Before immersing herself in the world of spirits journalism, Candie has been many things: a bartender, a literary journal editor, an English teacher — and even a poet. Candie has a passion for gin and shares it with the world in hopes of helping others fall in love with it, too (if they haven't already!). When not writing, Candie enjoys sipping a Negroni while drawing or relaxing by the pool with a campy mystery novel.